Steven Caponigri: 2025 candidate for Wauconda Unit District 118 board

Bio

Office sought: Wauconda Unit District 118 board (Vote for 4)

City: Volo

Age: 41

Occupation: Workforce development

Previous offices held: Wauconda District 118 member

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I’m running for District 118 school board because I’m passionate about ensuring every student in our district receives a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the modern world.

I’ve seen firsthand, through my experience as a teacher, a coach, and a learning leader in the corporate world, the incredible potential of our students, but also the challenges they face. My vision is to ensure that all students, of all background and ability levels, have the tools needed to succeed.

I’m not just talking about it; I’ve already started to roll up my sleeves and work with parents, teachers, and administrators to make that vision a reality.

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

The school board plays a crucial role in setting and monitoring the curriculum. Our responsibility is to ensure that the curriculum aligns with our district’s strategic goals, state standards, and most importantly, the needs of our students. Specifically, the board’s role includes setting the overall direction, approving curriculum adoptions, monitoring implementation and effectiveness, and facilitating community engagement.

While we rely on the expertise of our teachers and administrators, the ultimate accountability for the quality of education in our district rests with the school board. We are committed to actively fulfilling that responsibility. In the past couple of years, curriculum upgrades in elementary reading and math in particular have had remarkable impacts on student success.

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

District 118 needs to expand its language learning opportunities beyond the current one-way dual language model at the elementary level.

In today’s interconnected world, bilingualism and multilingualism are not just assets — they’re increasingly essential for success in college, careers, and civic life.

Research shows that students who learn a second language develop stronger cognitive skills, have greater cultural awareness, and are better prepared for the global economy.

I’d like to explore options such as creating a two-way dual language program in elementary, which would allow all students to benefit from the multilingualism already present in our community, and adding world languages to the middle school curriculum, bringing District 118 up to speed with other schools in the area.

Implementing these programs requires careful planning and resource allocation, but the long-term benefits for our students and community will be well worth the investment.

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?

When policy of curriculum controversies arise, my role is to provide leadership, even if that means making unpopular decisions.

While I always strive to find common ground and build consensus, I recognize that sometimes difficult choices must be made. I listen actively. I seek out and consider all perspectives, even those with which I disagree.

This includes attending community meetings, reading emails and social media comments, and engaging in respectful dialogue with constituents.

I research issues thoroughly, considering relevant data, expert opinions, and best practices. Based on the information gathered, I make decisions that I believe first and foremost are in the best interest of our students, even if those decisions are not universally popular.

Lastly, I communicate transparently, I explain my reasoning clearly and openly, so that even if someone disagrees, they understand the thought process and details that went into the decision.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions for your school board.

I’ve developed policies in various settings, first as a teacher, then in the corporate world, and now on the District 118 school board. My approach prioritizes collaboration and data.

For example, when creating a new skill development program, I worked with stakeholders to gather input on how those skills would actually be used in the workplace, and gathered feedback on how existing programs met (and didn’t meet) these expectations.

This collaborative, data-driven approach is essential for effective school board governance, ensuring well-informed, community-supported policies.

What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, or would you rather see them diminished? Please explain your reasoning.

Public school’s role is to ensure the future success of all of its students. Study after study shows that without physical or psychological safety, our brains struggle to retain new material. I support the continuation and enhancement of any program that helps students feel safe and welcome in the classroom.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

What makes me the best candidate is the unique combination of my classroom teaching experience, my corporate background in skill development, and my current service on the school board.

As a teacher, I understood the challenges and rewards of working directly with students. My corporate experience has given me deep insight into the skills students need to succeed in the 21st-century workforce. My time on the board has allowed me to apply that knowledge to real-world policy decisions.

The results — increasing test scores across the board, with a lower property tax rates for 2024 — speak for themselves. I’m passionate about ensuring that all students, regardless of their academic path, graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.

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

I believe parent involvement is critical, and we could do more to engage parents beyond traditional events, particularly as our students get into middle and high school. Many parents work multiple jobs or have other commitments that make it difficult to attend school functions.

I’d like to see us explore creative ways to connect with parents, like online forums or workshops, both in-person and virtual. Stronger parent engagement can lead to improved student outcomes and a stronger school community.