Coppell resident Julie Waters is a candidate running for Place 5 on the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees. Waters is an advocate for district funding and finding a way to retain teachers.
Place 5: Julie Waters
What inspired you to run for this office?
My heart and passion are all about serving, especially youth. As an attorney, I first started working with abused and neglected children in Child Protective Services. Then, I started my nonprofit Free the Captives focused on teenagers who were caught up in sex trafficking. My entire career has been dedicated to children who have no voice. I have seen the difference that education makes. A good education is the key for breaking generational poverty and abuse. A good education is the foundation for many career pathways. It is my heart for children and my belief in the importance of education that drives me to run for the school board.
I have three children, ages 4 to 8 years old. We will be in Coppell schools for the next 14 years. I have been very involved in the PTO and started the UIL Academics program at our school. I coached second and third graders in public speaking, classical music and creative writing. It is amazing to see these young minds grow in areas that even intimidate adults. I am now expanding UIL Academics to other elementary schools in Coppell.
I am invested in CISD schools, and I want the best for all CISD students.
What experiences prepared you for this role?
I am an attorney who has rescued teen sex trafficking victims for over a decade. I have collectively engaged stakeholders from the FBI, major police departments, the DA’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office in the fight against trafficking. I have trained and mobilized thousands of people to combat trafficking, which led to changes in public policy. Through the nonprofit I started, I have also initiated and executed large scale projects. I can bring my leadership abilities, advocacy skills and vision to CISD.
To learn more about me, please visit my website: www.VoteforJulieWaters.com. Just add Waters!
What do you think are the biggest issues currently facing CISD?
First, funding is a major issue that the district is facing. 26% of CISD’s budget goes to recapture, also known as Robin Hood. This is more than $46 million of taxpayer funds being sent to the state and going into the state’s general fund. We need to keep more of our money in our district. Cuts have been made due to projected budget deficits that impact teachers and learners.
Second, we are facing a major teacher shortage, not just in Coppell, but statewide. To understand why, I have spent over 40 hours interviewing 25+ teachers who are currently teaching in the district or recently left. The reasons why they are leaving vary: being overworked, not enough pay, changes brought on due to COVID, and lack of maternity leave, amongst other things. Also, to prepare for serving on the school board, I have started substitute teaching at the elementary, middle and high schools. I want to have first-hand knowledge of what our teachers and learners experience daily. I have enjoyed it immensely and have learned so much. Being a sub at CHS was awesome!
What are your plans to address these concerns?
In order to retain our teachers, here are changes I would like to investigate: (1) learn from nearby districts who have subsidized daycare for teachers, (2) fight for higher teacher pay at the state legislative level, (3) utilize parent volunteers to provide teachers with extra planning time during recess and lunch, (4) hold monthly luncheons between teachers, school board members and district administrators and (5) create a culture where teachers feel safe in voicing their opinions.
To address the funding concerns, we must focus our efforts on the state legislature. We need massive community involvement if we want changes regarding the funding of public schools. As a nonprofit leader, I have mobilized thousands of people to engage their elected officials, which led to changes in public policy. I can bring these same skills to the area of state funding.
How would you describe Coppell ISD to a stranger?
Coppell ISD is a special community where every learner matters. Together, we have created a unique environment where everyone has a place to grow and learn. Whether it is IB or AP, New Tech or CHS, football or theater arts, band or choir, AV production or engineering, plus more, there is something for everyone. It is an amazing community where we work together and support each other. #CISDworkingtogether
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