Nicholas Scipione: 2025 candidate for Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 board

Bio

Office sought: Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 board (Vote for 4)

City: Schaumburg

Age: 42

Occupation: Science teacher; Science, Technology, Engineering Department chair

Previous offices held: Schaumburg Township District Library Trustee and Plan Commissioner Village of Schaumburg

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

Schaumburg District 54 has long been a gem of our community. Residents have told me that one of the main reasons they move to our area is because of our great schools. I am running for reelection to ensure we keep District 54 a premier educational institution in our state.

As a board member for the last 6 years, it has been my passion to advocate for the students, staff, and the community of District 54. As the only current parent on the board, I have the unique perspective of the impact the board’s policy decisions have on students, families and residents.

Having personally been a product of District 54 education, I know the school experiences my kids experience is very different today.

Also, as the only current educator on the board, I will continue to have the advantage of offering a perspective of how the Board’s policy decisions impact teaching and learning. My priorities as a board member are: to advocate for learning experiences that are comprehensive, equitable, and that focus on the whole student; to promote fiscal responsibility for taxpayer dollars, and to ensure our students and staff are safe and secure every day they come to our buildings.

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

One of the main responsibilities of the board is to ensure students have curricula that meets and exceeds national and state standards. Curriculum development and monitoring require input from multiple stakeholders.

Teachers and administrators work collaboratively in committees to vet curricula and make recommendations to the board. Ultimately, the board votes to accept curricular recommendations brought forth from curriculum committees.

This process most recently proved effective with successful approvals impacting both the literacy and math curricula. Consideration of parent and student input is critical as well. Parents and students should be encouraged to give feedback on curricula to teachers and administrators. Ensuring our students have a guaranteed and viable curriculum that is rigorous and prepares them for future academic and career pathways is essential.

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

District 54 most recently reviewed and updated our reading and math curricula. Parents, students, teachers, and administrators all had a voice throughout this process.

In the literacy curriculum, phonics and phonemic awareness is explicitly addressed in early grades. After the curriculum review and renewal cycle, District 54 staff created in-house professional development to ensure students have the best possible literacy instruction.

The math curriculum team has recommended, and the board recently approved, a new curriculum that de-emphasizes rote memorization and instructs students in mathematical principles in a variety of ways. In addition to bringing enhancements to reading and math learning, I believe it is important that we continue to focus on creating curricula for the whole-child, such as the arts, music, and social-emotional learning.

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?

I strongly believe that is important for everyone to have a voice in our democracy, especially in our local governments. Public participation at board meetings is a time for anyone in the community to voice support or concerns for the direction of the school district.

I appreciate that our board president and superintendent do a good job of engaging folks individually who would like to discuss policy or curricula. While the District 54 board cannot make everyone happy all the time, I believe we do a good job of listening and trying our very best to find consensus on all topics.

Board members listen to constituents as we visit buildings, community events, and engage in committee work to make the most informed decisions related to policy and curriculum. The Illinois Association of School Boards, Consortium of State School Board Associations, and the Illinois State Board of Education give us recommendations that help us make informed decisions.

Ultimately it is up to the seven elected members of the school board to collaborate to make a decision and allow our staff to carry out our direction.

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.

My experience on the Schaumburg Township District Library board and the village of Schaumburg plan commission have shaped the way I foster collaboration among board members. It’s my obligation to ensure all voices are heard.

Informed decisions based on evidence is crucial. 7-0 votes are nice, but it is important for board members to take time and carefully analyze decisions behind votes instead of just blindly following each other. Staff recommendations are important, but as board members we must remember that we are the ultimate decision makers elected by and trusted by the voters.

I’m convinced that currently, we have a balanced and experienced membership on the District 54 Board. Board members listen to each other. We value and respect each other’s opinions. We all strive to work toward the betterment of the district, and always have a student-first mindset. I pledge to continue to be a positive collaborator on the District 54 school board.

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.

It’s our duty to foster a sense of dignity and belonging for all our students and staff. Equitable learning experiences are essential for individuals to reach success in their academic journey. At the start of my board tenure, I was fortunate enough to be a part of an equity task force. This task force was made up many important stakeholders such as students, parents, community partners, staff, and board members.

Many of the hiring and policy recommendations of this committee have been implemented and have made our district stronger resulting in greater equity in our classrooms.

At the board table, I continue to advocate for the district to look for candidates to join our staff who reflect the diversity of our students. The board makes it a priority to distribute resources equitably so students who historically have been disadvantaged, or perform below standards, have what they need to achieve at the highest levels. It is a goal of the board to ensure we recognize and close gaps in student achievement and to satisfy our commitment to enable students from all backgrounds to reach the highest academic achievement levels.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I was humbled and honored to be appointed to the District 54 school board in 2019, chosen out of 18 candidates. I hope to continue to bring the perspective of the only parent and only current educator to the board.

As a lifelong resident of Schaumburg Township, and product of District 54 schools, I hope to connect with the many individuals and organizations I have gotten to know to ensure we work together to keep our school district the gem of the community. As a positive collaborator among my board colleagues, I am determined to see that our board works efficiently and effectively. Our students are relying on us.

In this current climate, it is more important than ever to have an experienced board ready to hit the ground running on day one. With almost 15 years of board service, I am ready to navigate any troubled waters ahead, and seize on any opportunities for the benefit of all students and families.

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

Not that no one is talking about mental health, but since I did not have a chance to address it yet, I would like to do so here. District 54 is addressing mental health issues among our students and staff, and I believe we need to continue to make this a priority.

The Daily Herald on Feb. 9 had a front-page story concerning one of my colleagues at Glenbard East High School. Her daughter lost her life at a young age because of severe mental health issues, a tragedy that strikes too often. Resources need to continue to be devoted to support those who are struggling, or to those helping those who struggle. We can initiate partnerships with the newly formed Schaumburg Township Mental Health Board. Students and staff need to know they have resources at their disposal for help in tackling mental health conditions.

The only way a student can learn, or staff member can facilitate learning, is if their basic needs are met. Building mental health awareness and offering outlets to link students, families and educators with the services and help they need should continue to be among our school districts priorities.