Richard Rivard: 2023 candidate for St. Charles Unit District 303 board, 2-year term

Bio

Town: St. Charles

Age on Election Day: 41

Occupation: Adjunct professor

Employer: Elmhurst University

Previous offices held: None

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: As an educator and a parent, I understand the importance of a robust and well rounded education in preparing the next generations of students for life after school. That is why I entered the race for D303 school board.

There are numerous issues that have motivated my involvement in the election process but the most pressing issue in my eyes is the expansion of mental health services combined with expanded social emotional learning.

Students should finish high school with the ability to identify their own emotions and the effect those emotions have on them in their daily lives.

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

A: I believe the role of the school board is to ensure the continued access to the necessary materials and resources that the educators and students need to succeed. Working with teachers, parents and professionals to deliver the highest level of educational resources to our students.

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

A: I would like to see the board focus on expanding the social emotional learning aspect of the curriculum especially in the formative preteen years. Integrating an expanded social emotional learning component into the core curriculum of these early years will better prepare the student body for the challenges faced later in school and their post school lives.

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: Leadership - on the board or in life involves two fundamental skills - listening and making tough choices. Listening is the best thing a board member can do whether that is to our constituents, with whom you may or may not disagree or to state authorities who may advise the board on actions to take in the future.

After listening to all the information and opinions available, one must be able to make difficult decisions. I am someone who will utilize these essential tools.

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: I will always listen to those in the scientific and academic community regarding the best possible course to protect our students and teachers. I would put the student's well-being and safety at the forefront of any decision that I would support while serving on the board. These decisions have an effect on both the physical and mental health of all involved and should be treated with the utmost care and attention.

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 worked in numerous settings coming up with policies, goals and measures of achievement for different groups - either academic or in the professional setting. I aim to find the best solution that accommodates the largest number of people. In the setting of a board meeting or decision, I will listen, share and then work with the other members to broker a deal that best solves the issue at hand.

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

A: As a product of the D303 school system I have a unique perspective on our public school system. I attended D303 schools from elementary through high school and I have walked the same halls as our current students. I have witnessed this district face challenges with air quality in our schools in the late '90s and the ability of all our families and teachers to overcome difficult obstacles to continue to deliver outstanding results for our students.

I want to ensure equal access to all of the great resources available in the district to all of our students. I will work to ensure all students feel safe and a sense of belonging in our schools.

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

A: I would like to explore child care options for the families in our district. Looking into using the resources already on hand to provide low cost and effective child care could make an impact for so many families in the area. Whether this is before and after schools or over the summer in the elementary school buildings that sit mostly unused over the summer.