Q&A: Meet the candidates running for Position 4 in Clear Creek ISD

What are your priorities if elected?

The district faces declining enrollment and with it, declining revenues. It is imperative that we maintain high educational standards regardless of budget. Meeting that challenge is my highest priority.

What changes, if any, would you make to the district’s budget?

The budget presentation at the last board workshop was about as good an attempt at meeting our obligations with the revenue that we have as we'll likely get. No significant changes to that. I would like to see the state step up with the funding that is obligated under the ...

What programming, if any, would you like to see changed, adjusted or added?

The most significant challenge our students will have to face is a world that is increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. We are at the same point with AI that we were with the Internet in 1995. I would like programming to prepare them for this future.

How do you feel about the bond and the projects within it?

With the financial constraints that the district is under, I would have liked to see a smaller bond. However, with the state of our infrastructure the way it is, that was not possible, and that was about the smallest bond we could have passed that would meet our needs ...

Do you support any policies or ideas aimed at helping the district grow?

With school choice all but an inevitability this coming legislative cycle or the next, we will have to compete for students. I support more open enrollment policies as a means of doing this, adding students up to our existing capacity but not beyond (no new construction) ...

What are your priorities if elected?

Obtain the resources available, keep funds in CCISD and focused on students and teachers in the district. Ensure libraries are supported and staffed with trained librarians who curate collections [and] not ban books. Work to keep schools safe and secure while maintaining welcoming and open environments. <br>

What changes, if any, would you make to the district’s budget?

Currently, the budget appears to be well managed. I’m not going to advocate for change for change's sake. If elected, I’ll re-evaluate once I have greater visibility on the totality of the situation.

What programming, if any, would you like to see changed, adjusted or added?

CCISD has great programs. The priority is protecting the good works rather than jumping straight to change. In particular, gifted and talented classes, special education, and the music and arts programs need to be maintained.

How do you feel about the bond and the projects within it?

In general, bonds are a great way to address funding as they are voted on by the community. Projects like upgrading infrastructure, maintaining materials for extracurricular activities and keeping needed IT equipment up to date is critical for success in our schools.