Tell us about yourself?

I have lived in Italy since 1971. My family and I live out in the country towards Frost. I attended both Italy ISD campuses, and walked the same halls that my children now walk. I own and operate a successful CDL Truck rental business that serves all of DFW.

What ties do you have at the Italy school district?

I live on a small farm, four miles from the land my great, great grandfather purchased over 110 years ago. I have kids at both Italy campuses. I am a member of the same church that I attended in the nursery. I was later married in that same church. I have countless friends and family in the Italy district.

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I feel that I have what it takes to be a good board member. I am a good communicator. I work well with people and have a genuine concern for our school and community.

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

My business has continued to thrive in a struggling economy. I know I can assist the board with sound business decisions. I was blessed with a positive attitude. I believe I can assist the board with solid decision making over a broad range of topics.

What do you consider your primary responsibility as a member?

I agree with a paragraph I recently studied in the TASB 2010 Guide for School Board Candidates. It states that the individual school board member’s major responsibility is to study, evaluate, and deliberate the policy issues confronting his or her district, then vote in the best interest of all students.

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

I believe our school lacks a healthy harmony between the two campuses. I believe with positive reinforcement from a board that is utilizing team work that our school can increase TAKS and college entrance scores.

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

What greater honor could a person receive than being trusted with decisions concerning our young people? I will quote Will Davis, former Texas State Board of Education member, “Serving as a member of the school board is the purest and highest form of public service”. I prefer not to comment on negative aspects.

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

The top of the list should most definitely be to assist Mr. Malone in finding a principal for Stafford Elementary.

Are there any policy changes you would seek to implement at the school?

Not at this time.

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

My family and business have donated money to the Ag Department. We have also donated school supplies to Stafford. We have also funded numerous box-top parties at Stafford. In April of 2010, we invited the three 1st grade classes to a field day at our farm. Our family donated lunch and drinks for the children and staff. We recently donated briskets to the Italy booster club. We have also donated equipment and concession-stand duty to the IYAA.

Explain your position on hiring non-certified teachers?

I don’t have a position at this time. However I believe it’s the board’s job to support Mr. Malone on hiring quality teachers.

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

This can only be accomplished by positive team-work. Not just teamwork within the board. It must include all levels of staff, teachers, coaches, parents, students and board members.

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

I think it is important to exercise more parent communication and accountability to improve discipline.

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

There are so many ways to trim the budget. One way is to control spending, we should evaluate vendors and “shop the market” for better deals. All expenditures should be closely monitored. Every piece of paper running through a copier should be necessary. To increase revenue we need to communicate to parents the need for better attendance because the school’s money is directly related to average daily attendance. We should also research recycling opportunities that would make our district “greener” and create revenue.

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

I believe we need more teamwork and harmony within our schools. Anything negative must be extinguished, most importantly slander and gossip.

In what ways can the districts school board be more open to listen to teachers and parents about there concerns?

It is of utmost importance that concerns from teachers and parents are heard and evaluated. Without this important communication bridge, we will contribute to negative talk and actions.

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

I am excited about the new incentives allowing kids that have passed TAKS to get out of school a little early. This truly allows the teachers to concentrate on helping the kids who are struggling to pass TAKS.

Comments: Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to run for the school board because they are angry or upset with someone or a group of people. It is important to me that our voters realize that I am not angry or upset with anyone. Further more, I believe our current board, as a team, is doing a pretty good job for our kids. I fully understand and recognize the commitment involved with being a member of our school board. I would appreciate and honor the opportunity to assist our school board. If anyone has questions for me, I can be contacted directly at 972-351-7759.