Tony del Alcazar: 2023 candidate for Lombard Elementary District 44 board
Bio
Town: Lombard
Age on Election Day: 54
Occupation: Teacher
Employer: Reavis High School
Previous offices held: District 44 board since 2015
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 want to continue to provide the educational climate that fosters growth in our students.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: We play a supporting role to the faculty and staff that set curriculum. We monitor the fit and progress of curriculum to our students. Making sure students are succeeding and being challenged for growth.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: I have trust that the teacher leaders that choose curriculum. I know much energy is spent vetting curriculum to make sure it meets standards and is appropriately rigorous.
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: Understanding both sides of an issue or controversy is important. If a stakeholder has an opinion to voice, the board should listen, regardless of personal feelings. Decisions during times like this should always defer to what is best for students.
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 goal has always been to keep students safe. Though the learning curve of going through a pandemic was steep, we will continue to make decisions based on what is best for our students.
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: We try to make policies objectively. When data isn't available or is conflicting, and difficult discussion occurs, those decisions will always be made in the best interest of the students. I know situations change and so must policies.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I am a driven, open-minded individual. I can work with others and offer a diverse perspective. I respect all. I want all students to succeed. I believe the education system in any community is the backbone of success for that community. It keeps Lombard a great place to live. I value and work to keep the relationship with board members, administrators, and teachers moving forward.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: The plan, design, and construction of the Connect Center. Not only an athletic field house, it allows to increase classroom space and the future plans that allow students to gain hands-on experience in the design and manufacturing of products.