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Two candidates are vying for the Place 2 seat on the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD board of trustees. They are Michael Alfred and Dalia Begin.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Community Impact is only asking candidates in contested May 4 elections to answer questionnaires.
Why are you running for office?
I want to continue improving the quality of our education system, ensure we maintain and attract the best teachers, ensure schools focus on teaching students how—not what—to think, improve student achievement gaps, keep parents involved in academics/decision making and advocate for taxpayers to enhance property values.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city/school district?
Unfunded federal and state mandates, rising costs and inflation, a projected declining enrollment and Robin Hood tax re-allocation while maintaining a fiscally conservative and balanced budget. Also, remaining ever vigilant to guard against turning classrooms into social laboratories.
How do you plan to address these issues?
For the fiscal issues, identifying redundant, unnecessary and non-priority expenses to maximize existing dollars for classroom teachers, as well as working with legislators to ensure state mandates are properly funded. On the social issues, I will protect traditional values and seek parent support, involvement and engagement.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Supporting teachers, focus on student achievement, keeping parents involved, advocate for tax payers and keep a fiscally prudent level of expenditures.
Why are you running for office?
My family relocated to Colleyville specifically for the school district. I am deeply invested in the success of GCISD. My business leadership background equips me with essential skills to shape educational policies and foster student achievement. My volunteer record underscores my commitment, with hundreds of hours devoted inside GCISD schools.
What are the biggest challenges facing the city/school district?
1. State funding for public education is inadequate, complex and requires a board with solid financial acumen. 2. Teacher turnover is expensive and disruptive. 3. We must excel at teaching the basics, and we also must equip students with highly practical skills through a robust curriculum and technology integration.
How do you plan to address these issues?
My extensive background in financial management, leadership and decision-making is invaluable. Goal-setting, data-savviness and a working relationship with stakeholders are crucial. I will focus on attracting and retaining highly qualified educators through innovative recruitment efforts. We must adapt our curriculum to include skills demanded by emerging technologies and economies.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Improving retention of seasoned staff, finding revenue growth opportunities, advocating for a curriculum that imparts academic excellence and emphasizes creative thinking, resilience, adaptability and agility. GCISD must prepare our children to excel in any path their futures take them.
