The specifics
McDade has been on the board since 2018. She is challenged by Wendy McCue, executive assistant at the University of North Texas. School board trustees are elected to serve three-year terms for each place.
Election day is May 4. Early voting will take place April 22-30 and will be conducted at the Denton County Elections Administration building off Kimberly Drive in Denton. Mail-in votes must be sent to a Denton County Elections Administrator at the same address off Kimberly Drive, according to district documents.
The Denton County Elections Administration building will also serve as the polling location on election day and will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Those voting by mail must send their ballots to the elections office 11 days prior to election day for them to be counted, according to district documents.
Community Impact surveyed candidates prior to the election. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words. Answers may have been edited to comply with word count guidelines or for style and clarity. Community Impact only surveyed candidates in contested May 4 elections.
*Indicates incumbent
Leona McDade*
Experience:
Six-year school board incumbent retired 30-plus years, career educator retired principal
Occupation:
Retired teacher and principal
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557072107836
Contact Information:
940-464-7241
Why are you running for office?
As a six-year AISD school board incumbent, I want to continue the great work of our current board and administration in consistently providing an exemplary educational experience for all our students.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district?
(1) managing the exponential growth we continue to experience in our district; (2) managing our finances in light of funding inaction by our state legislators, which did not support funding Texas public schools, leaving many, including AISD, having budget deficits for next school year
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
(1) managing next year’s budget in light of student growth and inaction from the state Legislature; (2) continuing to provide exemplary academic programs for students; (3) focusing on our 10-year strategic plan in preparing to have two high schools in our district
What are some new ideas or programs you would like AISD to explore?
(1) an early childhood center for prekindergarten, kindergarten and early childhood classes, providing a setting that addresses the unique needs of this student population; (2) a CTE high school where students can earn industry certifications or an associate degree through dual-credit courses, while earning their high school diploma
Why should voters in your district elect you?
I am a career educator, beginning as a teacher and retiring as a principal. With that experience, I bring a unique perspective to the board. Our district has achieved great success during my tenure. With my board colleagues, I will continue this great work on behalf of all our students.
Wendy McCue
Experience:
Argyle ISD employee, 10 years; administrative assistant; bond committee 2022 and 2024; bond oversight committee
Occupation:
Executive assistant, University of North Texas
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/wendy.mccue.for.argyle.isd.school.board
Why are you running for office?
With 10 years of committed service to the students, staff and community, I am excited to leverage that expertise in order to further enhance and maintain the high standards of Argyle ISD.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district?
The most significant obstacles we face are the rapid growth and development within our community. Our aim is to persistently provide the students with top-notch amenities, programs and educational prospects that will pave the way for their future success.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
The students. Prioritizing students makes it simple to back the faculty and local community. We all moved here to offer a top-notch education to our kids, and Argyle has certainly delivered on that front. My goal is to uphold and enhance that reputation.
What are some new ideas or programs you would like AISD to explore?
Interest has been shown in CTE classes, agriculture programs, and college and career preparedness. The district has made efforts to align student interest and staffing capacity to meet these needs as we expand, with opportunities for further growth and enhancement.
Why should voters in your district elect you?
My distinct familiarity with the operations of an Argyle ISD campus and front office, coupled with my role as a parent, enables me to establish meaningful connections among students, families, faculty, and administrators. Having insight into the functioning of a campus could assist the board in making decisions.
