Below are what candidates for district 1 Karen Mendoza, an AT&T Consumer Experience and Operations, and Reporting and Analytics professional, and incumbent Kay Danziger an an owner of two early childhood centers – The Gingerbread House Center and the Gingerbread House Academy – had to say.
Answers may have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Question 1: Why are you running for trustee?
Kathryn Kaminski: I am presently on the School Board. I have served as a Trustee, President, and Vice-President for the past 4 years. There are several projects that we have implemented, and I would like to be a part of their completions.
Karen Mendoza: Our constituents, district students and employees deserve better representation on the board and not someone who has a personal hidden agenda, a grudge, or is a vendor/client who has a business contract with Lamar CISD which can cause a major conflict of interest.
I’m a product of Lamar CISD. Born and raised in this community. I want to continue the tradition of my grandfather, G. V. Cortez, and great-grandfather, Sabas Cortez, Sr., of giving back and serving our local community. What better way to honor them and show my family the value of being a positive community advocate? It is the act of giving that we demonstrate that one truly cares for others.
I have the experience to serve as Trustee. I am a Master Trustee (since 2013), the first and only Trustee from Lamar CISD to achieve this lifetime recognition from the Leadership Program – Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). I previously served as Trustee for District # 1 from 2009-2013. I served as Board Vice President from 2012-2013 and Board Secretary from 2011-2012. In addition, I have served on the following committees: Lamar CISD Financial Audit Review Committee, Lamar CISD Policy Review Committee, Lamar CISD Governmental Affairs (Legislature), TASA / TASB Delegate, TASB’s School Board Advocacy Network (SBAN), and Regional IV Grassroots.
Question 2: Currently, what is LAMAR CISD's biggest challenge and what do you think of the current school board’s response to that challenge?
KK: Lamar CISD's biggest challenge is the fast growth, and providing the schools & teachers necessary to accommodate this growth.
The present School Board is in the process of planning long term. It can no longer plan short term. This is a fairly young board, and the enthusiasm is enabling everyone to work together to plan for the future. The future is very optimistic.
KM: Lamar CISD’s biggest challenge is growth. As more families are moving into our district, more students are enrolling in our schools. This increases the student population. We need to ensure that we have adequate school buildings and classroom size for every teacher. As with every new school opening, we must ensure that the boundary lines are reviewed carefully and there is a smooth transition for everyone involved.
Question 3: How would you describe the level of board support for teachers in LAMAR CISD and would you do anything differently, if elected?
KK: The Board supports the teachers 100%. The challenge is giving the teachers, para-professionals, and all those who work with the children behind the scenes the credit that they deserve.
KM: Sadly, I have heard from teachers from Lamar CISD who are not happy with the current board. They say that there is so many things wrong and it is irritating to say the least. I find this very upsetting. When I served on the board, teachers were very happy to come to work and [I] always heard positive feedback.
I would absolutely be willing to hear from the teachers. First and foremost, what do they –teachers – need from us – the board? In addition, I would like to hear back from the students and parents. Let’s survey and see how we can better serve our schools. Review the information and see if our district’s budget can make the necessary changes – set a plan in motion and get things accomplished.
Question 4: How would you describe the level of equitable access and class offerings for all Lamar CISD students? Do you think it could or needs to be improved?
KK: The access to resources and class offerings for all Lamar CISD Students is outstanding. Our Supt. and his team work diligently to introduce new programs.
I believe there is always room for improvement. Our District is very innovative and open to new ideas.
KM: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. I say that the level of equitable access to resources and class offerings for all Lamar CISD students is a 10.
Do I think it could or needs to be improved? There is always room for improvement. The main focus is to keep the Students and Parents involved and informed of ALL the resources that are available. I would like to see each Single-Member District have informative meetings with their constituents, students and parents, community leaders, and school administrators in order to discuss topics on a quarterly basis.
Election Day for Lamar CISD is May 6. Polls are open at any of the Fort Bend County voting centers from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Early voting runs from April 24-May 2 at select voting centers. Times vary by location and day.
For more information contact the Fort Bend County Office of Elections and Voter Registration.
