Spouse's name:  Jim Woodul

Child( ren) name(s) and age(s):   Aaron Woodul, 21 -  Communication student at University of Houston

Describe your occupation and company:  

Currently:  professional volunteer, part-time office manager for psychotherapist

Recently:   owner of desktop publishing company.

Subdivision: Rolling Fork

Years lived within district:   19 years

Why did you choose to live in CFISD?  

When we moved from Arlington to Houston with our two year old son, our primary concern was the quality of education Aaron would be receiving.   Research and recommendations of friends led us to Cy-Fair I.S.D.

Community organizations in which you participate:  

Currently:   Attention Deficit Disorder Association-Southern Region, Harris County Master Gardener Association  

Recently:   Rolling Fork PUD Board of Directors, Association of Water Board Directors, Texas Association of Partners in Education

Describe your involvement in CFISD (i.e. PTO, district-level committees):  

Currently:   CFISD Board of Trustees, president; district volunteer

Why did you elect to run for a trustee position?

There are two major reasons that I elected to run for another term as trustee. I view my time spent on the board as volunteer service helping children get the best public education possible.   That is a huge commitment for me personally.   I also recognize the importance of a stable board of trustees as the district transitions from a retiring superintendent to our new leader.  

Considering your skills and talents, what positive contribution would you make as a member of the Board of Trustees?

Having served on district boards and committees, I understand the importance of research and decisions made based on what is good for the whole rather than my own personal agenda.   I also strive to be a consensus builder on the board.   These are necessary traits for team-members who make decisions affecting our diverse population as the district continues to grow.

In your opinion, what are the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees?

Trustees set policy, develop goals and generally guide the direction of the district.   We also act as liaisons between the general public and the administration when necessary.   What is equally important is what trustees do not do.   They do not try to manage the day-to-day operations of the district.   Many people do not understand this aspect of being a trustee.   It requires restraint and diligence but in the end is the best way to ensure success of all of our students.

If elected, what improvements do you believe are necessary in the district, and how would the Board bring about this change?

Our district is highly respected throughout the state and nation for innovative programs, strong leadership and consistent student success.   We have truly earned our designation as the largest Recognized school district in the state for six years in a row.   I think that facing and answering the challenges that come to us each year with an eye on student success will bring continuous improvement to the district.

In your opinion, what critical challenges face the district, and what is necessary to address those issues?

As if growing by over 4,000 students a year weren’t enough of a challenge, the inevitable building projects, staffing issues and boundary changes are enough to make anyone cry Uncle!   The Cy-Fair staff members have accepted the challenges without complaint and worked very hard making sure that all students have a place to learn.  

Perhaps the most pressing issue to address is the achievement gap between at-risk students and the balance of the population. This is a challenging problem that the administration and staff are already acting upon.   Creative staffing, attention to special curriculum needs and mentoring may provide some answers as we address the increasing diversity of our students.   The Board must continue to support the staff’s efforts as they think outside the box searching for answers.

What challenges face the public education system of Texas?

Legislators are facing enormous decisions at this time.   How do they provide adequate funding to educate the children of Texas while supporting all other needs of the state?   Their solutions will affect the future of our children, our state and our nation.  

I hope that political pressures are set aside during this time and the quality of each child’s education is the primary focus of their work.   There are huge positives for encouraging local control.   These range from setting our own calendar to establishing our own election dates.   There are crippling negatives coming in the form of unfunded mandates and unrealistic salary demands.  

This legislative session will have more of an impact on education as we know it than probably at any other time.   I plan on contacting my representatives and urging them to not take a politically motivated path but to truly consider what is best for education.