Schools

BOE Candidate Profile: John Savoca

Patch is presenting profiles and interviews with each of the six candidates vying for one of four available board of education seats.

To help voters heading to the polls tomorrow in the annual school budget and board of education election Patch is offering profiles and interviews with each of the six candidates vying for one of four available board of education seats.

There are six residents running for four available seats. Two incumbents whose seats are up for election have opted not to run.

Today Patch offers up insight from John Savoca, who is making his first bid for a school board seat.

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John Savoca

Age: 41

Occupation: School teacher

Find out what's happening in Babylon Villagewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Children: I have two children ages 6 and 9.

Residency: I’m a district resident 12 years.

Patch: Why did you decide to run this year?

My decision to run for school board began when my son’s teacher denied my family’s request for extra help before or after school. We were informed that the teachers are under no obligation to provide any additional instruction outside of the teachers’ 6 hour and 20 minute work day. Additionally, compared with many other Long Island school districts, Babylon is far behind the technology curve, in terms of both physical equipment and implementation. I believe my background in education could help move the school district to the next level and would be a valuable asset to the Babylon BOE.

Patch: What is the biggest challenge facing the school district?
The number one challenge the Babylon School District faces is raising the level of our overall program. This will begin with the hiring of a new superintendent. Our new superintendent must possess the ability and experience to lead our district back to prosperity. I believe the candidate must be a 21st century curriculum and instructional expert, strong enough to create a culture of ongoing teacher improvement, have the experience to take a district like ours and bring it to the next level, and put forth greater expectations of our overall school program.

Patch: What is one thing you would do differently in the district?
I believe my background in education will help me to facilitate many changes in the district, but I would start by fighting to lengthen the teachers’ workday to seven hours to provide students with additional instruction, provide teachers with time for staff development, parent communication, and additional planning time to better differentiate instruction.


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