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

My name is Cindy Carter. I am married to Stephen Carter and have three daughters and two grand-daughters. I am currently employed with the United States Postal Service here in Italy. I graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1978. I have lived here in Italy for 30 years.

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

My husband and all three children graduated from Italy High School.

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I have served on the board for the past six years. I still have a big interest in the school.

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

Look at the experience if you have been on the board. Make sure the person is an outstanding citizen of Italy.

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

To make sure that the children get the best education that we can provide for them.

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

To make sure our finances stay as they are or better. Getting teachers that are certified and give our children their education.

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

It is really an honor to be a school board member. I have learned so much about how the school operates. The worst thing is when you cannot solve problems for parents when they come to you.

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

Finance; to make sure we can provide the tools needed in order for the students to get that education.

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

I really have a concern about bullying.

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

This last year I haven’t given much community service due to my accident. I had been on the Park Board years ago for the City and have helped with the Italy celebrations in the past.

Explain your position on hiring non-certified teachers?

I believe all teachers should be certified so that we can give our children the best education.

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

If we hire a good educator then they should be a good coach. We need education first.

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

Try to get parents more involved with school programs. Get back to our morals that we were taught and teach our children those and respect for others.

With the current money crunch, what ideas do you have to keep the budget trim?

To watch the budget and make sure that we do not hire too many employees that we do not need. If we do, the salaries are the biggest part of the budget.

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

Improving our test scores! Making salaries competitive with districts our size.

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

You can always call me to listen. Just be sure that you go through the chain-of-command first. I am always available to listen.

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

We are working on some things now. Children will always try harder if they have incentives.

I have really enjoyed being on the school board for the past six years. Our board has gone through a lot in those six years. It has really been an honor to represent the school district. We have a good district but we need to get back to the morals we were taught and show respect for each other. I would really like to be re-elected to serve again. I hope you will come out Saturday, May 8th and vote.