Frank R. Fiarito: 2023 candidate for Township High School District 214 School Board
Bio
Town: Mount Prospect
Age on Election Day:
Occupation: Consultant
Employer: Self
Previous offices held: River Trails 26 School Board
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
A: I believe strongly in the incredible schools in our area and have spent the past 12 years on the River Trails 26 board ensuring success. I believe that experience will translate well to the District 214 board. My youngest is moving on to high school in D214 and I believe having the firsthand experience of a student in the district will be a benefit to the board.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: Curriculum development falls on the assistant superintendent for curriculum design. Our educators are subject matter experts and are the most knowledgeable in setting curriculum. I believe the role of the board is to monitor their product and ensure proper oversight so the needs of the students are being met.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: District 214 has done a great job developing curriculum to meet state standards as well as expanding career and college opportunities through the Pathways and Dual Credit program. My concern is that students at each of the D214 schools have access to appropriate level classes for them individually so all can succeed.
Q: How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?
A: As a board member, you must address controversies when they arise. The voices of all stakeholders - parents, constituents and teachers need to be heard in that process. Their voices may lead to solutions, or at a minimum, a compromise that benefits everyone.
Q: Amid the departure of longtime Superintendent David Schuler, what should the district be looking for in its next superintendent? Do you approve of the general direction of the district under Schuler or do substantive changes need to be made?
A: Dr. Schuler was one of the leaders who made District 214 a consistently nationally ranked school district and helped innovate the range of opportunities D214 students have, so I don't think substantive changes are necessary. The next superintendent should be able to focus on improving our student growth at all schools, especially as we recover from the pandemic.
Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?
A: We certainly know more about the impact of COVID-19 in our schools than we did at the start of the pandemic. The experience should inform our future planning. We need to have all stakeholders involved in the planning. That includes the board, administration, teachers, parents and students in the most transparent way possible.
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.
A: The Illinois Association of School Boards often suggests new policies or changes and school boards use that as a starting point. As a board member, it is my responsibility to review and discuss whether any new policies or changes are relevant to our district. I believe stakeholder input is critical as well. This combination of input helps draft the best policy
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: My heart, passion and experience. I have been involved in various volunteer roles supporting our schools and local community and believe deeply in service. I'm very open-minded and willing to listen to other opinions. I'm also a parent with one student in the district and another soon to be in the district and find that to be valuable for the D214 board.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: I'm a big supporter of the career pathways program but it is not for every student. I would like to see additional focus on those who see a future both inside and out of the trades. I think communication in this area can be improved.