Datren Williams, Board of Trustees, Pos. 4, Running unopposed, [email protected]

Would you anticipate seeking approval for a bond proposal in the next few years?

Once seated as a member of the board, I will have a more complete understanding of both the district's future needs and of the quality of our current infrastructure. As a result, I cannot predict whether a bond proposal would be advisable in the next few years. I can commit that I would only support a bond proposal if the proceeds would benefit the students and taxpayers of CISD.

What are the biggest needs facing Conroe ISD?

There is an ongoing need to maximize the quality of education each child receives, equip educators with the necessary resources to succeed, and maintain and construct facilities as needed to accommodate growth. These needs are the priority for our district and should be met while maintaining a conservative fiscal policy. CISD has been successful in meeting these needs and I will work to see that it continues to do so.

What is your opinion of the STAAR testing program?

With any school standardized testing, there will be challenges to the need for testing and how much weight the test should hold. I fully understand the need for testing and accountability. I also understand that educators should be empowered to teach curriculum as opposed to being driven toward any specific test performance. There should be a healthy balance of both.

Scott Kidd, Board of Trustees, Pos. 5, Running unopposed, [email protected]

Would you anticipate seeking approval for a bond proposal in the next few years?

I would not anticipate a bond proposal unless our student population exceeded our building capacity or if there was some unique situation.

What are the biggest needs facing Conroe ISD?

Statewide, CISD has consistently ranked high both academically and financially. As CISD continues to grow and change, we need to continue exploring further ways to excel academically while remaining economically efficient.

What are the biggest challenges facing Conroe ISD?

The challenge is not to become complacent. CISD has a long tradition of exceptional leadership, staff, and students. To uphold that tradition, there needs to be continued focus on new talent, new ideas, and new ways to achieve excellence.

What is your opinion of the STAAR testing program?

It is early to comment on the STAAR testing program as there will be some growing pains with the process. I do believe accountability is an important issue.

What makes you qualified to serve on the CISD board?

Growing up in the northern part of the school district and raising kids in the southern part gives me a good perspective. I believe my legal background and experience in the non-profit arena will also be an asset.

John Husbands, Board of Trustees, Pos. 6, Incumbent, unopposed, [email protected]

Would you anticipate seeking approval for a bond proposal in the next few years?

We are in the position of having approximately $80 million of capacity after all of the 2008 bond work was completed. Therefore, we do not expect to have to have another bond referendum for the next couple of years at a minimum. The one variable in that projection remains the constant growth of our district. Should it change upward, it might affect the timeline of presenting another bond package.

What is your opinion of the current STAAR testing program?

The jury is still out on the STAAR testing program. While on a conceptual level I am supportive of "End of Year" testing, the potential for the school year to be interrupted by continuous testing and retesting is of concern. Once again, it needs to test for progress and preparedness, and I am concerned that we get too wrapped up in the "taking of the test" and lose site of the goal.

What makes you qualified to serve on the CISD board?

Defending the taxpayer's funds and oversight of the preparation our young people to lead our society is a delicate balance. Common sense, business acumen, and a unwavering love for children is what I believe that I bring. I have been blessed to serve with some intelligent fellow board members and an exceptional administration.

Joe Michels, Board of Trustees, Pos. 7, Incumbent, [email protected]

Would you anticipate seeking approval for a bond proposal in the next few years?

No. CISD aggressively negotiated construction contracts for schools approved in the 2008 bond election. This allowed us to build those schools for less than projected. We may be able to build one or two new schools with the cost savings from our diligent, conservative use of 2008 bond funds and the downturn in construction costs.

What is your opinion of the STAAR testing program?

Good goals, poor planning. The overwhelming consensus among educators, demographers, and business leaders is that the successful high school graduate in the future will not be the one with physical skills, but one who has intellectual skills, a strong knowledge base, and the ability to adapt to a changing job market. Our challenge is to ensure that our teaching methods instill those higher level cognitive skills in our students. Above all else, we must teach kids how to learn — we cannot "teach to the test."

What makes you qualified to serve on the CISD board?

I love kids and I love our district. I have a strong analytical focus. I am a fiscal conservative who voted to lower property taxes and who believes we can keep taxes down in the future. I served in district-wide leadership roles and I served in site-based leadership roles in the Oak Ridge and The Woodlands feeder zones for years.

Jessica Powell, Board of Trustees, Pos. 7, [email protected]

Would you anticipate seeking approval for a bond proposal in the next few years?

If elected to sit on the board, I would consider all data presented to the board regarding any bond issue before seeking its approval. Without knowing any specifics about any bonds, I could not say whether or not I would advocate for them or not. If a bond issue arises which will improve the situation of CISD students and teachers, then I may be on board with its approval.

What is your opinion of the STAAR testing program?

I am no fan of high stakes standardized tests. I understand the theory behind using them as performance indicators, but as any educator will tell you, success is not always quantifiable. Placing high emphasis on tests does not help create critically thinking students nor does it help ensure high quality teaching. In fact, with so many valuable instructional days being used for testing, testing practice, I do not advocate for high stakes testing at any grade level.

What makes you qualified to serve on the CISD board?

I am a career educator who cares about schools, teachers, and children. I feel strongly that the voice of the teachers and students should be heard on the board. I know the people of this district; they are like a second family to me, and I will make sure they are represented by the decision-making body.