Incumbent David Almand is running again for the Carroll ISD board of trustees Place 7 seat and will face opposing candidate Kandice Kapinos in the May 4 general election. Community Impact Newspaper sent Almand a series of questions about his candidacy. This article is part of ongoing May 4 election coverage and does not constitute an endorsement of the candidate. His written responses, edited for publication style, are below.

Why did you decide to run for this position?

I love our students and want to help any way I can to prepare them to succeed in life! I strive to be a servant leader to our country, our community and our students. In 2014, I retired from the Air Force as a colonel and commander of the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. We executed our long term-plan: we came home to Texas [and] we moved to Southlake for the great schools. My wife, Cathy, returned to her job as a pilot at American Airlines, and I began volunteering ([Carroll Middle School] volunteer of the year 2017) and substitute teaching for Carroll ISD.  I served on committees. [I] served on the Carroll Education Foundation board, attended [Carroll Leadership Academy for Supporting Success] and worked hard to understand our district and the challenges we face. In 2017, I was honored to be appointed to the school board and extremely grateful for the community’s support in the 2018 election. I believe education is a national security imperative. Making sure the next generation is prepared to lead our exceptional nation is an obligation we all have to those who sacrificed to protect our freedom. Continuing to serve gives me great purpose. I am extremely proud to represent veterans transitioning back into the community and endeavor to inspire others to serve in our armed forces.

What experience—professionally or politically—do you have that would prepare you for this position?

I humbly bring my experiences [of] commanding organizations at multiple levels, raising two children in schools all over the country and spending three years in Carroll [ISD] schools to serve on our school board. I work hard every day for every student in our district. I have a strong academic foundation: [Bachelor of Science from the] U.S. Air Force Academy, [Master of Arts from] Webster University, [Master of Arts from the] Air Command and Staff College [and] Fellowship [at] Hoover Institution [at] Stanford University. I have great leadership experience: wing commander [at] Andrews Air Force Base (responsible for Air Force One); wing and installation commander [at] Scott Air Force Base; command pilot and numerous awards, including the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. I am also a graduate of Southlake Citizens Academy, trained member [of the] Southlake Community Emergency Response Team, former Southridge Lakes [Homeowners Association] board member, adult leader Boy Scout Troop 928 and a member of White's Chapel United Methodist Church.

What do you think is one of the biggest issues facing Carroll ISD, and how do you plan to address it on the board of trustees?

Our biggest issue is culture. We must stay true to our values (Excellence, Character & Integrity, Relationships, Innovation, Open & Honest Communication and Compassionate Service) and [stay true to] our mission to foster a safe, caring and creative learning environment that inspires all students to realize their full potential. We must value diversity and ensure every student is treated with dignity and respect. We are working hard on some big projects: improving school safety in coordination with our outstanding city of Southlake partners, implementing very important cultural competency and resiliency programs, working with our legislators to fix school funding and lower taxes, and ensuring the bond construction is executed in accordance with voters’ approval. Collaboration with families and the community is critical to ensure every student is fully supported as we make these changes while maintaining our high academic standards and execute our mission. I am very proud of the work our district has done this past year and absolutely want to continue to be a part of the team as we move forward!

What else do you want voters to know about you?

Since arriving our boys have thrived as [Carroll ISD] Dragons. Both have earned Eagle Scout with Troop 928 and participated in many extracurricular activities. Our oldest made a very successful transition to [Southern Methodist University]. We are forever grateful to Carroll ISD and this community. More information about Almand and his campaign can be found here.