Meet the candidates
Before the filing period closed Aug. 18, board President Rob Ellis and challenger Justin "Bumpy" Wooldridge both filed to run for KISD trustee Position 7, as previously reported by Community Impact.
Each member of the board of trustees is elected to an at-large position for three years in a nonpartisan election, according to the KISD website. The filing period for November’s general election opened July 20.
On the ballot
Newcomers Dustin Creager and Jack Velasquez will face off for KISD trustee Position 3 in November, as previously reported. Position 6 is also up for election, but trustee Cathy M. Arellano is the only candidate who filed to run for that spot.
What you need to know
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.
To learn more about KISD trustee elections, click here. For more information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com.
For more election coverage, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Rob Ellis
Occupation & Experience:
Attorney, Harvard Law School; five kids in Klein [ISD] schools; second generation KISD board member
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/ellis4klein
Why did you decide to run for this position?
I'm the father of five kids in the district, making me committed to the quality of our schools. My dad taught me the importance of community service, having also served on the Klein school board. These schools blessed my life, and I want to give back to our Klein family.
How will you prioritize students if you win this position?
We need to continue building on Klein's recent academic gains. Our kids deserve to learn from exceptional teachers in a safe environment. I will continue to prioritize funding for safe schools and supported teachers. I have no personal agenda, and make every decision based on what is best for students.
What will your attitude toward budgeting be pertaining to balancing the district’s needs with being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars?
My philosophy is to prioritize funding to what directly impacts students, particularly our first-rate educators and innovative pathways. We should also continue to advocate for common sense solutions from Austin, like an inflation adjustment for public education.
How are you prepared to help the district navigate any potential challenges that arise in the future due to growing alternative education options in the region such as charter schools, virtual schools, private schools and home schooling?
We must cater to more parents by providing non-conventional and online educational offerings. This will broaden the Klein tent and provide additional families access to the district's exceptional fine arts and athletics programs. This fall, I voted for the district to begin implementing these offerings by next school year.
Justin “Bumpy” Wooldridge
Occupation & Experience:
Teamwork; community involvement; leadership; communication skills; managerial skills; conflict resolution skills; fiscal skills; policy adherence
Candidate Website:
https://votebumpywooldridge4klein.com
Contact Information:
713-292-4112
Why did you decide to run for this position?
With 3 consecutive years of approving budget deficits, teachers teaching to and for data, transparency and accountability nowhere to be found, I entered the race this year to restore credibility to the once great KISD that I came up through. Groomed candidates have proven not to bring change.
How will you prioritize students if you win this position?
Prioritize students by asking “does this affect the student;” View students as students, not revenue; Overhaul FNG [local board of trustee] policy for an equitable process for issues; Remove administrative red tape; Give teachers back their classrooms instead of data driven instruction so they can teach, not teach to data and tests.
What will your attitude toward budgeting be pertaining to balancing the district’s needs with being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars?
Reduce the top heaviness of KISD and multiple mid-level positions; Put the money where it matters most, the teachers and retain them; Reduce attorney fees with new FNG/DGBA [board of trustee] policies that are timely and equitable.
How are you prepared to help the district navigate any potential challenges that arise in the future due to growing alternative education options in the region such as charter schools, virtual schools, private schools and home schooling?
Clean up our own house instead of pointing the finger at others; Apply funds to curriculum not offered elsewhere such as the [Career and Technical Education] pathways; Hold students, teachers and KISD personnel to the code of conduct; Enhance attractiveness via increased internal scrutiny and accountability.
