Meet the 2 candidates running for Richardson ISD at-large Place 6

What are the biggest challenges facing Richardson ISD? How do you plan to address these issues?

Funding -Texas ranks No. 42 in the U.S. in per-student spending. It has been proven the more personal attention and assistance you can provide a child, the better the outcomes. This requires great teachers with more time to help students. We must find ways to provide fair compensation for great teachers, so they stay in the profession. I have been and will continue to advocate in Austin with our Legislatures for increased state education funding.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Creating Life-Ready Students- Every child needs to be equipped with the foundational academic tools to succeed in life after graduation. Teacher retention and recruitment – The teacher shortage is real and is only getting worse. Our children’s success starts and stops with quality teachers. Education Funding – RISD, along with surrounding school districts, are facing a financial shortfall due to bidding wars for teachers, inflation, and flat school funding from the state.

What qualities or expertise make you uniquely qualified for this role?

I have served as RISD trustee for the last three years and helped lead our district through one of the most challenging times in the last 50 years. My 30 years of business leadership experience has equipped me to handle making critical decisions affecting our kids. I have served on multiple RISD committees, the RISD foundation board, Leadership Richardson graduate, plus more. Finally, I am a parent of recent twin graduates (RHS-2021) who attended RISD K-12.

How should school board members evaluate school and student performance in your district?

I believe student performance is best measured by looking at a portfolio of work demonstrating growth over time versus single one-day high-pressure assessments. By frequently monitoring the growth of every student, we can identify learning gaps and respond quickly to provide assistance. A growth focus better prepares and reduces stress on state assessments on students and teachers. We should also consider a survey of parent satisfaction as a measure of overall school performance.

What are the biggest challenges facing Richardson ISD? How do you plan to address these issues?

RISD faces three significant challenges in 2023: student achievement, declining enrollment, and financial stewardship. To tackle these obstacles, we must carefully examine our budget, evaluate our strengths and weaknesses, and efficiently steward our resources to empower each student to reach their highest potential. I am committed to our students and staff, and I believe I can make a meaningful impact in the next three years by focusing on these areas.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

I'll prioritize student growth and district excellence by looking at three critical factors. First, effectively managing resources to support student needs and plan for the future. Secondly, prioritizing student achievement for high-quality education and post-graduation success. Lastly, supporting educators to focus on students. As the son of an educator, I understand the dedication and sacrifices needed to help students succeed. Let's work with our excellent staff to empower them for the best education possible.

What qualities or expertise make you uniquely qualified for this role?

With three kids in the district, I am invested in improving our schools. My experience serving at the local school and district level help me see the needs of others. I desire to find common ground to issues using common sense and a level-headed approach. My business degree and work experience provide skills to forecast growth, plan for the future, and manage budgets. Combined, I think I am suited to help RISD excel for years to come.