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

I grew up in DeSoto, where I was a member of the graduating class of 1984. During the time I was in high school my family owned property between Italy and Frost, which we would come to on weekends. I moved to Italy in 1992. We built the Italy Daycare in 1986 and my mother was the owner/operator until 1996. I currently live between Italy and Frost. For 25 years my father and I owned and operated Day and Sons concrete. Since his retirement and passing I am the owner/operator of Danny Day Trucking. I work alongside my brother who is the owner of Paul Day Excavating. I also raise registered Angus cattle with my son.

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

My son, Peyton Day, graduated for Italy in 2008. Italy ISD was the only school system he attended. I also work actively with many of the Italy High School FFA students.

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I feel that I would make a good board member. I want our school district to make decisions that are in the best interest of the children in this community. I also want to restore the tradition of excellence that Italy ISD was renowned for.

What qualifications or experience to you posses that voters should consider?

I have a child that has completed his education in Italy ISD and I possess many business skills. I understand how to work with people in a customer setting and I believe that as a board member customer service through listening to community concerns is vital.

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

To do what is best for the children of this community and school district by setting policies, responsible spending of tax payer dollars and assisting the administrative staff in moving the district forward.

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

Preparing the children of this community to be successful individuals when they leave the hallways of our school in an ever changing world and workforce. I feel like the workforce is rapidly changing and we need to be mindful of the technological advances as we prepare students to be productive and contributing citizens.

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

The most positive aspect is that I will be giving back to my community as well as serving the children of this community.
The most negative aspect is that there will tough decisions that will be made that the public do not know all the details, but they must trust that the board is making the right decisions.

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

Making the necessary decisions to improve instruction, to bring about pride in the community and growth in the economy.

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

At this point no, but I will be willing to listen to any suggestions from community members and take them to the board for discussion.

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

I support our Ag students by supplying a place for them to keep their cattle projects. I assist them in any way I can while their cattle projects are on the property. In the past, I have donated items to the silent auction at the FFA banquet. I also participate in the annual BBQ cookoff that the Lions Club sponsors as well as donate items for their silent auction. I have participated in the Ellis County fundraisers for the expo center as well.

Explain your position on hiring non-certified teachers?

I know that there are some teaching fields that are short on certified teachers. I feel that Mr. Malone should be supported in his hiring decisions. I feel that we must maintain our position with highly qualified teachers and our AYP rating.

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

By remembering that athletics is part of the extracurricular program that supports the academic focus. Many students are successful in school because of athletics. The program needs to always support the academic mission and provide opportunities for all students to succeed.

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

Children need guidance on what is expected of them to become productive adults and leaders of tomorrow. I feel that in order to accomplish this we must have guidelines set forth in our student code of conduct that are consistence between the campuses. I also believe that communication with parents is essential. I would also like to see a consistent program of positive behavioral strategies that both campuses can utilize that will mend the divide between the elementary and high school campuses. As a small school system, this continuity and consistency can easily be maintained by fostering a cooperative environment between the two campuses.

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

Recycling as much paper and supplies as we can. Supporting the Go Green Club and moving towards a more paperless system. I would also like to analyze expenditures to make sure we are maximizing tax payer dollars.

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

I believe that with consistency between the campuses we can accomplish this. I feel that the employees of this district must work together and be a team. I would like to find reward incentives for our staff in order to compete with larger school districts. We must do what is best for the children and bringing quality educators to Italy ISD must be a priority.

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

I feel that the board should be very open to listen to the concerns of teachers, parents and administrators. Communication is a very important part of creating an outstanding learning community. As a school board member we are supposed to be the voice of our community and to provide input from the community in a democratic and representative fashion. We are here to do what is best for the children of this community and school district.

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

I believe that the implementation of flex days is an outstanding way to motivate students. I also think we need to utilize community support in providing incentives for students who achieve high grades and/or good attendance.