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Howe School Board Candidates

Written by Jeremy Corley

Saturday, 02 May 2009

Mark Abner

Occupation:

Financial Advisor

Previous experience with city or school district:

Served on the Career and Technology Advisory Committee at the High School

President of the Howe FFA Booster Club whose purpose is to raise funds for scholarships and support the Ag Department,

Community involvement with youth sports as a coach.

Why are you running?

My parents were both educators. Though I didn’t follow in their footsteps this is an opportunity for me to have an influence on the quality of education for my children and all the students of Howe.

What would you like to change?

I would like to see more proactive community involvement in our school district. The school board should listen to views of the parents and the community while making decisions.

Why are you the best candidate for the position?

I feel that my expertise as a Financial Advisor will be an asset to the Board. School finance is a tough balancing act between meeting the needs of the district with the limited funds available. With the funds that potentially could be coming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this is even of greater importance.

Bruce Dawsey

Kerri England

Pat Stewart

Occupation:

Retired teacher from HISD; Adjunct Professor/Supervisor for

Student Teachers/Interns for the Texas A&M System — Commerce

Previous experience with city or school district:

HISD Retired teacher

and member of the board for six years. Currently serve as Secretary of the Board

Why are you running?

After teaching and loving students for 37 years, I want to continue my involvement with the students of Howe. I want the very best education the Howe students can receive. I feel that with my teaching experience, parenting experience of two Howe High School graduates, an active participant in my community of Dorchester/Howe, a Howe taxpayer, and a retiree on a fixed income, I have the insight and desire to make the Howe ISD an exemplary district for all of the students at Howe. If I have an agenda, this is it.

What would you like to change?

I want the very best for the students

at Howe — the best teachers, the best curriculum, the best courses

available, etc. — those things which will enable our students to achieve

and become productive citizens.

Why are you the best candidate for the position?

With my experience on the board, and a person who has taught and loves to work with students, I feel my dedication to the students of Howe is very important.

Phillip Wildman

Occupation:

Auto sales and Rancher

Previous experience:

Howe ISD Trustee, 3 years

Why are you running?

I keep asking myself that question. I have taken my position on the school board very seriously and will continue to do so.

What would you like to change?

We must regain our status as the best school district in our area. We cannot be satisfied with an Acceptable rating on two campuses. A Recognized status for all campuses is the first priority, and then our goal must be set on attaining an Exemplary status for all campuses and the Howe ISD district.

We must also be fiscally responsible with our taxpayer’s money. In these tough times I believe the school should tighten spending and not ask the taxpayers for additional revenue. I feel we must give our teachers a salary increase in order to compete with schools to our south. I think this is possible if we adjust our budget, making teacher’s salaries the number one priority. We must also adjust our student - teacher ratio, I am concerned about these figures. Students bring in revenue from the state. Our enrollment is declining and we must implement a plan that will attract all students living in our district to attend Howe ISD. Exemplary campuses would make it easier.

Why are you the best candidate for the position?

I have proven in my three years on the board that I vote thoughtfully and with no regard to outside influences or peer pressure. I vote only for what I truly believe is best for the students and taxpayers of Howe, Texas.

