Sergio Ruffolo: 2023 candidate for Addison Elementary District 4 board
Bio
Town: Addison
Age on Election Day: 58
Occupation: Sales/special projects manager
Employer: Western Remac Inc./RoadSafe
Previous offices held: District 4 board member since 2005
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 am running for reelection because I enjoy serving my community. I am a third-generation product of Addison School District 4 (along with our two sons and now our grandsons), and I enjoy being a part of the decision-making process to best prepare all the children of ASD4 to be successful for their adult lives.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: The role of the board is to review/approve the curriculum presented to us by our superintendent ... staying involved from the beginning of the process rather than waiting until the end of the process (to ensure to approve what's the best fit for the needs of the students and community).
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: Our current curriculum hasn't presented any issues and our current Board is always open to changes to ASD4 curriculum, ensuring teachers and students have the resources they need.
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: I have always made sure that all sides are listened to, and issues are immediately addressed, staying involved and being part of trying to come up with solutions to any constituents' issues.
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: We've learned that it is very difficult to try to predict what our state and federal government will force us to do during a pandemic.
Flexibility and new "out of the box" ideas on how to educate our students must continually be discussed (making sure ASD4 stays well-informed on the advances in technology, educational processes, etc.).
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: The ASD4 Board Policy Committee recommends changes to the whole board for discussion ... I never shy away from asking questions or discussing potential new policies or changes to current policies and how they potentially could impact ASD4.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I have almost 18 years of experience as an Addison School District 4 board member, proudly serving on several board committees (chairman of the Buildings & Grounds Committee), with deep roots in our community (I have lived in Addison over 53 years).
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: I believe there needs to be more professional development aimed at improving school boards. Training developed by the board, administrators and our teachers then implemented by our board to ensure that all board members are prepared to lead ASD4.