Donato (Dan) DiGregorio
Some Qs and As |
These questions were originally asked by The Oak Ridge Observer in the Question of the Week series during the past election cycle.
Q. How would you suggest Oak Ridge Schools overcome their budget challenges?
A. After hours of public meetings with line-by-line discussions, the Superintendent’s budget is approved by the BOE. The local BOE cannot generate money, so the school system is at the mercy of its funding bodies. Considering that all budget line items are important, there is no magic answer to a budget challenge. However, any organization probably has to do what every household has to do – get more money or cut back on spending somehow. Question of the Week 2
Q. The ramifications of including ALL students in the measurement of Oak Ridge school achievement testing will cause Oak Ridge to be rated lower in comparison to Farragut and Maryville schools, merely because of our changing demographic. What would you do to offset this issue?
A. I am not bothered by these kinds of comparisons. It is unfortunate that we are allowing our educational system to become test-driven. But, to offset this issue, we must understand that the country has all types of students, and all students have to be taught. But, we may not be able to teach as we have always taught. If we are more concerned about comparisons rather than teaching students, that will be unfortunate. Question of the Week 3
Q. School Board Candidate Question: Oak Ridge has a large percentage of teachers retiring in just a few years. How do you see Oak Ridge being able to attract quality teachers in the coming years as they retire?
A. Attracting and retaining quality teachers is a high priority item. To do this, the school system must: (1) behave in a professional manner, (2) support the teachers and all staff, (3) offer an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package, (4) keep the education of all students as the main mission, (5) support all successful programs, and (6) maintain quality extra-curricular opportunities. Question of the Week 4
Q. How do you see your role in the school system? That is, how should a School Board member serve his/her community most effectively?
A. School board members are considered members of the community and are, therefore, representatives of that community to the school system. The Tennessee School Boards Association describes our role as having three foci: policy, planning, and promotion. As a policy making body, the board speaks with one voice, so even with differences of opinion, votes such as 5-0, 4-1, or 3-2 all have the same effect. We promote our school system and we plan and give direction to our single employee, the superintendent. Question of the Week 5
Q. What is the biggest problem of the Oak Ridge School System?
A. Assigning the grade of “zero” for work not done (or not accepting work after the “due” date) is a major concern of mine. As long as this continues there will be less learning than there should be. Further, there will be little value in discussing graduation rates or test scores unless EVERYONE accepts ownership for and completion of all assigned work from all students—work done with a purpose-- before tests and graduation rate reports. Question of the Week 6
Q. Do you believe gifted students are treated better? And, is that right?
A. I have heard this question asked many times during my 38 years with the ORS, and that it is still being asked is disturbing. Whether this (special treatment) is real or imagined it is a problem. And, if it is happening, it is not right. The Oak Ridge Schools is a public school system that should operate without any kind of prejudice. Our money, facilities, staff energy, opportunities, etc. belong to all of our students. Question of the Week 7
Q. There was a facilities study completed last year that showed Oak Ridge Schools needed millions of dollars to go toward facilities in the coming years. Given that this isn't currently in the city's plans to be funded, what long range plan do you see the Board taking to address this?
A. The “total estimated probable costs” needed to implement all of the recommendations in this study is over $46.8 million -- for nine different facilities. We will not be able to accomplish the recommendations any time soon and certainly not all at once. A plan similar to that used by the BOE to get the high school renovated might be appropriate. But first, the BOE needs to make a five-year plan and make sure that (some of) these items are in that plan.
Question of the Week 8
Q. Why should the electorate pick you to serve on City Council/School Board?
A. My reason for seeking reelection to the BOE is to help ensure all of our current and future kids continue to get the best educational benefits available.
I have over 37 years of direct involvement with the school system, and I know the system from many different perspectives: parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, and school board member.
Visit my website at http://donato60.home.comcast.net
I will be honored to serve as your representative to the Oak Ridge school system.
|