Please tell a little bit about yourself (current work, education, experience, background).

Hello, I am Albert Garcia Jr. My family moved from Dallas to Italy when I was 6 years old to provide a better education and environment for our family. After graduation from Italy High School in 1994, I accumulated the required college hours to apply as a firefighter with the City of Dallas. This was my childhood dream. I am a Driver Engineer and Paramedic for the City of Dallas, Station 38 where I serve the citizens of Southeast Oak Cliff. I have been with Dallas Fire-Rescue Department for 8.5 years.  My wife, Davee, and I have been married for 15 years and we love raising our three children in Italy. (Eli, 12 years old; Isaac, 11 years old; Adela, 3 years old)  We are longtime members of Park Meadows Baptist Church.

What ties do you have to the Italy school district (i.e. children enrolled, family employed, former student)?

Our two sons attend Italy ISD. Elijah is in the 7th grade and Isaac is in the 5th grade. Our daughter will begin Kindergarten in 2013. Last school year, we hosted a foreign exchange student from Germany. Imke Klindworth attended Italy High as a Junior. We also have numerous extended family members at both campuses.  My mother taught at Stafford for many years as a paraprofessional in the 1990’s. Davee has worked at Stafford as the Accelerated Reading & Accelerated Math Initiative program teacher, and she is currently a substitute teacher.

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

 I would like to serve our community as a school board member. The quality of a school district is a direct reflection of the community. I would like to support our administration, teachers, and students.

What qualifications or experience do you possess that voters should consider?

As a firefighter and paramedic, I am dedicated to public service. I feel that would be able to serve my own community and school in the same manner. In addition, firemen must work as a team to protect each other and provide the best care. There is no room for selfish ambition. These are the same qualities that are desirable in school board members. Individuality is still present, while team members show respect for ideas and concerns.

What do you consider your primary responsibility as a school board member?

My primary responsibility as a school board member is to work closely with the superintendent and other board members to plan and maintain the district budget and ensure that policies and procedures are followed and reviewed. It is important make sure the district is up to date with current standards. These are the basics. The “above and beyond” approach is what will make us exceptional.

What do you consider the most important issue facing our school district today?

I feel that we, like all schools, have issues that we need to work on. We must strive to keep a healthy budget, provide quality education, and build up our district to be a leading institution in the region. We need to continue to seek and keep quality educators.

What do you consider the most positive and negative aspect of being a member of the school board?

The positives and negatives of being a member of any group are related to the outcomes of our efforts. When I hear positive reactions concerning our district, I feel proud and honored. When I hear negative comments, it’s disappointing. But, where would our drive come from if it weren’t for the negatives. The best thing we can do is strive for excellence and make improvements.

What do you think should be the top priorities of the school board after this election?

After the election the top priorities of the School Board should be to support our superintendent in the search for highly qualified teacher/coaches to fill the current vacancies. We also need to be aware of any changes that we as a board can make to help our operating budget.

Are there any policy changes you would seek to implement at the school district? If yes, which ones?

 I feel that the policies that we have in place right now seem to be working since they are being enforced. We need to always be looking at our policies though to make sure that they are current.

What community services have you given the school district or community in the past?

More recently, I have been heavily involved with the Italy Gladiator Band Booster Club. My wife and I coordinated the last two fundraisers for the band, resulting in raising nearly $4000 for our students. We are also active with the Dunlap library, providing support and assistance where needed. My family is active in the community and maintains and healthy relationship with the city.

Explain your position on hiring non-certified teachers.

Our top priority is ensuring our children receive the best education possible. I feel that we should hire certified teachers whenever possible. I understand that there is always the possibility of situations that can come up that the only candidate is a non-certified teacher. If a non-certified teacher is hired, they should be closely monitored, have all the resources needed for development and support, and be quickly working towards gaining certification.

How would you maintain a healthy balance between education and athletics?

Maintaining a healthy balance between education and athletics go hand in hand. We need to continue to push our students in the classroom as much as the coaches push our students on the field. The thing to remember is that we are preparing our students to move forward after high school. Academics and athletics both require independence, self-motivation, and hard work. Balancing education and athletics is not the sole responsibility of the school board. This is an attitude parents should be teaching their children.

Title IX laws pertain to all state funded districts. How do you feel the Italy ISD performs in this area?

In regards to Title IX laws, Italy ISD is doing well in making sure that all funds are being used properly. I support equal opportunities for girls and boys and would work to make sure that we strive to keep a healthy balance for both.

Because discipline is a nationwide problem, what ideas or changes would you like to see to continue to improve school discipline?

We can prevent many discipline issues from occurring by having teachers and faculty monitor hallways, lunch, and sports activities. However, their presence alone isn’t the only deterrent to misbehavior. Students need to feel that we expect great things from them. I feel that both principals do a very good job of keeping the students in order.

With the current state funding crisis, what ideas do you have to keep the budget trim?

As the old saying goes “a penny saved is a penny earned”. We need to continue to monitor all the utilities and evaluate other ways to lower costs. All expenditures should be closely monitored and made sure that they are wise choices.

What positive changes within the infrastructure of our schools might be made to retain and/or attract quality teachers to educate our children?

I feel that in order to attract and retain high quality teachers we need to stay competitive on the pay scale for a school of our size. I have seen over the last year both campuses Stafford and the high school begin to work together. It is nice when I go to the award assembly to see the high school students speaking to the younger students about working hard and keeping their grades up. There are some qualities that pay-scale can’t buy. We can make our campuses desirable by having unified, supportive, and positive campuses. 

In what ways can the district’s school board be more open to listen to teachers and parents about their concerns?

I encourage parents and faculty to attend school board meetings. No one is restricted from addressing the board. I assure you that I am not close minded and I have the ability to consider your concerns. I may not be able to provide immediate answers or solutions. However, you will be heard and I will work towards solutions on your behalf to address anything that hinders the learning process.

What incentives, if any, do you think should be implemented to motivate students to improve their performance in the classroom?

Student seems to work just a little harder when they know there is a reward at the end. Incentives don’t always have to be big, just something to show the students that we appreciate the hard work they are putting forth. Listening to our teachers would be a great way to seek out successful incentives. I’m sure they have many great ideas and they know our students best!

I have spent the last 30 years here in Italy, and am a proud graduate of Italy ISD. Many have asked me what my personal agenda is for running for the school board. Am I mad at the schools or a staff member? Am I bitter about decisions that have been made? I am not mad at anyone or anything. I just want to put the kids first. I want to help make the right decisions for their future, just like someone did for me when I was in school. I grew up here, and am raising my family here because I believe in the schools and the community. I would love your support and welcome any questions or comments.