Election 2013: Vincent J. Aiello

Campaign Info

• Position Sought: Community Consolidated High School District 146
• Website: 4for146, 4 for 146 on Facebook, Twitter @4for146,
• Email:  Fourfor146@yahoo.com
• Phone:
• Hometown: Orland Park

Personal Info

• Family: Jean Aiello wife, Giana Aiello daughter.
• Education: Wayne State University 1988 Bachelor of Music Education, Wayne State University Master of Music Education 1993, Governors State University 2000 Masters in Educational Administration Type 75 certificate
• Occupation: Teacher / Band Director Tinley Park High School
• Political Party Affiliation: None.

Candidate Questions

Why are you seeking office?

To help make a positive difference in our community and schools.

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

Making sure the children receive the best education possible with the resources that we have.

What sets you apart from other candidates? 

I have been a part of this community for 20 years. I have been teaching for over 25 years. I understand the educational needs of teachers, I am a parent of a student in the district and I am a taxpayer. I have a perspective from all sides, which many of the other candidates do not have.

What is your opinion on the current testing schedule our students are placed under? Do you believe these high-stakes test are educationally viable?

No. Testing sometimes does not give the best indicator of progress. I like the MAP testing. It shows the level of progress of each student and helps teachers by giving them diagnostic information on what areas students need help with. Testing is great if helps students progress and learn, not just rank them against sometimes unreasonable benchmarks.

Where does music education and fine arts education fit in your educational priorities? What does an ideal fine arts curricula look like to you?

I believe that all students should be in some kind of art and music class throughout their elementary, middle school and high school years. I am a music teacher and have seen the positive impact that music has had on al of my students. It is no surprise that many if not all of the top 10 percent of any graduating class is, or has been, part of the fine arts at one time during their years of schooling.

What are your thoughts on the district's wellness policy? Would you change anything?

I like the new lunch program. The selections are better and my daughter likes the food, a PLUS. I would like to see the kids be able to have candy, cupcakes etc. for Halloween and Valentines Day. With that said I do believe we are obligated to control the amount they eat and to teach them that eating candy in moderation is OK. We need to show them the correct way of eating.

Revenue from the state continues to dry up, while residents are also dealing with rising costs. Please rank the following in the order you feel the district should be focused on for meeting the district’s costs in light of these issues. 1) Staff Cuts 2) Contract Renegotiations 3) Operating Expense Cuts 4) Tax Increases 5) Other Funding Sources. Please also explain your reasoning.

1. Operating costs, 2. Tax increases (Not raising taxes) 3. Staff Cuts 4. Contract Negotiations. I think we have to focus on delivering the best education possible within the means we have, and discuss where cuts could be made to save money, and not raise taxes in the process.

How can the school district best prepare students for the Common Core State Standards? How can the district also involve parents in the process?

Until the common core standards are completely spelled out by the State of Illinois and they tell us how they want them implemented, I don't have enough information to give you an accurate response.

Have you ever been charged with a crime? Were you convicted? If yes, please say what the charge was, and what was the case's outcome as it stands.

No.

Are there any candidates in other races you would like to endorse here?

Larry Canning District 228 School Board.

Read about other D146 candidates running in the April election.