Clem Cantu
Experience: Texas Education Agency teacher certification, 40 years’ experience in education, various education leadership roles
Top priorities: ensure graduates are college- and career-ready, engage parents and teachers in the decision-making process, ensure expenditures reflect academic priorities
Why are you running?
As a retired educator with 40-plus years’ experience, I believe that I have the ability to make decisions at the district level. I want to serve my community in a capacity that utilizes my experience as a former teacher, counselor, librarian and administrator. The most important reason for running for the school board is that I care about the education of the children in San Marcos.
What is the biggest challenge facing the district?
One of the biggest challenges facing the current school board is the selection of the new superintendent. Since the school board works directly with the superintendent to see that the school district runs smoothly, it is one of the most important decisions they will make. The position of superintendent is critical to all aspects of a successful school district.
Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?
I feel that I am qualified to serve on the school board because of my educational background as well as having previous school board experience in Edinburg, Texas. Additionally, having both public school and university experience provides me with the background to make decisions on our district policies to assure a smooth transition for students graduating from San Marcos High School to Austin Community College, Texas State University or any our post-secondary institution. During my years as an educator, I have held the following positions: elementary teacher, bilingual program evaluator, bilingual program director, counselor for at-risk freshman at the Pan American University, director of High School Equivalency Program, director of financial aid, director of personnel, director of High Risk Youth Grant at Texas State, counselor at SMHS and counselor at Goodnight Middle School. In addition, I served on four Southern Association Accreditation Teams in the Rio Grande Valley. I have certification from Texas Education Agency in teaching, counseling, learning resource center specialist, mid-management and superintendent.
What can you do, specifically, to improve learning in San Marcos CISD classrooms?
As a trustee, the responsibilities are limited to setting policy, budget approval and working with the superintendent. In order to affect student learning, it would mean selecting a superintendent that would provide excellence in academics. It also means approving expenditures which will enable teachers and students the resources needed to be successful. Just as in counseling you have to be a good listener, it will be my goal to listen carefully to the needs of our staff, parents and community members as it relates to the best interest of all students. Although a trustee is not elected to run the district on a day-to-day basis, it does include the overseeing of the district through policy approval, fiscally responsible budget oversight and maintaining positive district relationships with community, state and federal entities.
Dan Lyon
Experience: active participant at school board meetings, 17+ years working in the cement industry, attended San Marcos CISD from K-12
Top priorities: ensure the district has the resources it needs to deliver a quality education, balance the budget and reduce debt
Why are you running?
I believe there is room for improvement in our schools. All students have the capacity to learn; however, we cannot have a ‘one-size-fits-all’ policy toward education. High achievers must be given the opportunity to excel, and help should be available for those who need it. Our schools can be improved so all students will be able to attain the knowledge and skills necessary for success in whatever endeavors they choose.
What is the biggest challenge facing the district?
I see two equally significant challenges. The first is the continued growth in student population, and the second is the amount of debt the district has incurred. Hays County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, and the influx of new students will increase our student population. To accommodate this growth, we must make maximum beneficial use of our limited tax dollars.
Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?
I believe the most important qualification I have for school board is a genuine concern for the quality of education our children receive, and a strong desire to help the district create a positive environment which helps all students realize their maximum potential. If I were to be elected, I believe I would be the only board member with any actual construction experience, which is sorely needed. As for classroom education, I would rely heavily for advice on the teachers, as they are undoubtedly the true experts in the field.
What can you do, specifically, to improve learning in San Marcos CISD classrooms?
Trustees are elected by the people and are responsible for the executive oversight of all public school activities. The primary way to specifically improve students' learning in the classroom is to work with teachers, parents, fellow trustees and the superintendent to observe, analyze and evaluate the district's programs and environment to ensure that sufficient resources are in place and effectively utilized to encourage and facilitate learning. Simply stated, a trustee can help the classroom teacher unlock the tremendous potential inherent in every child.