Radele Walker

Why did you choose to live in CFISD?
My family made a deliberate choice to move to Cypress in the 1970s, ensuring I received an exceptional education. Having lived here and successfully raised my three children in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (ISD), I can proudly say that this decision and my decision to raise my children in this community was the best we've ever made. Our community, with its top-ranked schools, is a premier destination place to raise a family. I choose to stay in Cy-Fair because I wholeheartedly believe in the strength of our school district and community. My deep roots and strong passion for both the community and our schools drive my commitment to this incredible place.

Are you currently a CFISD volunteer? If so, what school(s)? 
Yes. Since my retirement in December 2022, after dedicating 23 rewarding years to the district, I have embraced the opportunity to volunteer at Cy-Fair High School. My role primarily involves assisting with graduation ceremonies held at the Berry Center, where I enjoy helping to create a memorable experience for the students as they celebrate this significant milestone in their lives. I have dedicated much of my time to creating cherished memories with my seven wonderful grandkids and catching up on time lost while working.

Have you been a CFISD volunteer in the past (include years)?
I have had the pleasure of volunteering in the CFISD community for a total of 12 years before working for the district. My journey began with the Millsap PTO, where I dedicated five years to supporting various school initiatives and events. After that, I spent four rewarding years volunteering at Hamilton Middle School, where I engaged with students and contributed to a range of programs. While volunteering at Hamilton, I served as the Chair of Hospitality, organizing meals for the faculty and staff for four years. As my children grew, I became involved with Cy-Fair High School and the Cy-Fair Athletic Booster Club, continuing my commitment to fostering a positive environment for students and their families.

List your participation in CFISD school and/or district parent clubs, business partnerships and/or committees.
I began my career as a school bus driver for the district. After that, I transitioned to a special education paraprofessional position at Cy-Fair High School. Once I completed my degree, I was promoted to the role of teacher and district coordinator. Later on, I pursued further education and earned my master's degree, which led to my promotion to Assistant Principal. Throughout my time in the district, I held various positions and served on several district and local committees. My family has owned multiple businesses in the Cy-Fair community for many years. My husband and I currently own and operate a business in this community that was established here in 1983. We continue to support this district and community, both financially and personally, in various ways.

Include any other areas in which you have supported CFISD not included in previous question.
I have served as a member of the CFISD Safe Schools Committee, where I coordinated emergency plans, supported safety audits, collaborated with law enforcement, and implemented proactive safety measures. Additionally, I have taken on roles as a new teacher trainer, teacher mentor, assistant principal mentor, and student mentor.

I have managed school district budgets and worked with operations and maintenance while supervising custodial staff, overseeing building renovations, and ensuring proper building maintenance. This is not an exhaustive list, but it highlights key areas in which I am uniquely qualified to serve as a board trustee. My extensive experience in this district has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of its operations, finance, campus culture, and classroom needs.

List local organizations in which you currently participate, including offices held.
I am a member of the Cypress Republicans and have recently joined the Texas Retired Teachers Association. I also attend Risen Church.

Considering your skills and talents, what positive contribution would you make as a member of the Board of Trustees?
I bring a unique combination of skills and experiences, along with proven leadership from my time in the district and my experience co-running our business, which would greatly benefit our board. I understand what a high-functioning board should look like and how to foster an effective team.

My roles in the district reflect my commitment to creating a supportive educational environment that promotes high academic achievement. I have designed curriculum and collaborated with teachers to implement best instructional practices in the classroom. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was part of the outreach team that rode buses to students' homes to deliver their schoolwork. I did not shy away from the challenges the district faced, nor did I complain or create division by demanding that teachers and students be punished for not wearing masks. I do the work and get things done.

With my extensive experience in the district, I have gained a deep understanding of its operations and challenges, equipping me to make informed decisions that will lead us toward greater success. I know the right questions to ask within a complex structured system.

What are the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees?
The board of trustees serves as the guiding body that establishes the framework for the district. Through policy, it facilitates the implementation of effective procedures and sets the tone for our schools. The board must lead by example, understand the needs of the community, parents, and the district, and create pathways to success for all students. Board members should be strong and effective leaders capable of engaging in difficult conversations.

The board must adopt a servant mindset, prioritizing the needs of students, parents, and schools over personal agendas or advancement. Our community expects us to prioritize these needs in our service. We are responsible and accountable to our community through fiscal responsibility, conservative governance that respects parental rights and responsibilities, and the creation of policies that foster positive, safe, and disciplined learning environments for both our teachers and our students.

What role do positive trustee relations on the Board play in affecting student success?
For teams to thrive, mutual respect and constructive conversations among members are crucial. Drawing from extensive experience with diverse teams, I have seen that an environment promoting clear communication and respectful discussions of differing ideologies leads to success. Keeping our shared purpose—student success—at the forefront of all discussions is vital. Disagreement should not be viewed negatively; in fact, strong leaders actively engage in challenging conversations while honoring differing perspectives. To cultivate healthy team dynamics, we must prioritize trust, respect, and a joint commitment to achieving the academic success of every student.

What are the most critical challenges facing the district, and what are possible solutions to address those issues?
CFISD is facing several critical challenges, including budget deficit, teacher retention, and the need for better classroom discipline support. We must carefully balance the budget, which involves conducting a forensic audit to identify what is essential for enhancing our children's education and ensuring the safety and security of our buildings.

Additionally, we need to ensure that our teachers(and support staff) find joy in their demanding roles. Our teachers are dedicated to their students and require classrooms and hallways that are safe and free from rhetoric and political agendas. It is important to examine our current system and be innovative and courageous in implementing changes that continue to adapt and foster high student achievement.

I believe that our community owns our schools and should have a significant say in how we educate our students. Our teachers are deeply invested in our children—let's allow them to do their jobs effectively.

What do you hope your legacy will be as a member of the Board of Trustees?
I am genuinely excited about the legacy I hope to leave—one of unity and servant leadership! Growing up in this vibrant community has been instrumental in shaping my vision for our journey ahead. During my time at CFISD, I discovered that true leaders rise to meet the needs of those they serve, and I believe this is more critical now than ever.

Let's come together for meaningful discussions about our ideologies, financial considerations, and our evolving views on education.

It’s vital to unite as a community and acknowledge that, despite our differences, we all share a deep commitment to our collective future. As a conservative, I approach both conflict and collaboration through the lens of Biblical principles that guide my faith. I am sincerely optimistic that my legacy can inspire unity and a spirit of servant leadership for all! Together, we can make a difference!