Denise Aquino Draws on 'Experience,' 'Nonpartisanship' in School Board Re-election Bid

Experience and nonpartisanship are two qualities Denise Aquino cites with pride when discussing her bid for re-election to the Chippewa Valley School Board.

“One of the things I think is important for people to know is I’m a very nonpartisan person who likes to work with all stakeholders in our district so I can be the voice for everyone,” Aquino said. “I’m not there for a special agenda. I have a proven ability to cut costs and provide an education for our children.” 

A 14-year member of the Chippewa Valley School Board, Aquino has had three children attend Chippewa Valley Schools.

“I’ve always advocated for kids, since my kids were in kindergarten,” she said. 

Aquino will join incumbent George Sobah and second-time candidate on the ballot May 3 as the three vie for two board seats.

Macomb Patch recently spoke with Aquino regarding her experience on the board and the issues she plans to tackle if elected for another term.

Why are you re-running for school board?

“I have been an advocate for the children of Chippewa Valley since the early ‘90s. I’ve been involved in Chippewa Valley and know its history. I understand all the funding issues and understand how to really make the budget work. We’ve increased our fund equity by approximately $1 million a year. (The fund equity) was under a million when I came on. It’s now at $14 million. I’m passionate and care deeply about what happens to our public school system.”

What issues are you looking to focus on in your next term, if re-elected? 

“Since I’ve been on the board, funding has always been an issue, since Proposal A was passed. Next term, in addition to trying to increase student performance, we will be working on funding. I feel I have been very strong in trying to balance the budget and make significant cuts as well as provide one of best educational experience in the county and the state. I would like to continue to do that to see our district move forward in a positive and nonpartisan way. I think having the experience and history is very crucial because of the funding issues that are going to plague us.

With less and less funding coming from the state, what sort of things can the school board do to ensure the quality education and activities at Chippewa Valley Schools?  

“I think we can work with employees to help them to do more with less and unfortunately, that is just the way things are now. We look at budget items three to four times a year to continue shaving money off and keeping it as far from the classroom as we can. Our goal is really to continue to provide the best education we can for the least amount of money. We’re the largest school district in the state with the lowest funding, and in the last years, we’ve been able to raise the fund equity even in bad financial times.”

What activities are you or have you been a part of in your local community?

“Currently, I’m just on the school board, but in the past I have been on the Mohawk PTO, the board of the Dakota boosters, I was a founding member of Kids Count, a parent-formed committee to bring funding and Proposal A issues to the state and to work with legislators on these issues, and I was also a member of the Chippewa Valley Educational Foundation.”

Aquino is endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), but said her campaign has not accepted direct funding from any special-interest groups.

A self-proclaimed advocate of nonpartisanship, Aquino is not affiliated with a specific political party.  

“The way I look at it, I know there are some people who come to our board and are being supported by specific parties and that’s what makes America great, but I would like to see someone come to the board without political ties,” Aquino said.

Members of the community can contact Aquino by phone at 586-610-8258 or e-mail at denise.aquino@comcast.net.