D’Agostino: Redding school board

I look forward to Election Day and I hope that Redding citizens will make time to vote for the most qualified candidates. I would like to contrast my objectives with current practices of the BoE. If you would like to hear more about my candidacy, please stop by my tent on Nov. 3.

Unlike the incumbent members of the BoE, I will not take credit for the achievements of our district, dedication of our teachers, students’ rising test scores or purchasing of current technology. Furthermore, I will not fool myself, or the people of Redding, about the impossibility of sustaining current criteria, while also reinstating professional development, along with $750,000 for planned capital improvements, contractual obligations, insurance, transportation and variable special education costs. These objectives may look good on paper; however, in reality, the numbers would likely indicate a 7% to 8% budget increase over all.

I will, however, remain committed to improving the educational experience for our children with transparency, fiscal responsibility and accountability to taxpayers. I will attend every BoE meeting as I have for the past five years and I will maintain my volunteer efforts and presence at both RES and JRMS. Finally, I will invigorate the board with diversity, new energy and new ideas as I contribute a different point of view concerning long-term strategic and capital planning. I am excited to offer an alternative to the two major parties, and I look forward to working to enhance the quality of life in our schools. Please vote Independent on Nov. 3.

Mr. D’Agostino is an Independent candidate.