Two candidates filed for New Caney ISD board of trustees, Position 6, in the Nov. 5 election: incumbent Ty Trout and challenger Craig Matthews. Community Impact Newspaper invited both candidates to provide the responses below to help voters weigh their options. Responses may have been edited for length.

Beth Prykryl is also seeking re-election to Position 7 on the board; however, her race is uncontested, so she was not asked to participate in a questionnaire.

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 7.

*indicates incumbent



Craig Matthews
Experience: 29 years in education as a teacher and coach

Top priorities: to make decisions that focus on a safe, caring,
positive learning environment and community





Why are you running for the New Caney ISD board of trustees?
Having spent 19 of my 29 years as a teacher and coach in NCISD, I believe that I can bring a unique perspective in to the decisions that the school board makes for a district that I also graduated from and have lived in for more than 40 years.





What do you believe are the greatest challenges facing the district, and what will you do to address them?
[I will] continue to create a supportive environment focused on learner-centered instruction through collaboration with colleagues, parents and community. They will be addressed by making the best decisions on teaching models that have challenging and diverse opportunities to motivate and encourage all students to function at their maximum potential.






Ty Trout*
Experience: business owner, New Caney ISD trustee for three years, member of the construction committee

Top priorities: continue building New Caney ISD into a school district that is able to meet the needs of not only every student, teacher and staff member, but also to open doors for future NCISD graduates to return and develop their lives here

www.facebook.com/tytrout2019





Why are you running for the New Caney ISD board of trustees?
It has been a pleasure to serve the NCISD community the past three years. I’m so blessed to be a part of a district that puts the hearts and minds of students first and foremost in every decision made.

I am running for re-election because I see this position as one of the most rewarding things I can do to be a part of our community. Supporting student’s education and future is vital for the growth of our community. I feel NCISD has some of the best teachers, administration and staff, and it has been an honor to work with them these past three years.

I was born and raised in this community, I graduated from New Caney High School in 1996 and I am still amazed at the growth this community has had in the past 22 years.

It has been a true joy to watch students of NCISD graduate and return as successful members of our community. I would love to continue to be a part of the NCISD board of trustees to help make sure that we are paving ways for our future Eagles and Spartans to be successful.





What do you believe are the greatest challenges facing the district, and what will you do to address them?
One of the greatest challenges facing NCISD is the fast-growing community. With over 157% growth in the past 20 years, NCISD is now [home to] over 16,000 students. It is vital to have a board that is able to make sure that we have adequate space to house all students as well as make important decisions on the future of NCISD.

Every student deserves an education; it is our job to make sure that each student receives the best possible education that we can offer them. With this being said, it is our responsibility to continue to research new technology, update our facilities and promote a school system that encompasses the growth of our community.