D87 Board of Education Election: F. Thomas Voltaggio

Name: 

F. Thomas Voltaggio

Position Sought:

Board of Education Member; Glenbard Township High School District 87

Campaign contact information:

www.facebook.com/votevoltaggio 

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

I believe that our most important priority is the continued academic progress of all of our students, especially in light of the very challenging economic climate present in the State of Illinois. This objective will require continued focus on minority student achievement, effective use of technology, facilities modification, ongoing emphasis on staff professional development, and a watchful eye on our finances.  

Your Home Address:

Glen Ellyn

Family Members:

Spouse: Vicky

Children: Olivia, Christina, Vanessa, Elysia

Education:

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering-1974
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Bachelor of Arts History-1974
Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago Kent College of Law; Juris Doctorate-1980

Current Occupation and Employer:

President
PositivEnergy Practice, LLC
Licensed Professional Engineer: Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania
Licensed Attorney: Illinois

Political Party Affiliation:

N/A as this is a non-partisan election

Why Are You Seeking Office?

I have maintained a strong commitment to quality education in District 87 as a student,community member, and parent. Our Board has worked diligently with the community, administrtion, faculty, and staff to build a school system which is financially sound, aggressively working towards a level of performance that realizes the full potential of all of its students.There is much left to accomplish, and I would like to remain a part of the team to further this mission.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

As an incumbent board member, I have worked very hard to fairly and equitably represent the best interests of the District's diverse stakeholders. This has required making tough decisions at times, with the ultimate goal of better schools. I feel that board members need to work hard and bring their entire skillset to improving the performance of the entire team. I believe that my professional training and experience can be a major contributor. The ultimate comparison with other candidates will fall to the voters.

Issue 1: What do you think the greatest challenges the school district faces in regard to preparing students for life in a 21st Century world?

The 21st Century presents unprecedented challenges and opportunities. For those of us working in the modern world, we are faced with an accelerating wave of change, as technology and competition radically alter the workplace and the world economy. Our students will require a strong foundation of traditional knowledge, technology, and critical thinking skills, motivating them to embrace the "lifelong learner" mentality that will enable them to flourish in a world where change is the norm.

Issue 2: What if anything would you change at the district to make it more efficient or cost effective?

The process of improving efficiency has been an ongoing priority.Among the initiatives that we have undertaken over the years are energy conservation, transportation restructuring, streamlining ths business office through technology, and the negotiation of stable, long term employee contracts. We continue to focus daily on efficiency initiatives as an ongoing mindset. These efforts, and others, have transformed a financially struggling school system into a financially stable district well positioned to tackle the challenges which await.

Issue 3: What, if any, changes would you make at the district in regard to the role of technology in students' education. 

Our Administration has undertaken the mission of expanding and further integrating technology into the instructional program at Glenbard. This topic will become an area of focus in the coming months as the strategic vision begins to materialize. I believe that the opportunities are unlimited as we explore the full range of potential unlocked by current and future technologies. The Board and community will need play an active role in this transformative process.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

I have been privileged to serve on this Board as we navigated the challenges posed in running an enterprise as large and complex as Glenbard. Over the past eight years, we have resurrected our finances, restored the seven period school day, negotiated a new five-year teacher's contract, commissioned a comprehensive minority student achievement initiative, hired an energetic, visionary leader, and dramatically improved the depth and breadth of our Advance Placement program. We have accomplished all of this with the money that we have been given by our taxpaying public. I am proud to have been part of the team which has made this happen.