Melinda Cox, Christopher Evans and Dick “Raz” Rasmussen are running for the District 5 position, for which board President Shannon Grona declined a re-election bid for a fourth term. District 5 covers the Johnson High School cluster area.
Cox launched the Johnson High Parent-Teacher-Student Association Smart Driving Club and the “Tex” Hill Middle School Veterans Day Honor Flight program. She also was an advocacy chair with the North East Council of PTAs board, graduated from the NEISD leadership program and served on the district’s Student Health Advisory Council.
A retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, Rasmussen held multiple private sector jobs in management and executive leadership, including program manager, training and standards captain, chief pilot, and aviation director. He serves as a corporate pilot flying Gulfstream G450/G550 aircraft, holds a master’s degree in public policy and is a licensed Texas real estate agent.
Evans did respond to questions in time for publication of this article.
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.
Early voting will be held April 22-25, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; April 27, 29 and 30, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; and April 28, noon-6 p.m. Election day polls will be open May 4 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Details on polling sites are available at https://tinyurl.com/5n7bh56b.
Melinda Cox
Experience:
Volunteered with NEISD PTAs and other district boards and programs
Occupation:
Stay-at-home parent
Candidate Website:
https://www.melinda4thefuture.com
What makes you qualified to represent District 5 in NEISD?
I am the best candidate for single-member District 5 because I have been a part of public education as a parent, an advocate and volunteer for almost 14 years. From advocating for student welfare to fostering community engagement, my passion for public education has been unwavering.
Briefly, what are the three top issues your campaign is focusing on?
Facilitate collaboration, and work with students, parents and teachers to ensure every student has a clear path to reach their educational potential. Value our diverse population by ensuring board decisions represent our student population. Strengthen engagement by enhancing family and community involvement to support student success.
In terms of what constituents see as the issue most important to them, what is your experience or approach to that issue that distinguishes you from your opponents?
Every issue is personal, and I appreciate that, and I will commit to a response in District 5 and beyond. School board trustees have limits to their oversight, but every communication is a valid moment or concern for a student.
Christopher Evans
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What makes you qualified to represent District 5 in NEISD
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Briefly, what are the three top issues your campaign is focusing on?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
In terms of what constituents see as the issue most important to them, what is your experience or approach to that issue that distinguishes you from your opponents?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Dick Rasmussen
Experience:
Past NEISD parent; U.S. Air Force veteran
Occupation:
Civilian pilot
Candidate Website:
https://www.raz4neisd.com
What makes you qualified to represent District 5 in NEISD?
As an Air Force veteran and retired lieutenant colonel, I have 35-plus years of executive leadership experience in the military and corporate sector. I’ve led multiple teams in developing strategies to ensure goals and objectives are achieved. I’ve managed contracts, equipment, facilities and multimillion-dollar budgets to maintain fiscal responsibility.
Briefly, what are the three top issues your campaign is focusing on?
We must equip students for the future and ensure they’ve mastered the basics of reading, writing, math and social studies. We must retain and recruit excellent teachers as they’re the backbone of our educational system. We also must respect the rights of parents to determine the content of their children’s education.
In terms of what constituents see as the issue most important to them, what is your experience or approach to that issue that distinguishes you from your opponents?
Parents and taxpayers are concerned about “woke” ideologies attempting to infiltrate our school system and indoctrinate our children. I served for this country for over two decades, and I have the integrity, moral character and courage to stand up and fight for our children to ensure they are educated not indoctrinated.
