full name: Diane Paro
What kind of office are you looking for? Valley View 365U Board of Education
what is your political party none
What is your current age? 63
Occupation and Employer: retired
What, if any, positions have you held before? Eight years on the Valley View 365U Board of Education.
City: bowling brook
Campaign site: https://sites.google.com/view/leadersforeverlearner/home
education: Joliet Junior College Associate Degree
BS in Computer Science from Northern Illinois University
Contribution to the local community: Board of Directors Heart Haven Outreach
Board Valley View Educaitonal Enrichment Foundation
boy scouts of america
Actively participate in Grace United Methodist Church Joliet
Marriage/Relatives: I have been married to my husband Mike for 34 years. She is a Valley View graduate and has two adult children.
Why are you running for public office?
I have been on the Board of Education for eight years and feel that I still have something to contribute to the students at Valley View. I believe that I have been and will continue to be the undisputed leader of the district.
What makes you the right fit for the office you’re looking for?
I have been very involved with our district since 1998 and have done a lot of volunteer work throughout the district. Everything from “Room Mom” to her PTA, Music Booster President, and several district boards led me to a position on the school board. I was also a substitute teacher in our school district for her ten years before becoming a member of the school board, so I can empathize with her struggles in the classroom.
Have you sought or received training to run for your local school board? If so, from whom?
Yes; the Illinois Board of Education (IASB) requires extensive training once you are elected as a member of the school board. Annually she also attends IASB meetings and participates in several educational sessions, as well as his regional IASB meetings and educational sessions.
Would you like to suggest a curriculum change? If so, what?
We believe that Valley View has a very well-rounded curriculum for all learners, but as times change, the curriculum needs to be updated to keep up with current trends and issues. I believe that curriculum changes should be done as a collaborative effort with educators.
Does your school district treat LGBTQ students fairly?
yes. VVSD focuses on equitable systems for all learners, bridging gaps in academic and social outcomes by providing access to inclusive opportunities and resources for all. I’m here.
How would you rate how diversity, equity, and inclusion are handled in your school district?
Valley View is actively working to ensure success for all learners. VVSD provides programming and opportunities for families to succeed in learning, starting with the smallest learners. Staff are equipped with the knowledge to understand and support historically marginalized student groups. The high school ensures every student has access to advanced academic opportunities such as her AP classes and dual credit classes.
Do you think your district needs to make any changes to improve your district’s DEI?
DEI always has room for improvement and VVSD should not be complacent.
Are teachers in your district getting adequate salaries now and when they retire?
Considering the overall compensation package, I think our teachers are paid fairly. Unfortunately, educators across Illinois are never paid enough to measure their worth to the future of our society.
Do you support changes to teachers’ pay scales? If so, how?
The wage scale must be reviewed at each contract negotiation.
What is your assessment of the mayor’s compensation?
I think she’s getting paid pretty well compared to other superintendents with more years of experience in a similarly sized school district.
Are you going to make any changes to how the mayor is compensated?
Our superintendent’s compensation is based on goals set in the contract and an annual evaluation by school board members.
Do you support the current president? please explain.
absolutely. Our Superintendent is a great leader, sets an example and does not expect anyone to do what he does not want to do.
Should schools in your district adopt and teach sex education according to national sex education standards?
I do not advocate teaching sex education to students of all ages, but all sex education should be delivered in an age and grade appropriate manner.
How would you rate how the COVID-19 pandemic was handled locally?
Valley View has responded to the pandemic following guidelines from the State of Illinois, the CDC, and the Will County Health Department to ensure the safety of all learners and educators.
What have we learned from the pandemic?
As an executive, I have seen firsthand how committed every employee in our district is to our learners and how resilient our learners are.
Are the voters who support your district taxed at the appropriate level?
Property taxes are high – no doubt. But we must spend money on the youth of our community so that they grow up and become productive citizens.They are our future!
Do you support plans to increase taxes in your district? If so, what should the additional revenue be used for?
As a homeowner in our district, I hate to see property taxes go up at all.
Do you support tax cuts for your district? If so, what district programs or services would you cut?
All of our district’s programs must be continually evaluated to ensure their value and that our funds are being used appropriately. Cutting student programs isn’t the only way to save money. All costs must be continually evaluated to ultimately lower taxes.
Do you accept voter decisions in Election Day elections?
yes.
What is your position on open and transparent government?
Transparency is key to earning the trust and respect of all stakeholders.
Do you support the Freedom of Information Act and citizens’ free access to government records?
yes.