Van Alstyne School Board Candidates

Written by Jeremy Corley
Saturday, 02 May 2009
Place 5 Candidates Jeff Burge Occupation: Detective Dallas Police Department Special Investigations Division/Child Exploitation Unit Previous experience with city or school district: My wife, Stephanie, and I moved to Van Alstyne 14 years ago to raise our family in this community. She has been in public education for 11 years and a teacher in the VAISD for 7 years having taught at the kindergarten, 3rd grade, and middle school levels. At various times, we have been involved in the PTA, the Education Boosters and the Athletic Booster Club. We have 3 boys who are students at the Middle School and High School levels here in Van Alstyne. Why are you running? I believe strongly in the importance of public service. I currently serve as secretary of the deacon body at First Baptist Church Van Alstyne where I am also a trustee of the church. In my capacity as a Child Exploitation Detective, I serve as an advocate for victimized children. By serving this community as a trustee of the school board, I feel I can make a positive contribution toward the continued success and growth of this district. I am fully aware that the current nationwide financial crisis demands that now, more than ever, the board exercise good stewardship and fiscal responsibility. This presents a daunting challenge as we balance ways to cut costs without jeopardizing the quality of education and services we provide our students. I commit to you that I do not take the responsibility of a trustee lightly and will fight to ensure your tax dollars are wisely invested. What would you like to change? I have no special agenda or motives in running for board trustee other than a desire to serve the citizens, students, employees, and administrators of this district to the best of my ability. We currently have a strong, healthy district that is moving in the right direction to ensure educational excellence for our students. That being said, there is always room for improvement and I feel I can help facilitate those improvements. Why are you the best candidate for the position? I would not necessarily argue that I am the “best” candidate for Place 5. I believe both candidates bring unique talents, perspectives, and insights to the table. David McGinnis and I have been friends for a long time. He has a good heart and would serve this district well. I am fully aware that public service is a calling and one that should not be taken lightly. I therefore pledge to the citizens of this district that, if elected, I will make well-informed, responsible decisions and set policy that will continue to strengthen this district as a whole and ensure its continued success as it seeks to fulfill its goal of providing a quality learning environment and exemplary education for our students. Dave McGinnis Occupation: General Manager/CEO of Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative, Inc. Previous experience with city or school district: No previous experience with City Council or School Board, other than attendance at or providing reports to both from time to time. Why are you running? Public education has afforded me many opportunities, and I simply want to return the favor through service to the School District. What would you like to change? I believe that, by and large, the current Board has done an excellent job of handling the issues they have faced. The District has excellent facilities, many of which have been built or extensively remodeled in the past ten years. We have an excellent staff of administrators, teachers and support personnel that continue to provide the best education possible for our students. The Board has also managed during the recent economic struggles very well. If elected, I do not intend to “change” anything, other than to add more insight from my experience in serving on other similar Boards of Directors and from my experience in managing a not-for-profit business that operates very similarly to a school district. Why are you the best candidate for the position? As an employee of a not-for-profit business, I have had many opportunities to serve on Boards or Committees of regional and state cooperatives; and my position as GM/CEO, affords me the privilege of serving a Board of Directors. I have a keen knowledge of the operations of a not-for-profit business that is very similar to a school district. While the Cooperative’s mission is to provide the very best possible service at the least possible cost, the mission of a school district is to provide the very best education possible at the least cost possible to the tax payers. In addition to this professional experience, I have attended a majority of the School Board meetings in the past eighteen months, so I have gained more insight to the discussions and issues facing the Board than the other non-incumbent candidates. Endorsements received: All of my “endorsements” are individuals, who know my history of service to the community, church and school district. Place 6 Candidates Rodney Carroll Occupation: 20+ years in telecommunications Previous experience with city or school district: One term with VAISD school board Previous involvement with PTA Assisting with VA Athletic Booster Club Coach for girl’s soccer, basketball, and softball through VASA and city leagues Why are you running? It has been a great experience to be a trustee for this district over the past three years. I signed up to run for my first term because I believe that we