Steve J. Fiorentino: 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: AlgonquinWebsite: http://www.facebook/FamiliesD300forFiorentinOffice sought: Community Unit D300Age: 50Family: I am married to my wife Robin. We have one daughter, Stephanie, who is a D300 Student. We enjoy being active Algonquin residents.Occupation: Owner, Fiorentino Consulting. Steve Fiorentino has been an executive in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries for over 20 years. Resume will be furnished upon request.Education: BS/PD in Pharmacy-- University of South CarolinaCivic involvement: Light of Christ Lutheran Church--Leader of Community Outreach Ministry, Caring Minister, Leader of 6th Grade Boys Confirmation Study, Sports Ministry LeaderAlgonquin Area Youth Organization (AAYO)--Coach for the past 4 years--AAYO Coach of Year in 2009LITH YAA--Baseball and Softball Coach-- 4 yearsDundee Township Park District--Basketball Coach--6 yearsTurning Point - VolunteerAmerican Cancer Society--Relay for LifeElected offices held: Appointed by Governor Edgar to the Illinois State Drug Utilization Review CommitteeHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My number one campaign focus is COMMUNICATION. I would bring an effective and efficient communication to the people I serve. The families of our school district must be kept updated regarding all the issues and opportunities that face our educational system.Key Issue 2 My number two campaign focus is COURAGE. We will continue to be faced with challenging decisions. My business acumen, experience and personal values will allow me to make these difficult, but critical decisions.Key Issue 3 My number three campaign focus is COMPASSION. I feel compassion is imperitive. During difficult decision making, the children and the educators must be our focus. The numbers, statistics and research are important tools, but we cannot loose sight of the lives we are affecting.Questions Answers What prompted you to run for the D300 board? If you're a newcomer, how will you make a difference? If you're an incumbent, how have you made a difference?My passion for public service. I am excited about the opportunity to serve the families of District 300. I am a proven leader in both the business and volunteer setting. I have vast experience managing/operating businesses with large budgets and making difficult financial decisions. Those close to me suggest I have exceptional listening skills, which is imperative to representing and advocating for the families within D300. I am committed to serving my family, church and community. I would embrace the sixteen ""powers and duties"" as set for by the Board.With significant budget cuts already made and more on the horizon, how do you propose the district maintain teaching standards? Please be specific.We cannot allow the performance of our educational system to mirror our state's financial crisis. The State of Illinois continues to not pay their bills. We must balance what we intend to accomplish at the state and the local levels. I look forward to utilizing my Government and Public Affairs experience to work with our state and local public servants. Performance based metrics and reward/ recognition are critical to ensure quality.If various unions fail to meet a list of concessions to save the district about $5.2 million, administrators warn cuts would hurt students. What is your approach to contract talks?I am supportive of our labor discussion process. All parties should share their opinions and data. However, in the end, all parties must do what is best for our children's education and success. I will not compromise having the BEST educator within our budget constraints. We must bargain in good faith and keep the children at the center of our decisions. My goal is that we do all it takes to reach a resonable contract with our unions.Should the district continue to provide programs that receive funding from the state, but are not mandatory? If so, which ones?I will review each of these programs individually. I would look forward to bench marking against other successful districts. I appreciate the question, but do not believe a blanket or broad statement is purposeful.What changes can the new superintendent make to ensure the best educational opportunities for students in District 300?I look forward to working with Mr. Bregy. We are very fortunate to have this passionate educator and leader as our new superintendant. His most recent experience brings a perspective based on frequent student and teacher contact. I am hopeful that he will implement a performance based review system. We must have the best educators teaching our students. We must work hard to update and follow an effective strategic plan, being mindful of the many accomplishments and successful systems that were put in place under Dr. Arndt's leadership. I sense that Mr. Bregy and I share an openness to change.