Voter registration will be open to eligible residents through April 3. Early voting starts April 22 and ends April 29. Election Day is May 3.
Candidates were asked to limit responses to 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers have been edited or cut for style and clarity or to adhere to guidelines.
Candidates have been listed in alphabetical order.
Deborah Klosky
Experience:
A CPA brings financial expertise, budgeting skills, and community insight to support school board decisions.
Occupation:
CPA
Contact Information:
Facebook: Deborah Klosky For MISD, [email protected]
Why are you running for school board?
I’m running for McKinney ISD school board to prioritize student success, safety and fiscal responsibility. I stand for conservative values, academic excellence and integrity. Our schools should foster a strong education while ensuring kids can simply be kids, free to enjoy childhood.
What are the biggest challenges McKinney ISD is facing?
McKinney ISD faces two major challenges: a projected $21.9M [shortfall] for 2024-25 due to rising costs and stagnant funding, requiring urgent action. Additionally, student safety concerns, including a recent reported assault on a special needs student, highlight the need for improved safety protocols and responsiveness.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I would like to address McKinney ISD’s deficit through budget audits, cost-cutting, revenue growth, state funding advocacy, efficient staffing, facility optimization and transparency. I would like to improve student safety by enforcing stronger protocols, increasing supervision, faster responses, special needs protections and fostering community involvement.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Academic excellence must be our priority, with a focus on student performance. Bullying should be addressed early to prevent escalation. Decisions must consider both immediate district needs and long-term benefits for students, the community and future generations.
Kenneth Ussery
Experience:
MISD School Board Trustee, MISD Strategic Planning Team, MISD Long Range Planning Team
Occupation:
REMAX Realtor and Life Coach
Candidate Website:
www.kennethusserymisdplace2.com
Why are you running for school board?
I want to be an advocate for our students, teachers and administrators. Whether choosing to attend college, jump into a career or serve in the military I want to make sure our academics and programming will launch every student post MISD into the next chapter of their life with success.
What are the biggest challenges McKinney ISD is facing?
School vouchers, shift in population and escalating home prices are a few of the biggest challenges for MISD in the immediate future.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I will continue to stand against school vouchers. Shifting in population will require creative solutions and building usages. As for home prices, I will continue to support [the] "Choose McKinney" [program].
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Teacher recruitment and retention, teamwork with parents, college/career/military readiness, and helping MISD and our students achieve goals with success and accountability are my top priorities.
