Qualifications: What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?

I am an educator with over 25 years of experience and an M.Ed. from Texas A&M. I have been an adjunct, educational author, senior instructional designer, Director of Training and Manager of Curriculum Development. Currently I am back in the classroom rebuilding the Humble ISD IT Certification program.

I bring with me a unique perspective of being in the classroom and seeing the issues firsthand that our district is facing.

Opportunities: What opportunities for improvement do you identify in the District and how do you feel the Board should work towards those goals?

There are lots of opportunities for improvement, but I believe that many of these issues can be resolved if we focus on transparency and accountability in the district.

We must make our district a place where folks are safe to bring concerns to administration and those who abuse the public trust are shown the door.

We must also hold everyone accountable for the professional and educational standards we need to be THE school district in Texas.

Funding: What actions can the Board take to secure the financial future of the District? Specifically, are there any expenditures you feel should be examined as a cost-saving measure?

I have seen first-hand the district waste over $100,000 on a program that none of the teachers it was purchased for could or can use. I have seen other purchases from the district that are also collecting dust. One of the first things I would want to do as a board member is stop hemorrhaging money on products we don’t need or are using.

Supporting Teachers: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing teachers in the District? What actions can the Board take to better support and retain teachers?

There is a serious disconnect between what is happening on our campuses and what the board sees. This goes back to transparency. Our school board members need to become more active and visible in the district. They need to hear directly from the faculty and staff on our campuses.

The other items to help bring in and keep teachers are to treat them like the professionals. Unfortunately, while I have more to add, I am limited to 450 characters.

Future Voters: Assess how the District prepares students to participate in their country’s democracy and describe what the Board can do to support civic engagement efforts.

Tying back in with the need for transparency and plugging school board members into the events on our campus, I would love to see school board members volunteering once a grading period on our campus. They could help cover classes or talk to the government classes about what they do and the process to become elected and how local government works.