Meet the candidates for Collin College board Place 2

Why are you running?

Raising my children in Collin County and watching them and their peers attend Collin College, I am passionate about providing that same opportunity to all children. A strong education is a springboard for success in the working world and I am running to make sure that springboard is affordable, convenient, well-respected, and available to the whole community.

What are you hoping to accomplish if you are elected?

I hope to continue to build on the progress my fellow board members and I have made over the past few years. I am hoping to grow across Collin County by continuing to build new facilities on-budget and on-time. In doing so, we will make strides to accomplishing my ultimate objective of providing an educational opportunity to everyone in Collin County.

What are the top issues Collin College is facing in the coming years?

With the growing competition in the workforce and the dependence on a highly-valued degree, Collin College is facing the issue of providing our students with the ideal educational platform to succeed. In addition to that, with an expanding community, we are faced with the challenge to establish new facilities and colleges to serve the growing Collin County population.

If elected, what are your ideas related to partnerships with local districts/employers partnerships?

Having children that attended Collin College through a partnership with the Frisco Independent School District, I think these district partnerships are essential in providing higher education to younger students. On top of that, establishing partnerships with local employers has been a focus of mine in past years on the board. I believe maintaining a respectable relationship between the college and employers will better allow our graduating students opportunities to enter the workforce at admirable companies.

Why are you running?

I’m running because the college needs course corrections. ... I have dedicated my working life to the cause of public education, and I deeply believe in the power of education to transform lives. I’m proud to do my part for the community. I will be active, involved, and committed to any issues that affect the community, and I will serve as a servant leader.

What are you hoping to accomplish if you are elected?

First, I want Seat 2 to have someone knowledgeable and experienced in education, which will benefit Collin County residents. We need a board member who is free from silly politics, and who understands what it takes to run a college with a healthy culture and budget that respects taxpayers, families and students. I hope to represent our entire diverse community of Collin County, but especially families, students, and teachers.

What are the top issues Collin College is facing in the coming years?

First, I want to reduce dual credit fees that parents pay their local ISDs. Second, I want to work with the board and administration to avoid lawsuits that have cost Collin County $1 million. According to the Texas comptroller, this is a $6 million impact to our local economy. We need a board member who will actively change this course, instead of doing nothing.

If elected, what are your ideas related to partnerships with local districts/employers partnerships?

Collin College should be the most affordable and quality local option for families. Under the incumbent, it has gotten less affordable. I want to work with all 22 Collin ISDs to reduce dual credit fees and reduce enrollment costs for residents. Reducing these costs will be a priority when I am elected. I have worked in development, and we can continue to address the local employers’ needs to benefit the county the most.