Two candidates are campaigning for Tomball ISD school board Position 4 in the upcoming Nov. 8 election. Candidates include incumbent Mark Lewandowski and local business owner Billy Moore.
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. For more information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com. For more information about voting in Montgomery County, visit www.elections.mctx.org.
Mark Lewandowski (Incumbent)
Experience:
served on a campus improvement team; master trustee graduate; former board president; director on the Gulf Coast Area Association of School Boards
Occupation:
engineering manager
Candidate Website:
https://www.keeptomballthriving.com
Why are you running for election?
Student success is of the utmost importance to me. I believe that consistent and experienced leadership has been critical to the success that Tomball ISD has achieved. As a graduate of Tomball High School, I have a vested interest in the Tomball community and the continued success of Tomball ISD.
What will your top two priorities be if elected?
My priorities have always been to work with the board and superintendent to provide our students with the best educational opportunities that Tomball ISD can offer. We must manage growth, support our teachers and provide a safe learning environment while continuing to maintain the excellent financial rating of the district.
As a growing district, what challenges do you believe Tomball ISD faces, and how will you help address those challenges?
The board, superintendent and cabinet have worked well together to manage student and district needs as we continue to grow. Challenges are many and include managing student growth, maintaining student opportunities, facilities, safety, rising costs, stable and adequate funding, loss of local control and advocacy for our schools.
Projects are beginning from TISD’s 2021 bond. How will you approach overseeing these projects and spending bond dollars?
As a trustee, I will work with the other trustees and administration to address the successful implementation of bond 2021. The district will be challenged by rising costs from escalating inflation and prudent decisions will need to be made to ensure the intent of the bond is met.
What steps will you take to further communication between TISD and residents?
I have always advocated open and honest communication and will continue to consider input from our students, parents and taxpayers, and employees. Board meetings are open to the public, recorded and posted online. I believe that it is important to provide timely information to our parents and the community.
Billy Moore
Experience:
petroleum engineer since 2014; University Interscholastic League official; volunteer at Real Life Church
Occupation:
petroleum engineer, owner of HTeaO Tomball
Candidate Website:
https://www.billymoorefortomball.com
Why are you running for election?
I am running for the opportunity to be a voice for parents and teachers. I believe there is a benefit to having a fresh set of eyes as a community constantly evolves. I want to be a voice that will fight for our kids, parents, teachers and citizens of Tomball.
What will your top two priorities be if elected?
My priorities will be implementing up-to-date processes for anyone who'd like to speak to the board and have active engagement within the community. I also believe that we should be focusing district spending on contracts locally to lessen any financial burden that hangs over our students and their families.
As a growing district, what challenges do you believe Tomball ISD faces, and how will you help address those challenges?
The district has won in STAAR testing, yet there is much more to our students’ lives than academics. We are having an increase in students, a decrease in teachers and struggling with transportation. We need to find the cause of the issues and address those before adding new projects.
Projects are beginning from TISD’s 2021 bond. How will you approach overseeing these projects and spending bond dollars?
I would oversee each project with efficiency towards the bond funding. I would want the schools’ layouts to be designed with our students, teachers, transportation and safety in mind. I want involvement from the community as to what they feel our teachers and students need at their campuses.
What steps will you take to further communication between TISD and residents?
We need better communication between the district and its residents. We need to record all board meetings and workshops and give a detailed agenda with easier access to what is being presented. I’d create better anonymous feedback forums to understand the frustrations of everyone, including students, teachers and parents.