have been called to serve others. I was willing to take on that task, and give my time and energy because I believed our schools were worth the sacrifice. I still believe our schools are worth that time and effort. I do not take the title of trustee lightly. One of the most precious gifts we have been blessed with is our children, and this community has entrusted the education and care of their children to this district. I take that responsibility personally. Our children have always been my first priority in all decisions that I have made in my tenure, and I think they continue to deserve that consideration. The community’s trust extends into the area of money, and in today’s economy everyone is doing their best to hang on to what they have. I have been in the business world for more than 20 years, and I know from experience that in tough times that you have to make tough decisions. When the right decisions are made today, then you reap the rewards tomorrow. Our tax dollars are important, and I have endeavored to ensure that our money is spent wisely with the whole community in mind. I believe my experience in business and having served on the board are an asset to the school district. Board members require balance, and I did not choose to be on the board because of a personal agenda – only to serve. A school board consists of seven members elected from the community; therefore, decisions and recommendations are not based upon one or two people. Without a common goal of making VAISD the best district in the state you get mediocrity at best. It takes teamwork to reach higher goals, and I believe that I have shown the ability to work within that team. What would you like to change? I like the direction our district is headed. During my term our school has been given accolades by the Texas Association of Midsize Schools and by Texas Monthly. Overall, we continue to be a Recognized school with one Exemplary and three Recognized campuses. We are only a few students away from being Exemplary at each of the campuses at the middle school. That comes from a lot of hard work by the administration, the teachers, and the coaches who take pride in their work, and who love to help our children. I think our leadership is moving in the right direction. In the last three years the board has ensured that we have the right kind of leadership in key positions. Facilities have been upgraded. The middle school and high school have seen significant improvements in the past year, and the new football field and track are second to none in the area. Are there programs and policies that can be improved? Yes, and if we are not looking for improvement, then we are becoming stagnant. Board members are often the eyes and the ears of the community and provide important feedback to school leadership. I have always made myself available to what the community has to say. Why are you the best candidate for the position? First and foremost, I have the experience that people are looking for in a candidate. As you can see I have been part of this board and district that makes decisions based upon what is best for our kids. I know that all of us work hard for our money, and I believe that our taxes should be kept to a minimum. I have built a relationship with this school and community based upon honesty and integrity. I have a strong desire to serve this district that can take pride in its accomplishments. If you are interested in reading more about who I am and why I am running for re-election, then you can visit my Web site at http://rodcarroll4place6.homestead.com/. Jeff Moody Occupation: Engineer for Shared Technologies Previous experience with city or school district: Have worked for the last 6 years with city and school on improving the parks and recreation of Van Alstyne Why are you running? I desire the best for our schools, kids and teachers. I want to see this district move forward in all areas by making sound decisions. What would you like to change? The working relationship between the board and the public. I want the public more informed about decisions made and the future plans that face VAISD. Why are you the best candidate for the position? I have lived in Van Alstyne my entire live and want nothing more than to see our kids, teachers, and programs move in the right direction. I believe to have a good relationship with leaders within Van Alstyne and working with each of them is vital in making the right decisions to help improve our community. As I graduate of Van Alstyne High School I want nothing more than to see the district succeed. Endorsements received: Many members of the community Steve Roddy Occupation: Detective with the McKinney Police Department Previous experience with city or school district: I have four years of work experience within the McKinney ISD. I served as the School Resource Officer for the McKinney Police Department and worked with both high school and junior high students. This work experience gave me an opportunity to colloborate with school officials and administrators to develop a safe school environment while mentoring at-risk students. Why are you running? I am running for this school board position for several important reasons. The first, and most important, is the students of the VAISD. I want to dedicate my time and energy to ensure that all of the children of Van Alstyne are guaranteed a well rounded education in a safe and positive learning environment. The second reason I am vying for this position is that I would like the opportunity