Joseph Ruffolo: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: South BarringtonWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Barrington Area Unit D220Age: 45Family: Married, three childrenOccupation: EducatorEducation: B.A. in Physics from Illinois WesleyanM.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia UniversityPh.D. in Administration and Supervision from Loyola ChicagoCivic involvement: EMC Committee Chair (4 years)Park District volunteer coach (10 years)Foreign Exchange Student Sponsor (20 years)Elected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Educational program qualityKey Issue 2 Financial stability of the districtKey Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers How satisfied are you that your district is preparing students for the next stage in their lives, whether it be from elementary into high school or high school into college or full-time employment? What changes, if any, do you think need to be made?I believe the district is doing a good job overall and enjoys an excellent reputation. I would like to see a bigger emphasis on the integration of technology in the classroom. Technology skills are essential for students of all ages. In addition, technology can provide educators with excellent tools to enhance educational experiences at all levels.What budget issues will the district have to confront? What measures do you support to address them? If cuts are needed, be specific about programs and expenses that should be reduced or eliminated. Do you support any tax increases for local schools?Funding is a primary concern. State support is currently in doubt and with the reduction in property values and significant numbers of homeowners looking to have their property taxes decreased, the money coming into the district can be effected. I feel the responsibility of the board is to maximize the funding that exists in the district before considering a tax increase especially in today's economy. If expenses need to be reduced, I believe that staffing would be the first place to cut followed by special programs and finally if absolutely necessary electives.Is experience as a teacher or support from a union valuable because it suggests educational insights or detrimental because it creates pro-teacher bias? Please clarify whether you have such experience or would accept union support.I believe my years as an educator provides me with the experience and knowledge necessary to make sound, informed decisions regarding the district's future. As with any profession, I believe the ideal evaluators of programs, best practices and expenditures come from within the given profession.As contract talks come up with various employee groups, what posture should the board take? Do you believe the district should ask for concessions, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?I feel that contract negotiations should be conducted openly. Employee groups should be made aware of the financial condition of the district and the projected changes in those finances over time. I think the focus should be to create a contract that entices quality candidates to seek employment in District 220 without exceeding the financial means available.If your district had a superintendent or other administrator nearing retirement, would you support a substantial increase in his or her pay to help boost pension benefits? Why or why not?When making a decision regarding high-level district leaders, I feel the district should do its best to remain competitive, but I cannot support raises that the district cannot afford.