Amanda Jackson, a graduate teaching assistant at the University of North Texas and adjunct faculty with Brigham Young University-Idaho, is running for Plano ISD board of trustees Place 2. Places 1, 3 and 6 will also appear on the May 6 ballot. Before the election, Community Impact Newspaper sent Jackson a series of questions on her candidacy. Her written responses, edited for publication style, are below. 20161225_171635 Amanda Jackson is running for Plano ISD board of trustees Place 2 in May.[/caption]

Why are you running for PISD board of trustees?

I desire to serve on the Plano ISD board of trustees because I believe my unique talents and abilities can be utilized to bless the lives of our students, the future of our district and the needs of our community.

Why are you qualified for this position?

I have a strong professional background in and personal passion for education. The majority of my life has been spent going to, working in, or coming home to others working in education. It has always been a part of my life. I believe education has the power to improve the lives of others and build a strong democratic society. Continually, I bring a unique perspective to the table as I have experience with public education as a student, parent, public educator, researcher, PTA volunteer and as an advocate for a child with unique educational needs. I also am currently working on a doctorate in higher education, which has equipped me with the ability to understand the impact of K-12 preparation on post-secondary education attainment and to dissect and analyze data and the effect various factors have on student success. I will ask the right questions and advocate for all students.

If elected, what will you focus on?

If I am elected, I will focus on:
  • Serving all Plano ISD students by applying data and research to policy decisions;
  • Advocating for programs related to better educational and post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities and students from low-socioeconomic households;
  • Exploring the need for and option of additional career and technical education programs, college credit programs and academies;
  • Working with state policy makers to adopt fair student and teacher assessment practices and reduce reliance on high-stakes tests; and
  • Increasing fiscally smart and transparent budgeting, in part by investing in policies and programs proven to produce positive student outcomes.
To learn more about Jackson's platform, visit her Facebook page.
Place 2 is currently held by Carrolyn Moebius, whos term ends in May. Angela Powell, Jack Liu and Sree Yedavalli have also filed for Place 2. Election day is May 6 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and early voting will run from April 24-29 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and May 1-2 (7 a.m.-7 p.m.). Polling locations have not been announced.