The candidates are Jessica Cejka and Misty Dawson. Incumbent Laura DuPont did not file for re-election. Candidate responses may have been edited for length and clarity.
Jessica Cejka
Experience:
Parent of three CCISD students, PTA member, hold two masteru2019s degrees in education, and a former secondary math teacher and NASA education manager
Occupation:
Realtor
Candidate Website:
www.jessica4ccisd.net
Contact Information:
832-541-6616
If elected, what will be your top three priorities?
Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and I will fight to be their advocate focused on recruiting and retaining highly-qualified educators. CCISD offers a vast array of programs giving students opportunities to excel (i.e. STEM, GT, and dual-language). We need to focus on academic excellence by expanding these district programs. I will push for transparency, conservative spending and fiscal accountability, ensuring tax dollars are spent with the studentsu2019 best interests in mind.
What do you think the school district needs to improve on?
CCISD's 2020-2021 community-based accountability report gave insight to areas we can improve in. We need to continue to utilize professional learning communities (PLCs) to assist teachers in helping our students readjust to the classroom environment and ensure they are meeting or exceeding academic expectations. Also, while our staff retention rate is 89% (higher than the state average), we need to continue to monitor and invest in our teachers to retain quality teachers in the classrooms.
How do you plan on making the district successful?
By demonstrating respect of district rules and values, our board of trustees can work to further all aspects of the CCISD mission. I want to set personal differences and agendas aside and focus on making decisions for the district that are in the best interest of the students. Ensuring our district continues moving in a positive direction and offers a vast array of opportunities will enable the children in CCISD to follow their dreams.
Misty Dawson
Experience:
I served as the controller for an oil and gas company for over nine years, and I now own my own local business, which I have operated since 2008.
Occupation:
Owner of local pool company
Candidate Website:
www.facebook.com/electMistyDawsonCCISD
Contact Information:
832-517-0451
If elected, what will be your top three priorities?
End all COVID-19 restrictions, keep politics out of classroom, budget transparency.
What do you think the school district needs to improve on?
Listening: The school boards have lost their way. They no longer listen to the parents, teachers or students of their community.
How do you plan on making the district successful?
Making sure teachers have what they need to be successful and happy. I am committed to transparency and accountability in our budget process. Excess bond funds should be returned to taxpayers. Parents should know where bond money is being spent at all times.
