Community Impact Newspaper sent incumbent Doug Noel and challenger Casey Ford a series of questions about their campaign priorities for the city.
The candidates and their answers are listed below. Minor edits have been made for formatting. This article is part of ongoing May 2 election coverage and does not constitute an endorsement of the candidates.
The last day to register to vote in the May 2 election is April 2. Early voting for the election will run from April 20-28.
Casey Ford
Occupation/Experience: Principal, CPA
Website: N/A
How long have you lived in the school district?
I grew up in GCISD, attending O.C. Taylor Elementary, Colleyville Middle School and Grapevine High School. After graduating from Baylor University, I lived in Dallas prior to moving back to Colleyville with my wife and three children. I was part of the varsity soccer and varsity football programs. I have been connected and been involved in the GCISD district [for] 25-plus years.
What are previous positions that you have held that are relevant to the office that you are running for?
Previously, I worked in public accounting at Ernst & Young and continue to do so as a principal at Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt, focused in private equity tax planning and structuring from a domestic and international perspective. My previous background as a chief financial officer provided me with financial analytical skills, budgeting and cash forecast experience and day-to-day business operational insight that will help me better serve the district. I have worked collaboratively with multiple multibillion-dollar organizations across multiple industry sectors to implement and achieve their strategic goals throughout my 17-year career.
Additionally, serving on church finance committees, with a multi-million dollar budget, and serving a not-for-profit board to help reduce suicide, will allow me to contribute in a meaningful way to our students, teachers and community.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to give back and serve, voluntarily, in the same community that shaped my morals [and] values and that has given so much to me. Additionally, I want to help in the decision-making process that will shape my children and GCISD students while serving the teachers and community.
What are the biggest challenges facing students in the school district? How do you plan to address these issues?
GCISD is an excellent school district, and it would be a great honor to contribute to making a positive impact regarding security for all students [and] staff through the implementation of "security best practices" on all campuses while collaborating with the local Colleyville and Grapevine police departments.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
I am running for [the] GCISD school board to do my best in procuring the best security for our students and teachers, providing financial transparency and efficiencies and bringing back traditional grades. My hope is to create an environment where students, teachers and GCISD can flourish.
What are some new ideas or programs you would like the school district to explore?
I think families, companies and school districts operate optimally when they are financially healthy. From my personal experience, when organizations are healthy from a financial perspective, they are more nimble and flexible to better serve one another and their communities.
- I want to ensure we are good stewards of our taxpayers' money.
- I want to ensure GCISD is fiscally responsible;
- has a feasible strategy for debt reduction and repayment
- ensures financial transparency;
- stretch[es] each dollar to obtain the most value and cut wasteful spending; and
- take[s]s care of our teachers via their salary pay ranges and retention plans.
Doug Noell
Occupation/Experience: Retired IT consultant
Website: www.dougforgcisd.com
How long have you lived in the school district? 19 years
What are previous positions that you have held that are relevant to the office that you are running for?
- GCISD board of trustees | 2017-20
- TASA Outstanding School Board of Texas | 2018
- HEB School Board of the Year Finalist | 2019
- PTA president, treasurer and other roles: Timberline Elementary, Glenhope Elementary, Cross Timbers Middle School
- Friend of Children | 2016
- Honorary Lifetime Member | 2019
- Dad’s Club president: Cross Timbers Middle School
- GCISD Council of PTAs | 2015-2018
- GCISD Leadership Academy | 2016-17
- GCISD District of Innovation Committee | 2016
- GCISD District Excellence Committee | 2018-19
- Campus Excellence Committee: Timberline Elementary, Glenhope Elementary
- Homeroom parent: Glenhope Elementary | 2015-16
- GC-Supporting and Advocating for Gifted Education (GC-SAGE) board of directors | 2015-20
- Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers board of directors | 2007-10
- Grapevine Parks & Recreation Department board liaison | 2019-20
- Perot Systems | 16 years
- Business analytics, process re-engineering, project management, budget preparation/review and account management
Why are you running for office?
I am running for re-election to the GCISD school board to ensure that the board of trustees continues to work in concert with district teachers, staff and students along with community members to advance innovative programs to educate students so they are prepared for college, military or career.
What are the biggest challenges facing students in the school district? How do you plan to address these issues?
Stress from competitive academics, extracurriculars and college admission is one of the biggest challenges facing our students. Student vaping and other coping and noncoping behaviors are also a challenge. Continual improvement of communication with students and parents is the biggest step to address this so students can compete at their highest level but realize they are not alone in struggling with these demands and that there are many paths to success.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
My top priority is to improve every district program to enhance student opportunity and success. Additionally, although GCISD has been recognized as a Top 100 Place to Work and I have already approved four teacher pay increases in less than three years, teacher salaries still need to improve despite the state-imposed budget constraints on our district. Current safety and security measures, which already exceed the recommendations of both the Texas School Safety Center and the governor’s safety committee, will need constant attention to identify further enhancements to protect our students and staff.
What are some new ideas or programs you would like the school district to explore?
The district needs to continue to identify new and enhance existing opportunities to partner with local and regional companies and organizations for grants, internships and apprenticeships to further enhance student opportunities.
