Incumbent John Ogletree will run for Position 5 in the 2021 Trustee Election and drew the No. 4 ballot position. 

Position 5, Ballot Position 4

• John Ogletree - Finance Report 10-4-21
• John Ogletree - Finance Report 10-25-21
• John Ogletree - Final Finance Report 1-18-22

NAME: Dr. John Ogletree
YEARS IN CFISD: 32
SUBDIVISION: Copper Lakes Estates
OCCUPATION: Senior Pastor of First Metropolitan Church
SPOUSE: Dr. Evelyn Ogletree
CHILDREN: Johnny Ogletree III (46), 1993 graduate of Cy-Fair HS; Lambreni Waddell (44), 1995 graduate of Cy-Fair HS; Joseph Ogletree (37), 2002 graduate of Langham Creek HS; and Jordan Ogletree (34), 2005 graduate of Langham Creek HS

Why did you choose to live in CFISD?

My wife and I looked for a community that had good schools, churches and amenities to raise our four children. We were blessed to find Cy-Fair.

Are you currently a CFISD volunteer? If so, what school(s)?

Yes. As a member of the school board, I serve all schools. I have visited every campus in CFISD, spent time with principals, teachers, counselor and students. I have participated in special events and programs aside from attending school board meetings.
 

List your participation in CFISD school and/or district parent clubs, business partnerships and/or committees.

None at this time.

Include any other areas in which you have supported CFISD not included in previous question.

Each year prior to COVID-19, I attended the annual VIPS luncheon honoring our wonderful volunteers. I have had the privilege of speaking at and attending the orientation for staff at the beginning of the school year and the RRR Conference at the close of the school year. I have also attended JA Inspire for the more than 8,000 CFISD eighth-graders sponsored by Junior Achievement. Other things on my calendar have been the annual Salute to the Stars Gala put on by the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation. I have participated in the annual Superintendent's Fun Run to raise money for the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation. There are many dinners, athletic events and recognitions I have attended also.

List Cy-Fair organizations in which you currently participate, including offices held.

First Metropolitan Church - Senior Pastor
Iron Sharpens Iron Pastors Fellowship - Overseer
NAACP Houston Branch - Executive Committee
The Metropolitan Organization of Houston - Member
Union Baptist Association - Member

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

I have ability to listen, read, analyze, dialogue and make wise decisions. I am team oriented and a consensus builder with no person or partisan agenda. Therefore, I am able to keep my focus on student achievement. In addition, I am a strong advocate for our district and the work of public schools.

What are the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees?

The main function of the school board is to provide local, citizen governance and oversight of education to the district. As a board, we set goals for the district, listen to reports from the administration, approve budgets, contracts, personnel appointments and make policy for the district. The board also has the responsibility of hiring and evaluating the Superintendent.

What role do positive trustee relations on the Board play in affecting student success?

It is essential that there exists positive trustee relations on the Board for there to be student success. We are a "Team of Eight" which includes the Superintendent. There must be trust among the board that each member has student achievement as a primary goal. There must be trust in the Superintendent and his or her team that they are doing the day-to-day management that will result in student success. We must work collaboratively and collegially for the good of our students. It's all about Opportunity for All!

What critical challenges face the district, and what are possible solutions to address those issues?

Our main challenge at this time is to negotiate the pandemic. We have to keep our students and employees safe to prevent a spread that could be detrimental to the academic process. The solution is to follow the science, seek medical advice, keep data and make tough decisions when necessary.

Adequate funding is critical to meet the educational needs of every student. We need staffing to take care of the learning loss, emotional stress, a diverse student demographic and those who need sick leave. Plus, we need additional funding to meet the challenging careers for Math, Science and Technology. I will continue to be an advocate in Austin and the community and vote for student success.