What motivated you to run for office?
Serving the Coppell ISD community as a Trustee has been an honor and a privilege. I am committed to leveraging and applying my prior experiences to the current and future challenges to help CISD remain a high performance district for all.
My commitment to service in public education is long-standing and has been evidenced through my various experiences, expertise and support shown throughout my current board service.
During my tenure, I have proudly promoted the mission and vision of the district and the students’ successful outcomes with leaders in local businesses and nonprofits, as well as with community members.
I am motivated to continue to leverage my in-depth comprehension of how this district works across all functions and how the public education system works in Texas, as well as my faithful vocation to build relationships with our district’s staff and community stakeholders, in support of our students. Additionally, with my consistent dedication to continuous self-improvement through leadership training and the evolution of my skills, talents and expertise, I am ready to continue to work through any challenges that the district will face.
How has your background prepared you for this role?
As a current trustee, I have experience in leadership roles as an officer on the Coppell ISD board, North Texas Area Association of School Boards (NTAASB) and TASB Risk Management Fund Board as chair of the claims committee, and vice chair for the current year.
I have an extensive background in financial planning, capital planning and fixed asset accounting with IBM, plus my financial work in consulting services. Furthermore, I have been a part of multiple strategic plans as part of my corporate background, as well as board work at Mobility Credit Union, Coppell ISD and the TASB Risk Management Fund Board.
In addition, I have dedicated my tenure in being a continuous learner, averaging over 40 hours a year of continuing education credit, as well as becoming a Master Trustee in 2013.
What are the most urgent issues facing CISD right now?
The most urgent issues and priorities facing CISD right now are school funding (increased basic allotment and inflation Index), teacher/staff recruitment and retention, opposition to vouchers and education savings accounts, safety and security and local control.
How do you plan to address those issues?
I plan to address these issues by understanding the key facts on impact, benefits and outcomes. I will work with my board in accordance with the Framework for School Board Development, and with the district’s staff to identify viable solutions. The resolution to these major issues will require boards and communities working together and communicating those needs persistently with our state legislators. I will also network with trustees across North Texas and across the state in support of these issues.
What do you think makes Coppell ISD unique?
First, we have an excellent mix of teachers and staff that bring a variety of expertise to the district, including many who are graduates of CISD. They work very well together and have built meaningful professional relationships to develop a productive, unique working culture. Second, the district is successful in its implementation and execution of core academic and specialized programs. Third, the successful outcomes of CISD’s students and staff is accomplished by having well-executed strategic plans, such as the CISD 2030 Strategic Plan and the Community-Based Accountability System which brings together a holistic approach in addressing the whole child and staff. Additionally, CISD is fortunate to have a strong group of parent, community and business volunteers, at all levels.
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