In San Marcos CISD, terms end for the at-large trustee positions held by Board President David Chiu and member Judy Little Allen. Election day is May 12. *Indicates incumbent candidate.
David Chiu*, SMCISD board of trustees president
1. If elected, what do you plan to focus on?
I plan to continue to work with the superintendent and board members to improve the district academic standings, especially [in] subject matters pertaining to math and science where we are the weakest. I will also continue to advocate further collaborative academic programs in the arts with Texas State University. I visited with the superintendent on project-based learning. I would encourage the superintendent to seek linkage with Texas State's Applied Science Department [and] see how our students can benefit from [their] Nanotech and Polymer Research programs.
2. Why did you decide to run for board of trustees?
First of all, frustration. Why can't we as a district be one of the best, academically speaking? We have the ingredients for such a success. Texas State University is a willing partner who shares the same aspiration in our endeavor to be a top academic school district. We have good teachers. We have a large fund reserve. When I served as mayor, it was hard for me to sell our city to potential employers. An Acceptable TEA rating is no longer acceptable. Instead of complaining on the sideline, I ran for school board to make that difference. And I am running for one more term to ensure those changes will bear fruit and to make other improvements.
3. What have been your main accomplishments in your time on the board?
I was the main advocate on forming the Career/Academic Academy at our high school now in place. As your mayor in 2000, I negotiated with [Austin Community College] to provide dual-credit classes (college and high school) at our high school. I re-established linkage with Texas State University on math work. I was a main advocate for establishing string curriculum into our district. I sought to, and [was] supported by the board, to rededicate $1.5 million from the construction fund to the Academic Excellence Improvement Fund to enable us to hire additional math teachers, provide funding [for] math and science tutorials to enhance technology in classroom teaching. Advocated $500 bonus for teachers and staffs from a portion of school year surplus to off set their incurrence cost increase.
Judy Little Allen*
1. If elected, what do you plan to focus on?
I will continue to focus on setting policies to promote student achievement. That includes supporting policies relating to curriculum that ensure all students are meeting the goals set by the state and federal government, supporting teachers by continuing to provide training to enhance instruction and budgeting limited resources with the least negative impact on the classroom. I want to implement mobile technology (iPads, Kindles, etc.) for all students in SMCISD. Technology is expensive, but it is far more expensive to fall behind and not give our students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.
2. Why did you decide to run for board of trustees again?
I have served three terms on the SMCISD board of trustees. I originally ran for the board of trustees because I believe that as policies are being determined at the local, state and national level, it is the responsibility of citizens to have an active part in these discussions since individuals and families will ultimately be affected. Because of my background in education, a teacher for 39 years, I believe I can make the greatest contribution in helping to determine the policies that relate to the education of our children. I chose to run for re-election this year because of some recent decisions made by the board of trustees that I was not in favor of and believe are detrimental. I believe that the board needs someone with a strong commitment to student success, a strong educational background and a strong tie to San Marcos.
3. What have been your main accomplishments in your time on the board?
Student test scores continued to increase. [We held a] successful bond election [that] resulted in four new schools [being] built, four schools [being] substantially renovated and one campus [being] redesigned. Teacher salaries increased each year. The fund balance increased significantly and financial responsibility in budgeting during state cuts to education. Implemented an orchestra program and implemented academies at the high school.
Juan Miguel Arredondo
1. If elected, what do you plan to focus on?
Community involvement is a crucial component in public education, especially in the San Marcos CISD. We as a community need to identify and own the problems that face us in our schools. Then we need to work together, not only on the school board but also in the community solving these problems. There is no "silver bullet" that can fix public education in San Marcos. We must do the hard work and there is much of it to be done. If elected, I would like to see community involvement become a district priority.
2. Why did you decide to run for board of trustees?
I decided to run for a seat on the school board when I saw trustees make a correlation between student achievement, demographics and socioeconomics. I think all students can and will achieve, but that will only happen when our school board and community supports that idea and begins working together to achieve that goal.
3. What has prepared you to help lead the district?
As a product of our local school district and a graduate of San Marcos High School, I have spent more time during the past 10 years in the schools of the SMCISD than any current trustee or candidate. I know what is really happening in our classrooms. I have also volunteered and served in a variety of leadership roles in the community, including the San Marcos High School Alumni Association, United Way of Hays County and the San Marcos Education Foundation. If elected, I plan on helping leverage all of our communities resources to overcome the challenges we face.
Paul Mayhew
1. If elected, what do you plan to focus on?
We must examine, review and revise our goals for the district. These goals will provide a framework through which the superintendent and administration will be able to find creative solutions to achieve. We should support and work with the superintendent in finding ways to engage parents and our community partners in education. This is not about seven people who won a popularity contest and sit on a dais. This is about our children, our tax dollars, and the future of our community. Egos and agendas must be set aside.
2. Why did you decide to run for board of trustees?
With four children currently enrolled in our schools, I'll bring a perspective to the board that no one running or currently on the board can offer. We've been very pleased with the quality of teaching and educational learning experiences in our classrooms. We have experienced excellent teachers, challenging curriculum and very supportive administrative staff in our schools. I strongly believe that there is always room for improvement, but great things are happening in our schools. We must change the narrative and share our successes. While we work to achieve exemplary status, our marketing strategies should highlight positive news happening district-wide.
3. What has prepared you to help lead the district?
My wife, Marilee, and I have four children who attend SMCISD schools: two at Hernandez Elementary, one at Miller Junior High and a freshman at San Marcos High School. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in economics. I have served on city boards and chaired the San Marcos Convention and Visitors Bureau. I was elected and served a term on the San Marcos City Council from 2000-2003. I have been chairman for eight years on the First United Methodist Church committees [of] finance and Church Council. For 21 years, I have lived in San Marcos working as a financial advisor with MetLife, primarily helping educators envision their retirement goals and achieve them.
