Six candidates running for Leander ISD board of trustees positions

If elected, what would be your top priority? The most urgent area that needs attention is schools that may be struggling due to high socioeconomic factors or English as a second language. We need a fresh look at resources we have at these schools. ... On the other end of the spectrum are high-performing schools. The question is: ... Can we be doing better?

Why do you want to be an LISD board member? ... I have been a part of bringing Leander ISD from a small district to now what is considered a large district. … We maintain fast growth, but we are now in a better position financially to handle the growth and plan our district the way the community would like us to.

[caption id="attachment_183480" align="alignleft" width="220"] Chris Remy[/caption]

Challenger: Chris Remy

Occupation: software sales

What work have you done to support LISD and its students? I am a PTA member at Bush Elementary and Canyon Ridge Middle schools, and this is my fifth year in the Watch D.O.G.S. [Dads Of Great Students] program. I have participated in site-based planning committees. ... I founded Leander ISD Coalition for Quality Education in Texas. ... I’ve also been active at the state level in advocating for our children … on issues such as over-testing and improving academic standards. 

If elected, what would be your top priority? To bring the philosophy of servant leadership to the board. ... A trustee with a service-oriented attitude is there to serve the community, see that its needs are met and guide our district to its fullest potential.

Why do you want to be an LISD board member? As the father of three children in [LISD], I want to ensure that they and their classmates have the best educational experience in a school district committed to academic excellence and happy kids. We have great schools in LISD. ... There is a need, however, for a better board. ... I am committed to better community relationships, good governance and leading the fight for local control.

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PLACE 4

[caption id="attachment_183481" align="alignleft" width="220"] Grace Barber-Jordan[/caption]

Incumbent: Grace Barber-Jordan

Occupation: adjunct professor of student development/licensed professional counselor

Number of years on the LISD board: 15

What work have you done to support LISD and its students? I’m particularly proud of our Leander ISD Learning Model that was developed when I was the board president. [The board’s] guiding documents set us apart from other school districts because we believe them and live them with our students. I’m also proud to have been a part of the research and design process of our new schools that are built around how our teachers teach. I have been a part of board decisions for the past 15 years and have been a room mother, Destination Imagination team manager and literacy partner.

If elected, what would be your top priority? Student learning and maintaining our culture of excellence as the district grows will be my top priority.

Why do you want to be an LISD board member? I am a teacher at the college level and a counselor who has worked with students of all ages. I am passionate about helping the students of our community because they are worthy of my time and effort. 

[caption id="attachment_183482" align="alignleft" width="220"] Scott L. Rowe[/caption]

Challenger: Scott L. Rowe

Occupation: corporate tax accountant

What work have you done to support LISD and its students? ... I most recently served as [chief financial officer] and board member of the Eastvale Community Foundation in Eastvale, California. ... I am ready to put my community experience to work for the children of the LISD.

If elected, what would be your top priority? My top priority is to represent the needs of the people in the district. I will listen to our parents, administrators, teachers and taxpayers to understand their individual concerns. I value the varying backgrounds and opinions of our residents and look forward to building consensus to achieve lasting improvements.

Why do you want to be an LISD board member?  We have a great district built upon the legacy of prior administrators, teachers, board members and solid families with amazing kids. As a corporate tax accountant, I would bring new perspective to the challenges of a growing district and its unique financial circumstances. More importantly, as a father with children in the district, I am deeply vested in the LISD’s pursuit of academic progress. 

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PLACE 6

[caption id="attachment_183483" align="alignleft" width="220"] Russell Bundy[/caption]

Incumbent: Russell Bundy

Occupation: law enforcement

Number of years on the LISD board: nine  

What work have you done to support LISD and its students? The work that is done to support LISD and its students is based on a team of eight—seven board trustees and the superintendent. Together we ensure that all LISD students receive the best education and every resource possible. ... Individual work that I am most proud of includes initiating the first Watch D.O.G.S. program at Cox Elementary with three other dads. ... LISD now has a Watch D.O.G.S. program in every elementary school.

If elected, what would be your top priority? To move forward with our newly hired superintendent, Dr. Dan Troxell, and further develop district strategies.

Why do you want to be an LISD board member? Being active in the community has always been a passion for me, whether it would be in the form of serving in the military, my law enforcement career, church or school board. I am a public servant at heart, and I want to serve in this community as a trustee so that I can be that advocate for our children in achieving the best public education possible.

[caption id="attachment_183484" align="alignleft" width="220"] James “Jim” MacKay[/caption]

Challenger: James “Jim” MacKay

Occupation: military training instructor, United States Air Force

What work have you done to support LISD and its students? [I’ve served on] the School Health Advisory Committee, the campus site-based planning committee for Vista Ridge High School and as the stadium announcer for the Vista Ridge Rangers. My wife and I created high school bowling programs at [LISD] schools.

If elected, what would be your top priority? My number one priority is to be a visible and vocal advocate for our children, teachers, parents, residents and community. I will work diligently to restore local control of our children’s education, fight to put an end to high-stakes testing, and support and protect our teachers by rejecting any attempts to tie assessments of educators to student performance on standardized tests. 

Why do you want to be an LISD board member? ... I possess a wide base of knowledge and experience that I believe can help lead our district to a brighter future. While I applaud the efforts of our current board of trustees, I feel that there are areas of opportunity that would be best explored with a fresh perspective, renewed vigor and honest self-assessment as a governance team.

Answers were edited for length.