Cathy Arellano[/caption]Cathy Arellano
Hometown: Galveston
Experience: Retired educator of 40 years, including 29 in KISD
713-705-9490
www.cathymarellano.com
Top priorities: Acknowledge student needs, bridge achievement gaps, embrace community involvement
What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the board of trustees?
I am uniquely qualified because of my vast experience as an educator in the district for 29 years and 40 years total in education. As a parent of a special needs son, teacher, drill team instructor and administrator, I have had the opportunity to work in many facets of education. I understand the current needs of students, teachers and the importance of community spirit.
If elected, what will you consider to be your most important tasks?
My most important tasks would be addressing our achievement deficiencies through analysis of the data and using my educational expertise to provide a course of action.
What are the biggest challenges KISD faces?
The biggest challenges that KISD faces today is the rapid growth of the district and being able to provide necessary programs and qualified teachers to meet the needs of all students.
What will you do to overcome those challenges?
I would work through these challenges by utilizing advisement from educational leaders, community support and student input to collaborate on a plan of action.
Cissy Saccomanno[/caption]Cissy Saccomanno
Hometown: Brownsville
Experience: Retired Klein teacher/administrator
www.facebook.com/electcissy
Top priorities: Retain teachers who will teach the whole child, bridging achievement gap and fiscal responsibilities of district funds
What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the board of trustees?
As a 38-year resident of Klein, I have a good insight into the community values. My 27 years as a teacher and administrator in Klein have given me an opportunity to be a good steward of the district’s finances. I have experience setting strategies to assure student success. I have a Texas Superintendent Certificate and understand finance and the roles of the superintendent and the board.
If elected, what will you consider to be your most important tasks?
The school board should uphold the values of the community by setting data-driven policies which promote student achievement. They hire and evaluate the superintendent. The board approves an annual budget and has taxing authority. These responsibilities must yield student success.
What are the biggest challenges KISD faces?
We are a fast-growth district, and our demographics are quickly changing. The change in our demographics requires that we hire and train qualified teachers who can meet the unique needs of the changing population.
What will you do to overcome those challenges?
I would support the superintendent in programs to train teachers in the strategies necessary for our changing demographics and monitor the best use of funds. I would try to convince the Texas Legislature to appropriately fund education.
Doug James[/caption]Doug James
Hometown: Erie, Pa.
Experience: CEO/Creative Director, The D. James Group Marketing Firm
281-330-7106
www.dougjamesforklein.com
Top priorities: Accommodate rapid growth, accountability and funding issues
What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the board of trustees?
I am the right person at the right time to help Klein ISD realize its strong vision. My diversity and professional background make me uniquely qualified to be a positive addition to the board. My three children graduated from Klein schools, and I’m proud to say that I’ve been involved with them at every level of their journey. I think it is time for a new voice to be heard.
If elected, what will you consider to be your most important tasks?
The most important task is how well we manage this anticipated growth and shifting demographics, with a close second being the ability for KISD to recruit and retain high quality teachers, administrators and staff. We must embrace a more diverse perspective throughout the district.
What are the biggest challenges KISD faces?
Accommodating rapid growth and diversity, creating a culture of high expectations and accountability and paying for growth and keeping the tax burden low [are the biggest challenges].
What will you do to overcome those challenges?
We must continue to build more schools, and rezoning schools is an option to keep the highest growth areas manageable. We can roll out the 2015 bond plan while instituting as many efficiencies in the operations budget as possible.
Robert Dembo III
Hometown:
Experience:
Top priorities:
Unavailable to be reached for comment
What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the board of trustees?
Unavailable to be reached for comment
If elected, what will you consider to be your most important tasks?
Unavailable to be reached for comment
What are the biggest challenges KISD faces?
Unavailable to be reached for comment
What will you do to overcome those challenges?
Unavailable to be reached for comment
Candidates’ responses were edited for space.
