Bolingbrook Election 2013 Candidate: Daniel Falese

Campaign information 

• E-mail: falesedj@att.net

• Phone: (630) 768-6950

Personal information 

• Age: 46 
• Family: Traci Cosgrove Falese, Spouse; Son, 17, Daughter, 13; Son, 7
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree from Lewis University, Romeoville
• Occupation: Regional Director 
• Political party affiliation: Non-partisan election 
• Previous elected offices: N/A 
• Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: 17 years of experience in union negotiations and contract negotiations. Over 23 years of operations management with multi-site responsibility. Three children in the school district, since they were old enough to attend school. Twelve years of attending school functions, fundraisers, events, assisting in classroom, and volunteering for various class activities and events.

Candidate questions 

Why are you running for this office? 

I have been involved in the community since 1992, and I want to take my involvement to the next level. I feel that a school board member needs to have a sound understanding of the community and their expectations. I feel that I have the professional experience that can help improve fiscal responsibility within the school district, yet keep the district moving forward towards one goal of providing the best education for our children.

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

First and foremost, the children’s education and ensuring that the school district is providing the best opportunities to prepare the kids for their next stage of life. I also believe in fiscal responsibility within the district and that is a priority for me as well.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? 

My professional contract and union experience. My operations and management background with multi-site locations. My personal and direct involvement with schools in the district through my children and my involvement with youth sports.

How long have you lived in your community and/or been active in local issues? 

I have lived in the district since 1992, and I have been very active in local issues, social and charity events, youth sports programs, organizations, and businesses since that same time.

What's your favorite thing about Valley View School District 365U? 

My favorite thing is the diversity that my children get to experience, both in exposure to various cultures, as well as a diverse opportunity to experience various teaching styles throughout the district. I also appreciate the programs and opportunities that my children get to take part in.

What’s your opinion of the “New View” and the general direction the school district is headed? What do you agree with? What would you change?

I believe the school district is headed in the right direction. We are seeing improved test scores; fewer discipline problems, and students are better prepared for post- secondary education and/or the job market. As a board member, I want to understand how students are judged and perceived, because I believe a student should be judged on test scores and results, but that should not be the only factor in determining what type of student that person is.

What is the biggest challenge facing Valley View?

I believe financial issues will be and are the biggest challenges today. The district will have to do more with less as the state continues to give less and less to local districts. Everyone wants what is best for the children in the district, but many residents of the district do not have children attending school anymore. VVSD needs to remain competitive in curriculum, testing, extra-curricular offerings, facilities, wages and benefits for administration, staff, and faculty. The school district must continuously review any and all means necessary to meet the demands of today’s education needs and requirements, while meeting the community’s demands of a quality education for our children. 

As a board member, how do you plan to promote academic achievement while remaining fiscally responsible?

It starts with accountability and responsibility. Everyone involved must be held accountable and responsible. From the student, faculty, school administration, and the district administration, everyone must hold each other responsible and accountable. Academic achievement will not be reached unless everyone is doing their respective jobs that they are expected to do. Increased costs come when you have to backtrack and repeatedly address the same issues over and over. I want to see everyone playing their role to the best of their ability. Without everyone playing their role, someone else will have to take on the added responsibility, and that is where fiscal responsibility begins to slide.