Stephen J. Fiorentino: 2023 candidate for Community Unit District 300 school board

Bio

Town: Algonquin

Township: Algonquin

Age on Election Day: 63

Occupation: Pharmacist

Employer: Fiorentino and Larson and Associates

Previous offices held: District 300 board of education since 2011; and serving as board vice president and secretary

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 District 300 is moving in a good direction and we are seeing positive results in many assessments and surveys. I am not running for reelection for a particular issue, however, I do believe strong and steady leadership is needed: and I am a candidate that can absolutely bring solid leadership. I am excited about the recent and updated strategic plan and believe we will continue to make positive progress in teaching and learning.

In recent years, there is an increased divide within our community. When these issues became emotional, I did my best to deflect any blame placed on our educators and staff and I am optimistic there will be an increased focus on community and staff engagement. I will remain committed and supportive of these efforts. A seamless transition of our superintendents over the next 18 months is critical. I am committed to offering strong and steady leadership in this transition.

Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?

A: The school board has very little role in setting the curriculum. The Illinois Association of School Boards requires the board to approve curriculum changes. District 300 recently heard recommendations to change some curriculum (and publishers). After a period of public review, we will be voting on these at our February board meeting.

Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

A: I am confident in our very capable administrators and educators in this area. I have reviewed curriculum and am not aware of any issues in our (District 300) curriculum.

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: All above are important pieces of "controversies." I would continue to provide steady leadership and allow the voice(s) to be heard. There are state laws and local policies that must be reviewed and followed.

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: Our district was fortunate to have critically important "one to one" technology capabilities in place prior to the pandemic. Our staff and educators are now proficient and trained in many of the platforms utilized for remote teaching and learning. We have learned it is critical to have parental assistance for many of our students and parental support is integral to maximize remote teaching and provide the support our educators deserve.

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: I have a great deal of experience and success in my professional career and during my board service. An area that comes to mind is when I proposed and than lead our legislative affairs board committee. We spent a great deal of time reviewing board policies as well as shaping and reviewing various legislation. I led this team of diverse committee members for the entirety of this committees successful existence.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: A great deal of board work, a diverse background, willingness and commitment to communication and collaboration. My strengths include many years of leadership in multiple organizations and industries. I do my best to bring my diverse background (see bio) to my board work. As noted on my board biography, I have served/currently serve on several boards enhancing my insight into many issues impacting our current educational system.

My past finance and operational experience has allowed me to bring many ideas to my committee work. I have brought external experience to influence board work and structure. Examples include proposing and leading two board committees in which we intentionally included many groups and stakeholders.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

A: The need for a board Community Engagement Committee. My goal is that this committee will have representation from the following stakeholders: students, community, unions, board member and staff. The focus would be to rebuild or strengthen trust between our community and our school system. We would utilize our findings to recommend areas of potential change to the board of education.