McKinney resident Curtis Rath announced Feb. 20 that he has filed to run for the McKinney ISD board of trustees Place 7 seat.

Curtis Rath Curtis Rath[/caption]

The at-large position is currently filled by Curtis Rippee, who is running for re-election.

Rath said his decision to run was prompted by the impending growth of the city and school district.

"Between 2010 and 2020, the cities of McKinney and Frisco project growth of over 60,000 new residents and Frisco ISD is projecting an enrollment increase of over 30,000 new students. McKinney ISD is projecting an increase of just over 2,000," he said. "While the district fights against parental choice, parents are choosing to avoid McKinney ISD. Parents must have a voice and a choice about education in McKinney."

Rath said he is concerned about what he sees as a lack of teachers.

"In 2011, they eliminated 68 teaching positions, and threatened to cut up to 290 teaching positions if voters did not approve a massive tax increase in 2013," he said. "Even though the voters passed the increase, according to latest figures, the district has 40 less teaching slots than in 2010."

Rath said in mid-2016 McKinney homeowners were paying the highest school property tax rate in the state, but the district still had fewer teachers.

"The results are predictable, and reflected in STAAR testing," he said. "Although the district average is higher than the state and the region, McKinney ISD scores are below the county average and ninth in Collin County. We must have a renewed focus on the classroom and hire teachers that are supported and have adequate resources to perform at a high level."

Rath said if elected he will work to put decisions about the district in the hands of parents and educators.

Early voting for the May 6 school board election begins April 24-May 2.  Two newcomers, Clayton Myhre and Kenneth Ussery, are running for Place 2 as incumbent and board president Bobby Amick decided not to run for re-election.

Incumbents Maria McKinzie andKathy Livezey are both running unopposed in their respective positions of Place 1 and Place 3.

For more information about the school board election, click here.