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

I have been employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the past 23 years. I serve as the County Executive Director of the Ellis County Farm Service Agency, working with all agricultural producers across Ellis County. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston.

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

My wife Sandy and I have four children, Amber, Ricky and Megan that attended Italy Schools and our daughter Bailey is presently enrolled in the 7th grade at Italy ISD. She participates in Band, Athletics, UIL, Livestock Shows (4-H) and other activities. My granddaughter, Ella, will enter pre-k next fall at Italy ISD. I am currently a member of the Italy ISD Board of Education. I have no family employed by the school district.

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I am seeking a seat on the board to provide the best education possible for all of the students of Italy ISD and to prepare them for higher education, technical training, or members of the workforce and to become productive citizens.

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

Serving on the Board gives me satisfaction in watching children achieve their educational requirements through the years and becoming responsible adults. My two terms on the board give me experience in school finance, which is an important role for a board member. I feel that I am a good communicator and that I do my very best to listen to the public concerning school matters.

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

Primary responsibilities are hiring the superintendent and approving the school’s budget.

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

We must improve our TAKS scores. We must supply the means, tools and technology in the classrooms so that the teachers can better do their job.

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

The most positive aspect is watching our students and staff achieve success in many different areas. The most negative aspect is making decisions that are in the best interest of the school and student body that sometime negatively affect some students and families in our community.

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

Improve our TAKS scores; finding an elementary principal; continue updating technology, maintaining financial stability.

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

None at this time, but policies should be reviewed to remain current with state and federal regulations.

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

I have been very involved with our 4-H and FFA groups for the past 15 years. I have coached several years in our summer league softball and baseball programs. I work in the concession stands regularly for the Band, Athletic events, FFA and others groups. I have assisted at the Elementary Field Day for about 7 years. I do my very best to attend as many events as possible at both campuses. I served as chairman of the Ellis County Youth Expo from 2006 through 2008.

Explain your position on hiring non-certified teachers?

My position, and the board’s, is that all teachers be certified in their teaching field. Emergency situations may arise that require a non-certified teacher to be employed. If so, the employee should be closely monitored and mentored.

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

Education must come first. There must be guidance from our coaches that students must strive for academic success as well as athletic success. The balance between education and athletics is an ongoing process that must involve students, staff and parents.

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

Discipline should be firm and fair. Discipline begins at home with our parents. Our administrators, staff and parents must constantly work together to ensure discipline is a priority. If our students are disciplined success will come in many, many areas at our school.

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

We must constantly monitor the budget and look at utilities, staffing levels and other areas to maintain financial stability. At present the school is financially sound.

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

Our pay scale must be competitive to retain teachers. We should also provide a safe and friendly work environment for our teachers. Also, we should strive to recognize our teachers that do their job well.

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

I try my very best to listen to teacher and parent concerns either in person, by phone, or email. Communication between the board, teachers, parents and students is vital to the school’s success. I am open to ideas that will improve this communication process.

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

This year, Flex Days, were implemented for students that qualify with test scores, attendance, disciplinary actions, etc. We are hopeful that this will be an incentive to motivate students to improve in the classroom. We as parents, and our staff, must constantly strive to motivate our children toward success.

I would appreciate your consideration and support as I seek re-election to the Italy ISD SChool Board. I will do my best to represent all of the students and staff at Italy ISD and also all taxpayers in the district. If anyone has questions, concerns, or comments, I can be reached on my cell at 469/867-2021.