Why did you choose to live in CFISD? When Jim and I moved from Arlington to Houston with our two year old son, our primary concern was the quality of his education. Research and recommendations from friends led us to the Cy-Fair district.
Community organizations in which you participate:
Currently:
• American Leadership Forum, Fellow in Houston Public Education Class 3
Previously:
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association
• Harris County Master Gardener Association
• Rolling Fork PUD Board of Directors
• Texas Association of Partners in Education
Describe your involvement in CFISD (i.e. PTO, district-level committees):
Currently:
• CFISD Board of Trustees (10 years), Vice-President (2 years), President (2 years)
• Texas Association of School Boards Director (3 years), Vice-Chairman Elect, Bylaws Committee
• Wilbern Elementary Volunteer
Previously:
• Volunteers in Public Schools Executive Board (5 years)
• School volunteer (15 years)
Considering your skills and talents, what positive contribution would you make as a member of the Board of Trustees? Perhaps the most positive contribution that I offer as a trustee is my steadfast belief that education is the most powerful way to improve a child’s life. I willingly work with our board and staff in a collaborative manner in order to keep our school district moving forward for the benefit of our students. As a trustee, I am now and will be in the future engaged and focused on important issues and possible solutions.
In your opinion, what are the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees? The Board of Trustees approves the budget, develops policy and provides oversight for the activities of the district. The board also is responsible for employing the district’s superintendent, attorney and internal auditor. A trustee acts as liaison between the district and the community. These actions are all to be centered on the best interests of students.
In your opinion, what critical challenges face the district, and what is necessary to address those issues? The quick answer to this question is funding, teacher compensation, fast growth and changing demographics. The two financial solutions call for continued collaboration with legislators for educational funding reform and the search for efficiencies within the district. Successful planning in our facilities and curriculum departments is helping address our change issues. We must continue to be diligent in our efforts to improve education for our students.
What challenges face the public education system of Texas? Public education in Texas and across the nation is having a crisis of public faith. Increasingly, special interest groups are fighting for control of public education and are
using negative rhetoric to help fuel their takeover. Achievements in public education are overshadowed as the focus on students is abandoned for political gain. Our communities must accept the responsibility to step forward and insist that public education remain focused on students. We truly hold the future in our hands. |
