F. Daniel Petro: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: Arlington HeightsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Northwest High School District 214 School Board Age: 55Family: Married to Gail Petro Children: Nick married to Meghan, Andrew, Stephen, Amanda, Sarah and Michael.Occupation: AttorneyEducation: B.A. English SMU J.D. John Marshall Law SchoolCivic involvement: AHSD 25 Board of Education Member Township High School District 214 Board Member NSSEO Board Member BSA Pack 169 Chairman BSA Troop 34 Scoutmaster ABC 25 Foundation Member Hersey Booster Club MemberElected offices held: Board Member AHSD 25 Board President AHSD 25 Board Member District 214 Board Vice President District 214 Board Member NNSEOQuestions Answers How satisfied are you that your school district is adequately 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 very good job at preparing its students for the next phase of their lives. That said, I do not believe you can ever be "satisfied." The Board of Education's current goals will require change. For example, the District will have to increase: 1) student participation in higher level classes; 2) certification classes; 3) its ability to identy failing or near failing students and arrange assistance earlier; 4) the relevance of education; 5) community/business collaboration; and 6) services to special needs students.What budgetary issues will your district have to confront during the next four years and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, be specific about programs and expenses that should be considered for reduction or elimination. On the income side, do you support any tax increases for local schools? Again, be specific.I anticipate that District 214 will receive less Federal and State funding over the foreseeable future. In order to maintain a balanced budget, the District will have to find ways to live within its means. Reducing energy costs, limiting insurance increases, and working with employees on ways to save money will need to continue. I do not support a tax rate referendum.Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?NoAs contract talks come up with various school employee groups -- teachers, support staff, etc. -- what posture should the school board take? Do you believe the district should ask for concessions from its employees, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?The District should be honest, fair and equitable with its employees. The District has recently reached agreement with its various employee groups. The negotiations required some give and take on both sides.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?No. I do not see the benefit in paying someone to leave. Administrative salaries should be based on the marketplace. The District should hire and retain qualified and competent staff. To do so, the District should remain competitive in salary and benefits.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?In no particular order: 1) Pass a balanced budget with a reduction in funding and no tax rate referendum; 2) Provide an opportunity for our students to achieve at higher levels; 3) Create an educational foundation to raise funds for the District (in addition to Community Ed); 4) Maintain the District's aging infrastructure; 5) Evaluate the start and end time for classes; 6) evaluate the pros and cons of ending the semester prior to winter break; 7) evaluate the potential for "paperless" schools; and 8) Implement "Vision 20/20."Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Richard D. Felice, President of the Illinois State Bar AssociationWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?A good education opens many doors.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Regret is a wasted emotion.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?The most helpful subject was English. Being able to communicate is extremely important.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Keep your word. You can't get too far in this world if people do not trust or believe you.