Incumbent Becky St. John is running for the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD board of trustees Place 2 seat.
She will run against Amy Putnam and Nick Walters in the May 5 election.
Community Impact Newspaper sent St. John a series of questions about her candidacy. Her written responses, edited for publication style, are below.
Q: What is your current occupation?
Parent volunteer
Q: Why did you decide to run for this office?
I am running for re-election to contribute my experience, not only as a trustee and involved parent in our schools but also as an active member of our community through multiple civic boards and organizations. It has been my privilege to serve the GCISD community and work with fellow trustees and Superintendent Dr. Ryan to continue to make GCISD a destination district known for academic excellence, unique student-centered programs, high-quality extracurricular activities and multiple career and technical opportunities.
Q: What experience—professionally or politically—do you have that would prepare you for this position?
Three terms GCISD trustee; Master Trustee 2016; member Legislative Advisory Council; member of the GRACE Board of Directors; two years Grapevine Parks and Recreation Board liaison; five years Grapevine Planning & Zoning Commission; graduate Leadership Grapevine; former president Keep Grapevine Beautiful; two terms Roanoke City Council including mayor pro-tem; 13 year campus PTA volunteer; member Grapevine Middle School and Grapevine High School Athletic, Band and Academic Booster Clubs; member and supporter of multiple civic organizations including Grapevine Chamber of Commerce Women’s Division, Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers, Grapevine Historical Society and GCISD Education Foundation.
Q: If elected, what would be your top priorities?
1. Students: Build on academic successes of record number of National Merit semi-finalists, increased AP and dual credit options, high ACT & SAT achievement, Career and Technical certifications, and special programs including STEM, Collegiate Academy, ASPIRE GT, iUniversity Prep online school, International Baccalaureate, Dual Language, Leader in Me, No Excuses University and Fine Arts elementary. Push for completion of bond items related to safety and security and explore campus options including additional coordination with public safety entities. Persist in advocating for STAAR and A-F accountability reforms.
2. Financial: Ensure financial management practices that have led to GCISD’s strongest bond rating in district history, 15 years running of “Superior” ratings for the Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas and the Texas Comptroller’s Leadership Circle recognition. Continue staunch advocacy efforts for Robin Hood/school finance reforms and unwavering opposition to unfunded mandates. Continue to explore creative compensation options and benefits (recognition of savings efforts, child care and student transfer) as well as monitor and advocate at the state level for fiscally-prudent health insurance (current and retiree) and pension benefits.
3. Parents/Community: Provide ongoing opportunities for community involvement such as LEAD 2021 update, 2016 Bond Committee updates, campus and district excellence committees, Rachel’s Challenge, parent technology presentations, GCISD Walk of Honor and Community Champions.
Q: What else do you want constituents to know about you and your background?
I grew up in East Texas and am a proud graduate of a rural 1A. After graduating from SFA and working as a field archeologist, I moved to Grapevine over 25 years ago to work as a Park Ranger at Grapevine Lake. My husband, John, and I have been married over 20 years and have three kids in GCISD: Meredith, senior; Walker, eighth grade, and Olivia, sixth grade, and we attend St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. I have been around education my entire life—both parents served on the school board; my grandmother, mom, and mother-in-law were teachers, and I worked for two years at the CLC preschool at FUMC Grapevine as an aide and assistant teacher. I have been a tireless volunteer in our schools since our oldest entered kindergarten and we couldn’t be more pleased with the high quality, comprehensive education our children have received in GCISD. We are fortunate to live in a vibrant community with a strong economy and great schools that are preparing our kids for their futures. For that, and the opportunity to serve as your Place 2 trustee, I am most grateful.
