Pedro Rivas: 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: Sugar GroveWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kaneland Community Unit D302Age: 46Family: Married, 2 children in Middle SchoolOccupation: Financial Quality Assurance AnalystEducation: Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, DeVry University 1986Civic involvement: Boys Scouts of America, National Youth Coaches AssociationCoach basketball and baseball through the Sugar Grove Park DistrictElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: N/ACandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The quality of education at KanelandKey Issue 2 Balanced Budget with controlled spendingKey Issue 3 Accountability / ResponsibilityQuestions 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 think science and writing need to be stepped up at all levels. The current block system at the high school has proven to present gaps that impact ACT scores. Students remaining in such a system for even one more year will be impacted while attending Kaneland high school. As changes are applied, they should be as transparent to students as possible. 21st Century technology should be planned for in the near future.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?Deficits of a $1 million dollars are the short term budget issue and will continue be challenging in the years to follow. We need to maintain a balanced budget. We cannot rely on funds due from the State for the next 2 -3 years. Provided cuts are required to educate our children, impact on direct instruction and quality should be considered before decisions are made. Curtailing wasteful spending in all areas will be crucial for our district's survival during these hard times.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.Every teacher, resident, and organization involved with our schools can provide valuable insight for consideration.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 am of the view that the economy will drive many of our budget decisions during these times. Common sense in the part of all parties will keep us all moving forward while providing the best education for our children.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?I am a firm believer in accountability and responsibility to protect our investments.