In Hays CISD, two candidates are running for an at-large position, and two are running for the Single-member District 3 seat. Community Impact Newspaper could not reach HCISD at-large candidate Eric John by press time. *Indicates incumbent candidate.
At-large candidates
Doug Ragsdale
1. If elected, what do you plan to focus on?
My focus as a school board member begins and ends with the effect of board decisions on classroom instruction. From budget decisions to policy to personnel, board members must be aware of how district-wide change affects each individual student and their personal connection to the district, the classroom teacher.
2. Why did you decide to run for board of trustees?
I will retire from education on June 1. I believe that my 39 years as a teacher, an administrator, a counselor, coach and bus driver afford me a unique insight into the workings of public education—a view from within the classroom at the prime level of instruction. I see service on the school board as a means to continue to have an effect on the education of our children and still have time to spend with my own grandchildren.
3. What has prepared you to help lead the district?
In my 22 years as a faculty member of Hays High School, I have served on the HHS Campus Leadership team for 19 years, and 16 of those years as chairman. I also served for six years on the Superintendent's Liaison Committee which, at the time, was a conduit of ideas between central office and the individual campuses. I have also served on the curriculum management team, district assessment committee and on the district alignment committee when Lehman High School was formed. Most importantly, I have been in the classroom teaching biology to all levels of students and believe very strongly that what I do as a school board member must positively impact the achievement of every student in this district.
Holly Smith Raymond
1. If elected, what do you plan to focus on?
The hallmarks of Hays County continue to fuel skyrocketing growth in our district. This compels us to ensure we have a strong financial foundation that will substantially support the academic and developmental needs of our current and future students. And with the funding challenges we've seen at the state level, we have to practice financial vigilance at a higher level than ever before to protect our students and teachers. I plan to apply my decade-plus of experience as a finance and operations professional to make sure that happens.
2. Why did you decide to run for board of trustees?
Hays CISD has given more to me than I'll ever be able to return, so I have a deep desire to give back in every way I can. Our district's teachers and curriculum effectively prepared me for academic and professional success, and now, as my three children and their Hays peers prepare for their own futures in this rapidly changing world, I feel a personal responsibility to protect and support them. Additionally, my experience as a student parent, PTA officer and member, classroom volunteer and Hays CISD Education Foundation board officer has afforded me a front row seat to witness the passion and talents that our teachers pour out to our children every day.
3. What has prepared you to help lead the district?
Those days at [Jack C.] Hays [High School] were vital preparation for my earning bachelor's and master's degrees from UT Austin's accounting program. I have since applied that knowledge through more than a decade of work providing public accounting and operations advisement to companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. I serve as vice president of finance and operations for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas, a board officer and treasurer of the Hays CISD Education Foundation, a PTA member of Negley Elementary and Barton Middle schools, and most importantly, as the mom of Madalyn, Beck and Bristol.
Single-member District 3
Bert Bronaugh Jr.*
1. If elected, what do you plan to focus on?
My focus, if re-elected, is to maintain the financial and academic course that the district has established in the last few years. We have not raised taxes for several years yet have kept up with a vigorous student growth. We have very good financial transparency and accountability. Due to the state's funding issues, we went through a very hard time last year and are really watching what happens this year. We need to address the cuts made last year and make sure we support the teachers and staff. They are our front line, and the budget changes really hurt them, so we really need to keep in touch with them.
2. Why did you decide to run for board of trustees?
I had been turned down on a Level 3 appeal for a transfer for my son and had stated that I wanted to 'get on the inside and change it from there.' It has been a very rewarding and wonderful experience. It's hard to explain except to say that the first thing a new board member does is to shake the hands of the high school graduates. That was, and always is, a wonderful experience for me. It helps me to focus on our purpose, and puts faces to the names and numbers.
3. What has prepared you to help lead the district?
I value education, both for our students and for myself. There are many chances to learn to be a good school board member. I have attended several Texas Association of School Board conferences, whose purpose is to educate and empower board members statewide. I have attended Mexican-American School Board Association conferences that have been offered. These have been wonderful resources, and I always come away from them with new and fresh ideas. I also stay active in the community and try my best to stay in touch with the people that I come in contact with every day.
Robert Limon
1. If elected, what do you plan to focus on?
Although the economy has started to show some signs of improvement, we'll need to continue to scrutinize every dollar we spend to educate our children in the most cost-effective manner possible but still ensure that they get the education they deserve. Difficult cuts were made last year, and we seem to be through the rough patch. A quality education cannot be achieved without quality teachers and administrators. We need to make Hays CISD the district that attracts and retains the best and brightest educators in Central Texas.
2. Why did you decide to run for board of trustees?
Hays County [has] been a great place for me to live and raise my family. Serving on the school board would be another opportunity for me to give back to my community. As a strong team player and team leader, I believe I can help make a difference. Part of my recent work experience includes 16 years in accounting, and budget and financial analysis at Austin Community College and for the State of Texas. If elected, I'll bring to the position this financial knowledge and experience to help our board plan for the future and ensure our school system remains financially strong.
3. What has prepared you to help lead the district?
My wife, Norma, and I have raised two children in the Hays CISD district. We've lived 14 years in District 3, the area I am running to represent. In addition to serving on various committees and campus leadership teams, I had the opportunity to help form the first PTAs at Tom Green Elementary and Barton Middle schools. I share a background that is probably very similar to some of the children in District 3. I was raised in a single-parent household with a mom that worked multiple jobs to make sure my brother, sister and I had all the necessities. With her strength, a lot of hard work, some caring teachers, and the Lord's blessing, I became the first person in my family to go to college. My education, culminating with a business degree from St. Edward's University, has created many opportunities for me. I've volunteered many hours over the years, not only in schools, but with children in various sport organizations. I consider those times, working with young people, some of the most rewarding experiences in my life. If elected to the school board, I would work tirelessly to ensure that every student, with some hard work, has the opportunity to achieve their goals and hopefully realize their dreams like I did.
