Dinopoulos: Academics must shine

By SHAIYLA HAKEEM

As a new member of the Poland Board of Education, Larry Dinopoulos places emphasis on the education aspect of Poland schools.

“I want to carry on the tradition of my predecessors, but I think we need to tweak some things academically, maybe,” said Dinopoulos.

Dinopoulos values the opinion of the community in relation to academic advancement and recommendations. He feels that the school board needs to not only listen to what the community has to say, but put action to their voices.

Great students, parents and teachers are the backbone of Poland schools, said Dinopoulos. He realizes that every aspect of the school system is essential. He says that the board needs to be aware of every element within the schools.

“Everything throughout the school system is important — from the janitors to the teachers to the students and administrators. They’re all equally important,” said Dinopoulos.

The nontraditional use of technology in the classroom is beginning to become more traditional. He feels that Internet correspondence will enable teachers and parents to stay up-to-date on information, thus improving the overall communication of the school system.

Dinopoulos explains that the classroom needs to be accessible from more than one avenue. Sometimes students will be absent from school for several days due to illness, but capabilities to access information and material are slim.

Dinopoulos thinks that Poland High School needs to be upgraded. By having a son currently attending Poland schools, he has personally seen the areas that need the most improvement.

Dinopoulos said that the middle schools are able to access class syllabi and assignments from online as well as correspond with teachers through e-mail. This makes the middle school more technologically advanced than the high school.

He realizes that funding for the schools could be an issue given state funding challenges. But more effort, not necessarily money, can bring Poland High School up-to-speed.

“I think the technology is there for that and I don’t think there is a significant cost to do that, other than time.” said Dinopoulos.

Students are Dinopoulos’ first priority. He says that he will make his decisions from the standpoint of what’s best for the students.

“If it’s right for the kids, then it’s got to be right for the board.”

Dinopoulos was officially sworn in on Monday. Despite the potential funding cuts, he believes the future of Poland schools looks bright.

“We have one of the nicest athletic facilities in the area. It’s time to have one of the nicest academic facilities,” said Dinopoulos.