Szabo, Fred S
Candidate for Berea City School Board
Biographical Information
Address:
6142 Eavenson Blvd.
Brook Park, Ohio 44142
Current Occupation:
Retired (Law Enforcement Officer)
Education:
Associate in Applied Science (Law Enforcement) Aug 1976 Cuyahoga Community College
Please answer the following questions in no more than 300 words.
1. Why are you the best candidate for office?
I attended K-12 in the BCSD, graduating from Midpark High School in June 1967. I served in the US Army from 1968 thru 1970 and in Viet Nam from 1969 thru 1970. March 1, 1972 thru June 1, 2004 I served Brook Park and surrounding communities as a Brook Park Policeman. I retired June 1, 2004 after 33 plus years. August 1976 I graduated from Cuyahoga Community College with an Associate in Applied Science in Law Enforcement Degree. I was a parent volunteer with Berea High School Boosters 1990 thru 1996 when our two children (Nick and Laura) were attending Berea High School. I graduated from DARE Officer Training at London, Ohio November 1991. I served the BCSD as a D.A.R.E. Officer from 1992 thru 2004. I instructed D.A.R.E. at Ford Middle School, Brookview Elementary School, Brookpark Memorial School for 13 years. I worked with many students on a one-on-one bases and in classroom situations. I worked directly with many teachers and staff on a daily bases. I served on the Ford Middle School CARE committee for many years. Also served on the BCSD CARE committee and volunteered for many of the events that were held, such as pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners. I served as the Safety Town Officer in Brook Park for many years working with children from Brook Park, Middleburg Hts., Berea and other communities. I have volunteered for hundreds of hours in the community, working with kids and adults. I attended many after school events at the schools that I served. I volunteered at the BCSD Camp Mi-Bro-Be program for 14 plus years working with students and staff directly. I feel that I have been an influence and involved in our schools and communities. I would have a solid background concerning our BCSD Board and communities.
2. If elected or re-elected, what are your top three (3) priorities and why?
1. Make sure students in our district are our first priority! Funds received by our district as earmarked for our students directly must be done so. Teachers need those funds to directly help/assist students. Tactics of reducing busing, raising fees, reducing/dropping classes etc. for students so parents, grandparents feel they must vote for any levy proposed appears to be the wrong approach. Funds should be used for students then can be used in other areas. Students deserve the best work and cooperation, not a side show of funding priorities. 2. Establish some form of more direct communication to the residents/voters. There is a very large lack of any direct, solid form of communication of the BCSD Board to the public. It appears the only info they get is at LEVY TIME. Sections of our public that do not have children attending our schools get very little information. Parents who do have children get messages of how there is no money and that “cuts” will have to be made if levies do not pass. If there is no money, the BCSD Board needs to prove this to the public and parents, not just say it. 3. As a Board member, I need to get real facts on what is going on with our school district! I need to have access to large amounts of information and facts, so I can readily see for myself what needs to be done, changed or altered. Be able to serve on a solid base with parents/staff/administration. Be on top of what is going on, able to act, knowing that I have the facts not just what someone wants me to think.
back to list of candidates