David C. Maraccini: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Central Community Unit D301Age: 37Family: Married (16 Years), 3 Children - girlsOccupation: 1. Investment Advisor/Financial Planner - Chicago Investment Advisory Council, Inc. Provides investment advice to clients, instructor for educational workshops/programs, investment advisor estate planner. 2. Fitness and Group Instructor - LA FitnessEducation: Bachelors in Science (BS): Business Administration with Honors. Roosevelt University (2003).Masters of Business Administration (MBA): Finance and Strategic Management (2006)Civic involvement: - Assistant Coach Burlington Central 6th Grade Travel Basketball- Voulunteer, Andersons Animal ShelterElected offices held: None.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My number one campaign issue is to ensure that the students of District 301 come first and foremost. An issue that I think our district has worked very hard over the years to make successful. I want to ensure that during these tough and financial times that our district does not forget what is most important - the kids. As a board member, I want to make the conversation about how good use of taxpayer dollars can positively impact what is happening in the classrooms.Key Issue 2 My second campaign issue is in regards to financial stability. I want to ensure that issues that pertain to the financial status of the district are well thought about and discussed. I would like to assist the district in making good financial habits by discussing the pros, the cons, and listing consequences; thus encouraging good decisions to control expenses and grow our districts school programs for the financial future of District 301.Key Issue 3 My number three campaign issue concerns team work. I know that I will not step into this position with all the answers. However, I do believe that all the board members working together, using our past work and education experience, can together enhance and lead our district to meet and exceed goals and expectations.Questions Answers How satisfied are you that your district is preparing students for the next stage in their lives, whether it be from elementary into high school or high school into college or full-time employment? What changes, if any, do you think need to be made?I believe that our district does a fantastic job in preparing our students for the next stage of their lives - if it#146;s from elementary school to middle - or high school to college or full-time employment. I have always been impressed with the number of school programs our district has to ensure a well rounded student.What budget issues will the district have to confront? What measures do you support to address them? If cuts are needed, be specific about programs and expenses that should be reduced or eliminated. Do you support any tax increases for local schools?I believe that the largest obstacle our district has within its budget to confront would be the financial status of the State of Illinois. With unemployment near 10%, increased state taxes, and growing state problems our district needs to be prepared. Prepared by generating discussions and programs to review expenses and control our fiscal responsibility. We are very lucky within our district to have the programs that many school districts do not. I would rather see programs kept within our schools to grow the individual child. Before making any decisions on cutting school programs, I would look to the budget efficiencies to streamline our daily operations. At this time, I would not support and tax increase to our district.Is experience as a teacher or support from a union valuable because it suggests educational insights or detrimental because it creates pro-teacher bias? Please clarify whether you have such experience or would accept union support.I believe that both experience as a teacher and union support are important in lending a hand in the process of decision making. As I come to new experiences in my life, I try not to walk into them blindly. I ask as many questions as possible to people that would be knowledgeable within that arena so that I may gain as much insight as possible. It's almost like asking a chef to cook without ever eating. How would the chef know if spices and herbs taste good together without ever tasting his dish? Having no classroom teaching experience myself, I would accept teacher and union support within my position on the board.As contract talks come up with various employee groups, what posture should the board take? Do you believe the district should ask for concessions, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?I would take a supportive stance during contract talks for the district. During these trying financial times, we all need to work together in meeting the districts goals. For many years, District 301 has worked hard to bring good educators and employees to our students and learning environment. I feel our employees and members are important to education as they are a part of the reason out district is so sound. It has been an integral part in making this district so successful. Therefore, during contract talks there needs to be a give and take relationship among the district and these groups. The important issue at hand is keeping the vested interest within our district sound -- the employees who care about our children and their education.If your district had a superintendent or other administrator nearing retirement, would you support a substantial increase in his or her pay to help boost pension benefits? Why or why not?I strongly disagree and would definitely not support a sudden pay increase in the last years of an administrator#146;s salary to boost pension benefits. First of all, I believe that boosting an individual#146;s pay is not fiscally sound and that this is one of the major problems that have put the teachers#146; pension financially in trouble. I also strongly believe that an administrators pension should be for their commitment throughout their total years of service, not just the remaining few years or work. Therefore, I would not support an increase in salary to boost pension benefits because this totally goes against my thought process of fiscal responsibility.