Vote on Tuesday May 21
By Andrew Harris
SUN: Would you be agreeable to merging with smaller school districts like Scio, Whitesville, and Andover ? Why or why not?
CICIRELLO: I would fight a merger as long as we could. If the enrollment decreases to a point where our children’s school experience is compromised, then a discussion would be warranted. I don’t believe our enrollment is at that danger level at present. When I think back to my school life, my fondest memories are of the extra-curricular activities that I participated in – band, chorus, basketball and school plays. If an enrollment decrease ended up affecting the funding for extra-curricular activities, then a potential merger should be discussed.
SUN: Wellsville has low test scores compared to the rest of the region according to the latest state reports. There are infrastructure improvements needed in the schools and buildings and grounds (including athletics) and we have a lot of teaching openings. There is also a budget to be done. What are your priorities as a board member?
CICIRELLO: These are all important issues. My job requires me to collaborate with the other court supervisors in annual budget preparation. I know what it is like to have a small percentage of an increase and to allot those funds in the most effective manner. The Board has done well with those restrictions. With that said, we still need to be fiscally responsible and make sure that the funds we are allotted are being spent in the manner in which our taxpayers can respect.
The vacant teaching positions are a concern however, I do not believe this is a problem exclusive to WCS. Persistent shortages have been reported throughout the state. The Board should review its recruiting and retention process and amend as necessary to make WCS more attractive to well-qualified applicants. If we can recruit and retain well-qualified applicants, we will see an increase in our test scores. Additionally, it is important for the existing teachers to feel respected, heard and involved. If our teachers are happy, it will only benefit our children. I want our teachers to feel supported by the Board of Education.
SUN: How do you explain the historic number of candidates for a volunteer school board spot ? What is the number one reason you gathered signatures and filed a petition?
CICIRELLO: Clearly, parents and community members don’t feel the Board is listening or representing them effectively. We’ve all seen politicians get elected and spend many years representing their constituents. When a change is desired or voters don’t feel they are being effectively represented, those politicians are voted out. This is exactly what we are seeing here. Fresh faces and new or different opinions will help shape this District into one we all can be proud of, that we feel represented by, and that makes our children’s school years the best they have seen yet.
