Marcone Brings Teacher, Administrator Experience To His Campaign

Editor's Note: There are five candidates running for three seats on the EG School Committee. Four candidates responsed to these questions via email. Links to the responses of those other candidates can be found at the bottom.

Why are you running?
       
I am running for school committee because I believe that with my educational background, I can help to foster and cultivate academic excellence through my experience in the educational field. I have been involved with budgetary issues, personnel issues and evaluations for personnel under my supervision during my tenure as an educator in the Rhode Island school system. Conflict resolution is one of my strengths and providing opportunities for social, moral and intellectual growth for all students through quality teaching is my passion.

What are the three most important issues facing the East Greenwich School District?

Student accreditation – To provide all students with the necessary tools and information to graduate with regard to senior projects and e-portfolios.

Teacher evaluations – To assist educators in obtaining the knowledge, skills and information to work with the new evaluations mandated by the R.I. Department of Education.

Contractual issues will be forthcoming in EG. I believe that I have the experience to see both sides of the negotiation process and the ability to engage everyone who is involved in understanding the issues regarding fairness and quality education.

Do you favor iPads (or the like) for every EGHS student? If so, how quickly would you like to see that take place?

Yes, I do favor iPads for every EGHS student. I recently read an article indicating that tablets replacing textbooks is inevitable – it’s just a matter of time. However, in a time when school districts are trying to get their budgets in order – I think the timing for implementing iPads would depend on the IT budget. I do feel it would be worth the investment especially since second graders are starting to come to school with early keyboarding skills.  

Are you in favor of high school students starting later?   

Yes, a 30-minute later start day would help most students. They would retain more knowledge if they are awake. I also believe there would be better attendance, decreased tardiness, and better health. A recent study at a school in R.I. showed better grade results, mood improvements and fewer trips to school health center.

Should the EGSD expand language offerings (i.e. to include Chinese and/or Arabic), even if that means current language offerings would have to be reduced?

The Chinese culture and learning Chinese language gives our kids a seat at the table in a very competitive world. However, in order to expand language offerings there should be a documented number of requests by students (perhaps a survey) to initiate a pilot program for the addition of a different language.   

Every year, school budgets get tighter, even as the actual budget grows because of personnel costs. List two places where savings might be found.   

I think one idea might be to privatize non-essential services in the school system.

What, if any, programs should be established or expanded?
     
Definitely technology. The transformation of education through technology is upon us. We need to keep up with this transformation coupled with an expansion of professional days for teachers to learn and improve their technology skills.    

What, if any, changes would you like to see in the next teachers contract?

Starting a program to engage and motivate teachers to move towards a gradual implementation of merit increases for those educators who go above and beyond their duties in the classroom.

In 100 words or less, why should people vote for you? 

I am a seasoned educator (40 years as a teacher/12 years as an athletic director) for the City of Warwick. I am recently retired and have the time and energy to devote to the EG community in promoting important educational issues. My passion for good education has never waived along with my desire to see students have a positive experience in school. A cohesive School Committee has the ability to cultivate academic excellence and I feel that my tenure as an educator and administrator would enhance that process.    

Domenic Marcone is running as an independent for School Committee.

The other School Committee candidates who responded to the questionnaire are Eugene Quinn, Carolyn Mark, and Deidre Gifford.