Editor's note: An asterisk (*) indicates the candidate is an incumbent.
DALLAS-FORT WORTH
McKinney ISD board of trustees Place 1
Maria McKinzie*
Occupation: Raytheon - Logistics I
Experience: current service as Place 1 trustee
Contact: [email protected]
Why did you decide to run for the McKinney ISD board of trustees?
MM: To continue to serve all students and their families and to continue serving as MISD Board of Trustees Board Place 1.
How has your experience prepared you for board service?
MM: I was appointed to serve on MISD board Place 1 to complete Leonard Evans' term. I had big shoes to fill and was honored to be selected to serve as the first Hispanic trustee in MISD. Coach Evans spoke to me and gave me the confidence that I had what it took to represent our community in Place 1 because of my involvement with my community. I have learned so much from our current and past board members. We all have different backgrounds but each board member brings different perspectives to the table. I’m not an educator, banker etc. I’m a community member that was born and raised in McKinney with a voice that can make a difference and provide a different perspective to our MISD district.
What is your stance on the McKinney ISD bond measures on the ballot and why?
MM: I am in support of the bond because this will continue to benefit everyone in the future. This will help ensure that the funding will be there for our classrooms and facilities which will benefit our kids, teachers and the community. It’s really important that we continue updating and renovating our existing schools, which includes the older schools east of [US] 75. Anyone can currently walk in any of our schools and see updates from past bond elections and see all the improvements. This bond also covers for future growth in MISD by covering expansion or building a new schools. The best part is it will lower the tax rate by at least 3 cents.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing McKinney ISD today, and how do you plan to address them if elected?
MM: I believe affordable housing is a definite factor that effects our school district. Families in Place 1 need to be able to afford and own single-family residences in McKinney. Countless families have already left our school district to move to other cities north of us. I will continue to communicate with everyone, including the city of McKinney to help seek developers that can meet this need.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
MM: My priority is our children and to be sure they have an equitable education experience. To always be available to listen to our parents, students, teachers and staff.
Larry Jagours
Occupation: pastor, retired MISD employee
Experience: 13 years of working in special education in Lewisville and McKinney ISDs
Contact: [email protected]
Why did you decide to run for the McKinney ISD board of trustees?
LJ: After many months of weighing this process and it coming to my inner spirit, the decision was evident.
How has your experience prepared you for board service?
LJ: The 13 years employment within special education in Lewisville ISD, and 10 years of employment within special education in McKinney ISD, in addition to subbing on various campuses after retire has given me a total view inside the framework of academia.
What is your stance on the McKinney ISD bond measures on the ballot and why?
LJ: My stance is mixed on several components of the anticipated bond for a few reasons. 1. Yes the district will need a campus in Trinity Falls in addition to maybe another middle school as the city expands; however, we should construct the proposed facility to be energy efficient, cost effective, and the prototype for education facilities in years to come. 2. From experience at various campuses, technology needs a drastic upgrade, as witnessed before and during pandemic. 3. Funds for heating, renovation, HVAC improvements are crucial on all campuses to provide adequate ventilation from airborne contaminants. 4. Fine Arts, STEM Labs are constantly in need of improvement 5. Purchasing of buses should be studied thoroughly (especially an entire fleet), maintenance, operation, staff for upkeep. 6. Athletics (closely studied to improve where the most need is).
What do you think are the biggest issues facing McKinney ISD today, and how do you plan to address them if elected?
LJ: When elected, the issues paramount in the district is the ECD Pass Rating (Economically Disadvantaged Children) chart of schools in Collin County. 2019 information indicates our district ranks 13th out of 14 (Lovejoy is first and Anna is fourteenth). Keeping quality teachers and substitutes within McKinney ISD rather than taking experience and talent to other districts because of better salaries. The lack of proper diversity throughout the entire district.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
LJ: Being a lifelong resident, excelling in academics is something that was instilled by both both parents and has been a factor in maintaining in the competitive job market. Transferring from a segregated school to McKinney High during the desegregation era has enabled me to look at education and life in a broad perspective. My goal is to be a representative who wants to bring innovation to the district for it to be the premier education center in Collin County, to make the education process uniquely excellent as our city becomes more unique by nature.
