Election 2013: Rick Pavinato

Rick Pavinato is one of six candidates running for the Community High School District 99 Board of Education in the 2013 election. Pavinato, 49, is a chemistry teacher at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. He attended Eastern Illinois University, earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry. He also holds an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Business. He lives in Downers Grove with his wife, Maria, and their two children.

Name: Rick Pavinato

Position sought: Community High School District 99 Board of Education

Age: 49

Family (name, relationship and age): Wife, Maria, 48; stepson, Alex, 18; son, Ryan, 11

Education (degree and school): Attended Eastern Illinois University, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry. Also holds an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Business, and a teaching certificate from Eastern Illinois.

Occupation: Chemistry teacher 

Previous elected offices: None

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: I bring to the table an extensive educational background. Also, before entering the education field, I worked for 10 years as a manager in quality control for a steel company listed in the Fortune 500. In my management role I supervised 15 union workers and was responsible for the quality of steel produced for automotive and other commercial usage. I have spent the last 13 years working in the educational arena at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, a three time Blue-Ribbon Award-winning sSchool. My course load includes AP Chemistry, Honors and College Prep chemistry classes. I was a Golden Apple semifinalist, and have been nominated by several former students as the teacher that has most influenced them. I also coached the Homewood-Flossmoor Girls Golf Team who were Class AA State Champions in 2009, and finished second in 2008 and 2010.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

As an educator and a current and future parent/uncle of District 99 students, I would like to contribute to the vision and mission statement of the board. My main focus is to help the school find the best means by which to enable students to obtain their potential. I believe my experience and knowledge in both in the business and educational fields will allow me to contribute to District 99’s visions and goals.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My main focus is to help the school find the best means by which to enable students to obtain their potential.  

What sets you apart from the other candidates? 

I am a professional educator with a strong desire to bridge the relationship between the district and the community for which it serves. My management experience equips me with the skill sets needed to work well in a team environment, and provides me with the ability to support and promote group decisions. The role as a member of the Board of Education is to act strategically in alignment with the interests of the school community while serving the interest of the public. My experience as an educator and parent enables me to keep sight of the basic needs within our community. An effective board knows and respects the desires of its community and seeks trust from its constituents.

How long have you lived in your community and/or been active in local issues?

I have lived in Downers Grove for 10 years. I submitted my name a few years ago when there was a vacancy in the board mid-term.  I was not selected.

What's your favorite thing about Community High School District 99? 

I have been fortunate to witness over the past four years the Downers Grove North music program. My stepson has been involved with marching band, as well as wind ensemble, and has had the opportunity to travel to London, Germany, Rome and Florida. He has spent four years in a program run by two teachers, Brayer Teague and Bill Miller, who dedicate themselves on a daily basis to their students. The experiences he has had over the last four years have been fun and rewarding for him, as well as for his mother and myself.  

Related Pages:

• Election 2013: District 99 Board of Education
• Election 2013: Deborah "Debbie" Boyle
• Election 2013: Martin Gorski
• Election 2013: Henry P. Jakobsze
• Election 2013: Teresa "Terry" K. Pavesich
• Election 2013: Julia Kennedy Beckman

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