Your Connection to the Capitol!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because now is the time for me to serve my community from another perspective. I cannot stand by and watch the profession that I love, that has given so much to me and my family, fall from grace. My father once told me, "Son, either you're part of the solution, or you're part of the problem." Well, I've decided I'm going to be part of the solution.
I want to stand for teachers when others won't. I want to collaborate with a Team of Eight, as well as campus and district leadership on common sense policies that provides for safe schools to include physical, mental, and emotional safety. I want to ensure we have the tools and resources needed to produce great outcomes for students as a result of prudent fiscal management.
What platform issues do you stand on?
As mentioned throughout my campaign, my main priority is ensuring great outcomes for the students we serve. I plan to accomplish this by:
- Standing for those who are on the front line of taking care of our precious babies---the teachers.
- Placing a keen focus on the safety practices at play within the district. This is inclusive of physical safety, mental health, and emotional well-being.
- Calling for sound practices within the financial structure of the district such that there is no mis-management, waste, fraud, or shortfalls within the district's budget.
What is your education background that qualifies you to run for this seat?
Shortly after obtaining my Bachelors degree in Biology and my Masters degree in Education from Prairie View A&M University, I began my teaching career. Within the 32 years that I served as a Texas educator, I have gone from a substitute teacher to middle school science teacher, volleyball coach, assistant principal over fine arts, operations, discipline, and academics, principal at the elementary, middle, and high school level, Section 504 coordinator, coordinator for social emotional learning (SEL) special education supervisor, director of special education, and now education consultant.
My training consists of various professional development categories. I am trained in Lone Star Governance (LSG), legislative policy making through the Texas Education Policy Institute (TEPI), and Leadership ISD. With my Mediation/Negotiation certificate from Texas A&M University and my Strategic Marketing Management certification from Rice University, I will be able to collaborate effectively with the Team of Eight.
What other boards have you sat on that prepares you for this role?
I am honored to have previously sat on the following boards:
- The Advisory Council of the United Way of Houston, formerly known as the United Way of Gulf Coast Texas.
- Several years as board member for the Teacher Preparation Program at Prairie View A&M University.
- Worked briefly with the youth of Arkansas by serving on the board of Youth Extinguishing Smoking (YES) Team.
- Charter member of Impact DeSoto.
- Recently served as a member of the City of DeSoto's Charter Review Commission.
What role can parents and community stakeholders play?
Parents can assist by:
- Remaining an active participant in their child's education.
- Attending school functions, including board meetings.
- Staying in regular communication with their child's teachers.
- Making the school aware of any concerns (no issue is too small) before they become large ones.
- Joining me, and others, in Austin as we speak with legislators regarding proposed education bills and how they impact our community.
Community stakeholders can assist by partnering with school efforts. Partnerships can occur in many ways, such as
mentoring, tutoring, apprenticeships, strategic team-building, even monetarily via grants, fundraisers, and scholarships.
What else can you share as we prepare to make an informed choice?
I am overwhelmed with joy at the prospect of becoming a trustee at what I consider the premier school district within the Best Southwest. From my humble beginnings as a high school drop-out (correction, push-out) to becoming the class valedictorian and finally principal of schools, I understand the struggles of young people and the resilience and perseverance it takes to overcome obstacles.
From substitute teaching to campus leadership, then district leadership, I understand the intricate and delicate nature of true servant leadership and its many nuances.
From single-parenting two daughters for 20 years to having a blended family, I know what our families are juggling in their personal lives as they navigate rearing children and the demands of schooling them. And now as the proud parents of two children who are educators, my wife and I have created a legacy in the business of schooling the youth of Texas.
When can we vote?
Early voting is from April 24th through May 2nd:
- April 24-29 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- April 30. 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- May 1-2. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Election Day is May 6th from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
