Name: John D. Ogletree, Jr.

Occupation: Pastor and founder, First Metropolitan Church

Spouse: Evelyn

Children: Rev. Johnny III, 28; Lambreni, 26; Joseph, 19; and Jordan, 15

Subdivision: Copper Lakes Estates
Lived in district: 14 years

Education: B.A., University of Texas, Arlington, 1973; Doctor of Jurisprudence, South Texas College of Law, Houston, 1979

Community involvement: Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas; Field Coordinator of the African American Ministries of the BGCT; Advisor-Leadership Team of Mission Houston; Member of the State Missions Commission and Assessor of the South Texas Church Planter Assessment Center; First Metropolitan Church is a member of Bear Creek Assistance Ministries (BCAM)
Involvement in CFISD: I have three children who have graduated from the district and one currently enrolled. My wife formerly taught in the district and served as an elementary counselor and I have served on several CFISD task forces.

Why did you choose to live in CFISD? As concerned parents, my wife and I searched for a community to raise our children that was safe and offered a quality education. We also wanted a school system in which she could work and help make a difference in the lives of our children.

Why did you elect to run for a trustee position? To be a part of a board that seeks to always provide a quality education for its students, a team-oriented work environment for its employees and an open line of communication with its parents. As part of this team, I will offer my knowledge to its continued growth.

Considering your skills and talents, what positive contributions would you make as a member of the Board of Trustees? As a former lawyer, and now presently active Pastor who has worked with a number of people, been devoted to my community and led people through times of change, I have acquired many people skills and talents in various situations. I feel that my past experiences and future experiences can only provide a positive contribution to the Board of Trustees.

In your opinion, what are the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees? Provide leadership for the educational system and its operation of schools; set policies for the operation of the schools; secure funding for operation and programs; determine and set educational standards and evaluate the outcome; represent the community in educational matters;

If elected, what improvements do you believe are necessary in the district, and how would the Board bring about this change? Improve recruitment efforts as well as the retention of quality teachers. Help in leading the challenge of improving our scores on standardized tests both state and national.
In your opinion, what critical challenges face the district, and what is necessary to address those issues? To provide quality education in the midst of growth and budget cuts. Also, the critical challenge is to secure andretain quality certified teachers.

What challenges face the public education system in Texas? Funding for the public school system of Texas; raising the level of expectation and results of public school education along with improving the status of teachers in Texas.