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Incumbent Dacia Owens and Irma Dunmire are running in the election May 7 for Magnolia ISD board of trustees Position 1. Candidate Jordan Miles confirmed April 6 to Community Impact Newspaper he is withdrawing from the race; his name will still appear on the ballot.
Early voting begins April 25.
Candidate responses may have been edited for length, style and clarity.
Click here for more information on voting in Montgomery County.
What inspired you to run for this position?
I developed a strong passion for our teachers and students while serving as president of the Magnolia Education Foundation. I want to combine my passion and business sense to preserve family values while also balancing the incredible growth ahead.
What qualifications or prior experience do you possess for this position?
Prior to serving as a MISD school board trustee, I spent four years as president of the Magnolia Education Foundation, building great relationships with business owners, teachers, and administrators. Additionally, through my career in marketing, I bring a strong sense of business leadership through communication, team building and fiscal responsibility. Finally, as a substitute teacher and mother of two MISD students, I have first hand experience in the classroom with students and parents.
What will be your priorities on the board if elected?
Our students, teachers and parents need an advocate on the school board that will always listen, learn and continue to take time to be close to what is happening inside the classroom. I will keep it a personal priority to be their voice. Additionally, I will work to protect our community’s traditional values, while preparing for our future growth and making conservative financial decisions.
What would you say are the two biggest challenges the district faces in relation to growth, and how would you address them if elected?
The first challenge is keeping our facilities and staff on pace with the projected growth in our community. That said, MISD is in a strong financial position to expand and build new campuses making necessary hires of qualified and dedicated teaching professionals that come with opening new schools. Another issue I see is maintaining that “small-town” feel that we have grown to love in Magnolia. I will be a voice for keeping tradition with a vision.
What inspired you to run for this position?
The inspiration is our kids. I have a passion for seeing all children succeed and reach their full potential. Success looks different for everyone.
What qualifications or prior experience do you possess for this position?
I have advocated for children my entire working career. In each professional position I held the focus has always been removing roadblocks from their path to success. This requires collaboration with the children, their families, and various resources in the community. Thinking outside the box and problem solving assisted in ensuring that they were able to obtain and utilize these resources to become successful.
What will be your priorities on the board if elected?
My priority will be fostering connections between Magnolia ISD and the community. I grew up in Magnolia and have lifelong ties to the community. Additionally, being bilingual gives me the ability to reach families who may not otherwise have their voice heard.
What would you say are the two biggest challenges the district faces in relation to growth, and how would you address them if elected?
I believe the biggest challenges are staff retention and student/teacher ratios. If I were elected I would approach my fellow board members to create a district task force. It would include teachers, parents, staff, administration, and would be tasked with identifying the issues and posing mutually agreeable solutions. Doing this would increase communication at all levels within our district as well as increase trust between the school board and the community, ultimately supporting our common goal of ensuring our students are successful.
