The forum was hosted by the Texas Association of School Boards and Community Impact. The panel was moderated by Robert L. Long, TASB division director of board development services, and Jason Burdine, a Texas Education Agency registered provider for continuing education for school boards.
In case you missed it
Board President Rob Ellis and challenger Justin "Bumpy" Wooldridge both filed to run for KISD trustee Position 7 in November. Wooldridge agreed to participate in the Oct. 20 candidate forum, but was unable to attend the event.
Dustin Creager and Jack Velasquez will face off for the remaining term of the KISD trustee Position 3 seat, which was filled by trustee Georgan Reitmeier after former trustee Chris Todd resigned in May, as previously reported. Reitmeier did not seek election to her appointed position.
Trustee Cathy M. Arellano is the only candidate who filed to run for Position 6. Arellano attended the Oct. 20 event, but was not asked to participate since she is unopposed in the election.
Long and Burdine asked the candidates seven questions and gave them time to introduce themselves and give closing statements.
This is not a comprehensive breakdown of the questions.
Board governance
The candidates were all asked to name specific actions they would take to ensure KISD’s policies improve student achievement and are aligned with the district’s goals.
Creager said the current KISD board of trustees has been great about focusing on improving student classroom performance.
“Whenever I'm on the board, I'm going to continue to ... focus on the classroom,” Creager said. “Focus on making sure that our teachers continue to have the resources to make a difference and to ensure that student outcomes are the priority of all decisions that are made at the board table.
Velasquez said he wants to focus on data-informed decisions, transparency with parents and consistent policy enforcement.
“I will push for transparent reporting so parents can easily see where their tax dollars are going and how they connect to the students’ success,” Velasquez said. “I also believe in consistent policy enforcement. Rules must apply equally to everyone, student, staff and leadership alike.”
Ellis pointed to a recent efficiency audit of KISD conducted by financial audit firm Whitley Penn as proof that the district is spending effectively.
“When I see that data, it looks to me like what we need to do is continually build on the positive momentum that we have here in KISD,” Ellis said. “We need to work collaboratively with our exceptional superintendent ... and her team, to make sure that we can build on these gains.”
Community trust
One question pertained to how candidates would strengthen trust among the district’s board of trustees, superintendent, employees and community members.
Ellis said listening is important and that the board is focused on KISD's students. He added that trustees currently have a strong relationship with KISD Superintendent Jenny McGown, who answers trustee questions and provides the board with weekly updates.
“There's so much good that's happening throughout this district, and I think communicating that is important,” Ellis said. “There are things that we need to change and grow and develop, and we're handling that.”
Creager said he has heard locals ask why so many of the votes taken by KISD’s trustees are a consensus, and said it's because trustees have the same focus—on the students. He added that he believes listening to the community, attending public events and looking at data is key.
“I do everything in my ability to attend ... campus visits because I want to listen,” Creager said. “I want to hear directly how our teachers are impacted by the decisions that we make. ... I want to see the data. I want to see how we're compared to other districts.”
Velasquez said academic rigor is a priority for him, but it’s important to balance that with making students feel emotionally supported.
“Our goals should be for lifelong learners, not good test takers,” Velasquez said. “Also [for] being truthful and consistent. Misinformation starts when integrity lapses. I will ... focus on facts, transparency and respect.”
Before you go
Early voting began Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4.
To learn more about KISD elections, click here.
To listen to the candidate forum, play the recording below.
Sarah Brager contributed to this report.
