Below are the responses from the two candidates for the position—Garrison Maurer and incumbent Russ Garner.
Candidates were asked to keep their responses at or below 50 words and avoid attacking their opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Information on this race as well as the Comal ISD 2023 bond can be found here.
* indicates incumbent
Russ Garner*
Experience:
current trustee, former Air Force fighter pilot
Occupation:
Air Force civilian supervisor
Candidate Website:
www.voterussgarner.com
Contact Information:
210-467-2898
What are your top three priorities if elected?
1. Ensure the best possible outcomes for ALL STUDENTS 2. Provide safe and effective learning environments for ALL STUDENTS which meet the growth needs of our district 3. Ensure our teachers and staff are valued and compensated competitively
How should CISD handle continued growth in the district?
Aggressively partner with developers who are benefiting from the draw of Comal ISD to ensure they are contributing their fair share to our land/facility needs. Maintain fiscal responsibility by working within the current [interest and sinking] tax rate for reasonable bonds to build efficient long-term campuses while recapitalizing our existing facilities.
What would you do specifically as a trustee to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
Be available and transparent. Encourage involvement in the many CISD committee opportunities [Superintendent] Dr. [John] Chapman and his staff will provide. Continue to foster mutually beneficial relationships with CISD leaders and local businesses and local leaders to showcase our students’ achievements while growing opportunities for CISD student success.
How would you work with state and congressional leaders to solve local problems for the school district?
Partner with other like-minded school districts to advocate for public education. Continue to forge relationships with state and national representatives to ensure they understand the value CISD provides to our local community, along with the legislative and growth challenges we face.
Garrison Maurer
Experience:
N/A
Occupation:
N/A
What are your top three priorities if elected?
1. Work towards improving teacher pay. 2. Fiscal responsibility and transparency 3. Successful education for all students
How should CISD handle continued growth in the district?
Utilize attendance zones, improve efficiency of existing facilities, ask public for additional schools when necessary.
What would you do specifically as a trustee to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?
Encourage input and feedback from taxpayers. Improve communication with public, host town-hall/public gatherings.
How would you work with state and congressional leaders to solve local problems for the school district?
Develop working relationships with state officials as Senator Dona Campbell, state Representative Carrie Isaac and Congressman Chip Roy.
