I am running for the Houston Independent School District Board of Education District V Trustee position because I believe we are at a tipping point with public education in Houston. Our current District V Trustee, Dianne Johnson, has served us well in this post for the last eight years by leading reform efforts with the Board of Education. She will not be seeking re-election in November. The District V Trustee position has been an instrumental vote in leading reform efforts that benefit students and school communities. Without a reform-minded leader elected from District V, future progress will be in jeopardy, and some reform efforts may be stopped and even reversed. This position matters for all students now more than ever.
I have been encouraged to seek this office by people who know I have a fundamental commitment to better schools for all students through meaningful reforms and sound decision-making. As your District V Trustee, I will always put “Students First” by preserving school choice, protecting successful magnet programs and ensuring academic growth for all students. I will work tirelessly toward strong neighborhood schools in every community.
Students First
My children grew up in and graduated from HISD schools. My wife and I committed ourselves to their academic success. Having been engaged with HISD for 16-plus years on many levels, I know the acute importance of putting students first in all decisions. You can expect me to fight for them and redirect the school district when special interest groups, jobs and contracts take precedence over what is in their best interests. I promise you I will put students first in all decision-making and diligently consider the impact on students, parents and communities before casting any vote.
Academic Growth for All Students
HISD has made great progress in laying the foundation for an accountability system that focuses on what is most important — academic growth for all students. While progress has been made in accountability, much work remains. I will collaborate with other board members to understand and fix any EVAAS data quality issues, implement reforms that ensure effective teachers are teaching students and establish meaningful academic standards for our school district. The district’s goal is to ensure that all HISD graduates are prepared to maximize their competitive potential. You have my commitment to strengthen the system of setting expectations and ensuring accountability in order to raise quality academic outcomes for all students.
Strong Neighborhood Schools in Every Community
Parents should not have to enroll their children in private school, move to the suburbs or bus their children across town in order for them to receive a high quality education. Given my business background and extensive experience in various capacities with the HISD schools and Board, I am uniquely qualified to assist in establishing a meaningful five-year strategic plan setting district-wide standards for systematic improvement for all schools. If something is working at certain schools, parents expect the district to understand why it works and, if appropriate, replicate it across the district. If a program doesn’t work, parents expect HISD to either fix it or free up the resources to be used to replicate successful models. If elected, I will support solutions built upon proven models for success. I will not be misled by the flavor of the month, the next big idea, passing fads, silver bullets or hunches. If I am elected, you can expect from me sound, student-centric decisions with lots of input from parents, students, teachers and principals.
