Question 1: What is the value of a public school education and are you the product of a public school education?
John Quattrocchi: I believe that a strong public school system is the heart of any thriving community. Our society cannot progress in an ever-changing world without providing great opportunities for our students. Opportunities to realize the heights of their capabilities, to appreciate the vastness of the world around us, to develop their social skills and grow into capable, responsible, and productive members of our communities.
Our public school education must always strive for evolving our curriculum and academics, appreciation of the arts, fitness and physical health, and social & mental well-being. My vision is that our schools are the center of all that. Although our individual desires likely differ, we all agree that these elements are important for the growth of our students.
A successful school district energizes itself to a large degree. Success inspires more success. We have demonstrated that with the pace of evolution in our teaching & classrooms, the catalogue of courses we offer, the level and comprehensiveness of staff training & support, and most of all, the aspirations of our students. Each year we recognize more significant achievements than before. There is no single topic or action that makes us successful. It is a relentless focus, year over year, with a multi-year prospective, strong community involvement and support, and the will to continuously improve.
When someone considers buying a home they search for the best places to live and raise a family. The caliber and reputation of the local public schools are always the top criteria in that search. This was evident with the down turn in property values in 2008 where home values in Verona held strong, on a relative basis. More importantly, they rebounded more quickly and stronger than average. Verona today is a highly desired town. Strong public schools, relatively low property taxes, and convenient for commuting and employment.
I am a first-generation American. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, my construction worker father and seamstress mother put everything we had into education for my brother and I. We attended private schools and are thankful for that opportunity. The public schools we might have attended would not have provided the opportunities for us to succeed. That is very, very sad and should never be the case in America today. My father completed 5th grade when World War II broke out in Europe. My mother immigrated to the U.S. when she was a young teen. Neither spoke English but their work ethic, dedication to our family, and determined education for their sons are life lessons I try to pass to my own daughters.
I have dedicated over 15 years to the Verona Public Schools – more years than the K-12 years of my own education. The people I work and interact with are incredibly passionate and talented. I am proud my own children attended our public schools and I am proud of the successes of our students & staff.
