St. Charles Board of Education Candidate Sylvia Garzia

Patch reached out to all local candidates for office to do an election profile before the April election. All candidates who spoke with Patch will be featured on the site. 

Sylvia Garzia, 63

Occupation: Retired Physical Therapist

Education: Seton Hill College BS in Biological Sciences; University of Pennsylvania post-graduate Physical Therapy

Family: Married 40 years, three children and two grandchildren

Years in St. Charles: 30 

Background:

I worked in the City of St. Charles School District from 1983-2004 as a Physical Therapist. During those years I worked with administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and of course special needs students. Before that, I worked in a similar capacity for a rural school district intermediate unit in the state of Michigan.

As a parent of three students who graduated from the district, I worked on school committees and a variety of volunteer activities in the schools. I was a PTO officer during many of those years. I am currently involved in community and church-related volunteer activities.

Why are you running for election?

I have been involved in the school district in different ways for many years as parent, employee and community supporter. The district has served our family well and I want the opportunity to further contribute to its advancement. The school district not only provides for our children’s future success but also provides stability and advancement of our community.

What is the biggest issue facing St. Charles School District?

There will be many financial challenges coming in the future for the district.  Pressure to maintain class sizes, student services, educational opportunities for students and faculty, and building maintenance face the district. Child safety and facility security are emerging as unquestioned issues.

 In what areas does St. Charles School District need to improve?

Overall the district does very well in preparing its students to be productive members of society. The schools have demonstrated steady improvement in standardized test scores. We must encourage and support the continuity of this trajectory. The district should be better at effectively communicating its accomplishments to the community at-large.

What areas would you prioritize as the district downsizes its budget due to less revenue from the state?

Maintaining the core educational mission of the district must be preserved. Keeping smaller class sizes and programs for teachers and staff to accomplish this objectives of excellence in education is vital.

How should the school district evaluate and measure teacher quality?

Teacher evaluation should be broad-based. Teachers should be measured by their professionalism in the classroom and by adherence to established best practices in teaching. This includes participation in appropriate continuing education programs and/or post-graduate education courses.

Direct observation and peer review should also be considered or expanded. The district has the responsibility of establishing a first-rate learning environment for its students. Standardized student testing has a role but should not be over emphasized in teacher evaluation.

What's one thing you'd like to accomplish this year?

I would encourage more opportunities for student participation in vocational education that leads to meaningful post-graduate employment options. Enhancing partnerships with local businesses for on-the-job training is also a primary goal.