Candidates: Boardman schools meet needs

By DENISE DICK

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

BOARDMAN — All three candidates for school board agree that the school district does a good job of serving the academic and extracurricular needs of its students.

They point to the district’s excellent rating on the latest state report card as well as student achievement and opportunities in sports and the arts.

Incumbents Kenneth Beraduce, a board member since 2004 and Dr. Robert De Marco, who was appointed in 2001 to fill a vacancy and then elected to a full term in 2003, face a challenge next month from businessman Carmen Amadio. There are two seats up for grabs.

School board terms are for four years.

Amadio ran unsuccessfully in 2005 for a school board seat and says he isn’t running because he has anything against current board members or because he believes they’re doing a bad job.

“I’m running for school board because I have a passion for it,” Amadio said. “I like to work with kids and I want to take it to the next step.”

The owner of Tesone’s Boot & shoe Repair and Pedorthic Center, U.S. Route 224, Amadio has been involved school and community activities for several years.

De Marco, owner of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Associates, wants to expand the offerings for gifted students by implementing more advanced placement courses.

Beraduce, a program manager at Perot Systems, Youngstown, says he’s seeking re-election because during the last four years, “the most important thing has been the cohesiveness of the board and our ability to make decisions that are the best for our kids,” he said.

For complete story, see Monday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com