Place 5: David Caviness

What inspired you to run for this office?

CISD has been a highly rated and sought-after school district for many years, which is the reason my wife, Jessica, and I chose to make this community our home and school of choice. Since being elected, my top priority has been providing students with a high-quality education and vibrant extracurricular options through our award-winning fine arts programs, academic competitions and athletics. I am proud that we have provided our students with these wonderful experiences and opportunities as they prepare for the world that awaits them after graduation. Maintaining our high academic success comes with its challenges. However, I’m confident we can build upon our tradition of excellence by having open and honest communication with each other, building trust through transparency, and maintaining a strong sense of fiscal responsibility.

What experiences prepared you for this role?

As a CISD parent (Blake (11) attends CMS East, Beau (7) attends Pinkerton and Benjamin (6) attends Pinkerton) spanning the elementary, middle, and high school campuses, I have an extensive history of being active, involved and engaged within my kids’ schools and beyond. My 18-year history of involvement within our schools and community has given me the experience and knowledge necessary to understand the complex issues that CISD faces and the insight to navigate an ever-changing legislative landscape. Additionally, being a CISD Parent, spouse to an educator and a business owner (Caviness Wealth Management, LLC), has given me a unique perspective serving on the board, keeping our students, teachers, and families a top priority.

My experience and involvement includes:

CISD Board of Trustees, President

CISD Board of Trustees, Vice-President (2018-2020)

2016 CISD Bond Oversight Committee, Co-Chair

Pinkerton PTO Board

Pinkerton Dad’s Club Chairman

CISD iLead Leadership Training

CISD Safety & Security Committee

CISD District Educational Improvement Council

CISD Strategic Design Committee

Coppell Education Foundation, Board Member

Coppell Youth Football Association, Assistant Coach

Coppell Baseball Association, Coach and Assistant Coach

Coppell Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee

Coppell 2030 Business Prosperity Sub-Committee

Keep Coppell Beautiful Board

What do you think are the biggest issues currently facing CISD?

There is a significant shortage of teachers nationwide, attracting and retaining high-quality teachers has become a major challenge. Compounding this issue is the additional workload teachers bear as we work to recover from the pandemic and close the gaps due to learning loss. Working through those challenges requires extra time and resources, forcing the district to do more with less, as state funding has yet to keep pace with inflation.

What are your plans to address these concerns?

Teachers are our schools’ backbone, and we must prioritize their needs to retain and recruit the best. That includes ensuring that CISD is competitive and setting the standard in teacher pay. We have recently completed a salary study and will implement changes to accomplish this. Secondarily, we must provide our teachers with the support and resources necessary to succeed, allowing them to focus their time and energy on their students.

Additionally, we must continue listening to our students and evolving with the changing needs of our students and families by offering relevant and in-demand courses. Providing more offerings within our STEM and CTE courses presents one area of expansion within the district. 

Lastly, we have to continue working with our legislators in Austin on school finance reform and on a funding mechanism that, at the very least, keeps pace with inflation.

How would you describe Coppell ISD to a stranger?

CISD is one of the highest-ranked school districts in Texas and unique in that we provide our students with opportunities and high academic standards that rival the largest districts in the state. In addition, CISD values and invests in our students as individuals, allowing them to thrive and succeed in their unique ways, preparing them for the world ahead, whether off to college, entering the military or beginning their careers.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

Students and staff need and deserve the support and resources necessary to be successful. This action includes a cohesive learning environment that is safe and secure, up-to-date, and in good physical condition. The 2023 bond program addresses these issues, which is why I fully support it.

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