to support what I believe is a first class team of administrators, faculty and staff at VAISD. My final reason for running for this position is the love I have developed over the years for our community. My family and I have lived in Van Alstyne for 14 years, and I want to do everything I possibly can to ensure that the VAISD grows in a positive manner and that great schools become even greater schools. What would you like to change? I would like to give the teachers, faculty and staff of the VAISD the respect and support they so greatly deserve. I would also like to be part of a team that ensures that these professionals are appreciated by both the School Board and the community. Why are you the best candidate for the position? I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I am an excellent team player . Each and every decision I would be involved in would have the best interests of all of the students in our school at heart. I am very open minded and have a willingness to listen to others. I have worked in another school district and I am aware of the challenges of this position. I am willing to work dilligently to serve the students and citizens of the VAISD. Place 7 Candidates Jay Cooper Occupation: Material Program Manager, Raytheon Inc. Previous experience with city or school district: Graduate Van Alstyne High School Class of 1987 President - Van Alstyne Sports Authority Board Member - Van Alstyne Parks Board Why are you running? As a long time resident of Van Alstyne and Graduate of this District, I felt it was time for me to give back and help develop the policies and guidance for the Students of this District as it continues to grow and position for the future. As a father of 3 young boys, husband of a teacher in the District and an active participant in youth sports coaching numerous current students, it is extremely important to me personally to help be a part of bringing the best education possible to the students of Van Alstyne while maximizing the current tax dollars. What would you like to change? One of the main things I would like to see changed is the perception of the Board by the voters of Van Alstyne. Why are you the best candidate for the position? My past experiences as a business owner, pilot, and manager have allowed me to develop qualities that make me a great candidate for VAISD Board of Trustees. David Kerr Occupation: Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Plano Fire Department Previous experience with city or school district: I have served on the board for the past six (6) years. I am currently Vice President of the board. I served on the leadership team for the district’s vision plan. I served with the administration on the planning team for the new stadium and middle school renovation. I am also on the board of directors for the North Texas Area Association of School Boards (TAASB). This group is instrumental in providing board training, networking and legislative review. TAASB serves regions 10 and 11 which include Dallas, Fort Worth, Sherman and Denton regions. Why are you running? To serve the educational needs of all students. To help set the course for current and future educational opportunities. To work with district parents, students and teachers. I would like to see the district develop a long range education plan. For example, this plan would show what subjects and areas of study would be available as we grow. And just as important, what facilities would be needed as we move into the next century. I want to involve the community in these decisions. For example, should we provide one high school or multiple high schools? This is just one example as we begin to cast our eye on the future. I look forward to serving the community and working together on future projects . What would you like to change? I think one of our greatest challenges is the funding of schools. Currently we are operating under state mandated 2005- 2006 funding levels. I am working with the legislature right now to return to the formula based funding tables. The current funding matrix works against districts like Van Alstyne, providing great inequity for our students and teachers. I support a bill that would allow for modification to the 4x4 curriculum. This would allow a graduation plan for those students who wish to persue a technical career and would allow more time for the arts. Why are you the best candidate for the position? I have a lot of leadership experience and have served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards. I have served in leadship roles with First Baptist Church. I now have six years of experience on the school board. I believe I have the ability to bring people together to work for the common good. As an adjunct instructor with CCCCD and the National Fire Academy in Maryland, where I teach strategic planning courses, I bring the ability to lead us to look to the future while maintaining our current needs. Van Alstyne will some day begin to grow again. We need to be positioned to be proactive on growth and be ready to provide for the future educational needs for our kids, grandkids and future neighbors. Endorsements received: I consider myself a non partisan candidate. I will represent all students and citizens of the district. Those who know and work with me know the values I stand for and I am proud to have them as my supporters. I appreciate all those who support my re-election bid. Please remember to exercise your right to vote on May 9th.
Last Updated ( Monday, 04 May 2009 )

