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

My name is Mark Souder Sr.  I have been a Construction Superintendent for Pegasus Texas Construction LP for the last 10 years.  I was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas.  I quit school my junior year to go to work.  I obtain my GED when I joined the USAF in 1974.

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

My wife, Kristi is the Technology Secretary for Italy ISD.  My son, Brandon is graduating this month.  I also have two granddaughters that will be enrolled at Stafford next year.

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I am running for the School Board because our  kid’s education should be one of the most important responsibilities of a parent.

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

I have served as a City Councilman.  I served on the Economic Development Corporation.

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

I think it is my duty to insure Italy ISD  has the best leadership and teachers that are available for our children s educational success.

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

Our district is in the same situation as every district, trying to find funding and adopting a budget that will provide a quality education and not have our children lag behind.

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

I  am not sure about a positive or negative aspect. I feel that when you accept the responsibility, you already realize that you will not make everyone happy. I will do my best to make decisions that are the best for our children s education.

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

The top priorities should be supplying our teachers with the tools they need to give our children the best available education.

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

I am not familiar with all policies that are  in  place at this time.

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

I helped start the Italy Lions Club and was elected President. I was President of the Italy Youth Baseball Association for several years. I have supported our FFA program, as well as our athletic programs in any way needed.

Explain your position on hiring non-certified teachers.

I  am not sure that there should be a need to hire a non- certified teacher with all of the teacher layoffs across  the state and college graduates.

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

Our children s education must be first and foremost. I know that it can be done with the leadership and communication between the teachers and coaches.

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

Maybe this has been a problem in the past, but I feel like our district is in compliance at this time.

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

I think our guidelines are good, but  I would like to get more  involvement with parents, teachers, and administration working together.

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

Without knowing anything about our budget I could not make suggestions at this time.

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

As a district we have to get our teacher salaries competitive and give them the tools to be successful.

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

I would encourage parents and teachers to attend the school board meetings.  I think the school board has an open line policy at the present time.  Use of the reporting chain should be used before coming before the board.

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

I am not real sure how to answer this question without knowing the state mandates.