David Scarpino: 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: HampshireWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Community Unit District 300 School Board Age: 63Family: Married, two grown son'sOccupation: Retired School District AdministratorEducation: Western Illinois University, Bachelor of Science.National Louis University, Master of Science.Nova Southeastern University, Doctor of EducationCivic involvement: Hampshire Police Pension BoardElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers With ongoing state funding challenges, suggest ways the district can remain in the black without spending down its surplus, raising taxes or taking on additional debt. If cuts were needed, where would you look to tighten?Approximately 85% of the school district's budget is spoken for due to contracts with food service, transportation, employee salaries and benefits, special education outsourcing and the charter school. If cuts were needed, an extensive transparent examination and evaluation of all district programs should be undertaken to determine exactly what impact they have on the district budget and the educational environment.Should the district consider cutting ties with its charter school considering the problems with its management and leadership over the last two years?Not at this time. The district has undertaken steps to address the concerns. If in the future these concerns surface again, or, if the steps enacted do not resolve the problem, then the Board should reconsider its actions.How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?The Board sets the policy and guidelines for the district. Professional educators are the ones most familiar with curriculum options. Curriculum recommendations should be made collaboratively utilizing a curriculum committee comprised of community members, school board member(s), professional educators, and administrator representatives. Following a thorough review and analysis by the curriculum committee, the full Board then votes on whether or not to accept, reject, or modify the curriculum recommendations as proposed by the committee. I don't feel compelled to make any changes to the current curriculum at this time.What are some innovative programs the district could undertake, such as its career pathway programs, to set itself apart?A school district's first priority is to insure all of the children and employees are in a safe, orderly environment. This priority is then closely followed by providing a well-rounded high quality educational experience for the children. We need to insure that the current program offerings are being taught by highly trained and passionate educators that are respected and supported in their daily efforts. By accomplishing this the children will have a well-rounded experience and be prepared for post high school. Funding and interest levels must be taken into account when proposing additional programs.What role can and should school choice play in your district? If Congress or the state approves a voucher system or other means giving students broader choices among public and private schools, how will that affect your district? What is the appropriate response for the board of education of a public school system?K-8 school choice already exists in District 300 as we have the Cambridge Lakes Charter School located in Pingree Grove. Unfortunately, the devil is in the details of any voucher system or other means giving students broader choices. A board member should wait until those details are known and thoroughly vetted before giving an opinion on the matter.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Some of our schools are at or near capacity. The Board, administration and community need to undertake long-range planning so we are prepared for potential increases of enrollment.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis. I am inspired by his efforts in helping those who are less fortunate.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To be a leader. My father passed away when I was 7 and Mom always said that she is raising leaders not followers.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Spending more time with my father before he passed away.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Woodworking. I learned how to design, build, and fix things with my hands.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be a leader and don't do dumb things.