Van Alstyne City Council Candidates

Written by Jeremy Corley
Saturday, 02 May 2009
Mayoral Candidates Ruth Ann Collins Occupation: Special Programs Consultant, Retired Teacher Previous experience with city: Keep Van Alstyne Beautiful — organized Chamber of Commerce Board Downtown Merchants Association Senior Center Board — organized Meals on Wheels Campus Improvement Plan — Van Alstyne Elementary School Why are you running? To continue the programs of the present administration To improve communication in the Greater Van Alstyne Area To facilitate planned growth in our area What would you like to change? A fresh viewpoint and new ideas for ways to have a clean, unified and informed community Why are you the best candidate for the position? I have a well rounded interest in all aspects of community life in the Greater Van Alstyne Area James Flanery Occupation: Retired from Verizon (GTE) Previous experience with city: 10 years Van Alstyne City Council, two years mayor pro tem Why are you running? Present mayor not seeking re-election and many citizens encouraging me to run due to my qualifications What would you like to change? 1. City to be able to attract new retail businesses 2. City to be more active in code enforcement, especially inferior structures and unsightly vegetation. Why are you the best candidate for the position? Experience as city council member and mayor pro tem and being familiar with the infrastructure and layout of the city City Council Place 4 A.C. Mosby Occupation: Retired educator — I have over 40 years in public education as a teacher, principal, counselor, consultant and superintendent of Anna Independent Schools the last 12 years at retirement. Previous experience with city: No previous experience with city council; however my experience working with school boards I perceive is very much like that of a city council. Why are you running? It is apparent that the city of Van Alstyne has made significant progress in many areas in recent years and I want to be a part of the council that continues to progress in the future. What would you like to change? I am in no position at this time to know what changes rae needed. I have no personal agenda. Why are you the best candidate for the position? I feel that I am the best candidate due to my experiences as an educator; more specifically my experiences as superintendent of schools. I have had vast experience in the budget process, budget oversight and overall management of a school district. City Council Place 5 Paul Kirley Occupation: Financial and Mortgage Investments Property Development Previous Experience with City or School District: None Why are you running? As a long time resident of the Van Alstyne area and more recently as a resident of the city, I am vitally interested in the degree of focus necessary to successfully move the city into the future while contending with and helping to resolve the challenges of the present. Why are you the best candidate for the position? I have been in executive management and sales positions for many years, and I believe that I can assist the Council, the Mayor and the City Manager in continuing the excellent planning that has brought the city this far. Endorsements received: Van Alstyne Economic Development Council, Keep Van Alstyne Beautiful Committee, Greater Texoma Utility Authority Jason McDonald Occupation: Self Employed Previous experience with city or school district: No previous experience Why are you running? I am running for city council because I wish to be a part of encouraging growth to our town. After college I moved back to Van Alstyne because it is a small town and a great place to start a family. I also know from a first hand experience that the schools are far superior to any of those around. However, growth is inevitable and I would like to be a part of “steering” it in the direction that the town wishes. I feel that we as a town have missed out on numerous opportunities to expand our tax revenue base that we should not have. What would you like to change? I would to change the very small town mentality that seems to exist here in Van Alstyne. I enjoy the fact that as a town we are very small but we must begin thinking on a larger scale. I would like to greatly improve our roads that have been overlooked in the past. I would also like to put ourselves in position to attract business’s to our town which in return will provide us a larger tax base. Why are you the best candidate for the position? I have lived here for 17 years and have begun raising my family here. I intend to put my children through school here giving me a vested interest in the town and the direction of its growth. I am very business savy and have the foresight and budgeting skills needed to make the best decisions for Van Alstyne. Being self employed, I also have the time that it takes to serve not only at a city level, but a county level as well. Billy Plake Occupation: Retired from Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Previous experience with city or school district: None Why are you running? I am looking for a way that I can serve my community in a manner that will make a difference in its future. What would you like to change? I will work to see that VA continues to grow, but in a slow controlled manner. I would like to get more restaurants and retail growth in the downtown area. I want to attract industries that would improve our tax base. I want the streets fixed up. I want the city to get a better fire rating, so home and business insurance premiums would go down. I want the downtown area to continue to have the vintage town feel and look that it presently has. I would like for VA to have a code enforcement and animal control officer. Why are you the best candidate for the position? I don’t know the other canidates personally but I can tell you why I would be a good councilman. I will available to and listen to the people of VA. I will be truthful with them. I will not tell them I can fix something if I cannot. I will be understanding of their problems. I will always do what is in my opinion best for all of Van Alstyne. John Samuells Occupation: DSD Receiver For Kroger Previous experience with city or school district: No Previous Experience Why are you running? I have all ways wanted to do something for the citizens and the community and serve the city. What would you like to change? I don’t want to change anything. I just want to help make a difference for the citizens. Why are you the best candidate for the position? I don’t know if I am the right candidate. But if elected I will work hard for citizens and the community.
Last Updated ( Saturday, 02 May 2009 )