School Board Candidate Caporuscio Targets 'Wasteful Spending'

A parent of three Chippewa Valley students, Grace Caporuscio doesn’t mince words in justifying her candidacy for the Chippewa Valley School Board.

“I’m a parent,” Caporuscio said. “I have a vested interest in what goes on with my children in public school.”

A 15-year Macomb Township resident, Caporuscio will run against incumbent candidates Denise Aquino and George Sobah for two board seats.

This is Caporuscio’s second election attempt, having run previously in 2009.

Macomb Patch recently spoke with Caporuscio regarding her qualifications for the position and the issues she is tackling in her election platform.

Why did you decide to run for school board?

“I was a candidate two years ago and came in fourth for three seats. I’ve been kind of outspoken about wasteful spending decisions. I would want to look at every line item in the budget and see if it is necessary, and if not, work toward cutting it. This special May election will cost taxpayers around $50,000. I want to bring common sense to spending.”

What experience do you have that qualifies you to be a school board member?

“I’ve been involved in all of my children’s schools since my daughter (now a high school senior) was a kindergartner. I’ve been the treasurer of the booster club at Dakota High School since the summer of 2010, and I’m also on the board of MCREST (an organization that houses homeless in Macomb County). Through MCREST, I’ve had experience actually sitting on a board and performing those duties. Lastly, I’m a parent. I have a vested interest in what goes on with my children in public school.”

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?

“Zero line budgeting and moving these special elections. In the past they’ve gone to five-hour days and cut out specials at the elementary level. I will go line item-by-line item and see where these funds are going and if they are actual and necessary. Sometimes it comes down to budgeting and counting and making do with the resources that we have.”

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

“Again, just being outspoken about the wasteful spending and protecting the bond dollars. I would be protecting these bond dollars to make sure they are going toward something that is a long-term asset and not just something they are paying interest on. My advantage is I am not taking money from the teacher’s union. I’m self-funding my own campaign, and there is no one to owe favors to. I am a new face. I’m not politically beholden to any group except parents and taxpayers. It’s more of an advantage for me because I am a fresh face–that rhymes with Grace.”

Had you sat on the board this year, what would you have done?

“I would have lobbied not to hold this special election. It’s mind numbing to squander $50,000 when we can buy new books and science equipment. I’d be watching the budget and lobbying for Lansing to keep funding stable. Michigan spends billions on education and there comes a point where you have to make do with what you’re getting. I’m an educational conservative. I don’t believe in doing everything by computer. If your calculator battery dies, you have to do basic math. You still have to know how to read a dictionary and sign your name in cursive on a paycheck. There are things kids still have to know that don’t depend on technology.”

More of Caporuscio’s platform can be viewed on her website, and voters are encouraged to contact her via email or phone 586-263-9444 with additional questions and concerns.

“I look forward to the opportunity to work for taxpayers and parents with a new conservative voice,” Caporuscio said.