- Feb 13, 2021
- 3 min read
What inspired you to run for Board Trustee? On that note, what are you hoping to accomplish if elected to the Board of Trustees?
I have been in education for 35 years. I have a continuing interest in working with students and parents to provide the best educational setting possible for our students. I would like to continue to support the great work that is already being done in the district. And perhaps deepen the focus on the benefits of educational technology and virtual learning, including 1-1 programs.
How will you advocate for teachers and staff within Humble ISD? In your opinion, what is important to the teachers and staff within Humble ISD?
Teachers need to have a voice and be heard. And being a teacher myself, I believe being safe in the classroom and appropriate pay are two major concerns. Also, providing them with the appropriate learning tools. Unlike other candidates, this has been my profession. And I have seen the issues with teachers first hand because of my own experience.
Tell us your thoughts on how Humble ISD has handled virtual learning, and ideas for virtual learning going forward?
I think the handling of virtual learning has been sporadic. I have personally developed multiple 1-1 programs and virtual learning environments. There needs to be a targeted and standardized approach for all campuses in the district. It should become a central area of focus. Right now, too many educational institutions see this as just a temporary trend. It is not. It is the wave of the future.
Other than virtual learning, tell us your thoughts about Humble ISD and the handling of COVID-19, both for teachers and students.
Every district has struggled with the best practices approach. Until you have a stable and functioning 1-1 learning program, this will continue to be a dicey situation. Teachers are going to be in and out of the classroom as are students. We also need to target virtual learning. And give full disclosure on the current count of quarantined students and staff until everyone is vaccinated that wants to be.
As you look at Humble ISD, are there areas where funds are overspent? What areas would you look at to reduce expenses?
That is a question that would need to be answered after reviewing relevant materials. It is too easy to guess at where this may be a problem. After being elected to the board, this would be easier to determine.
During several Board meetings, students and parents have brought up topics around diversity and inclusion. What can Humble ISD do to ensure it is welcoming to students of all backgrounds?
First, let's review the individual circumstances of these cases where that has not happened and find out if these are isolated occurrences or are they systemic. We helped to start the current intramural basketball games for special needs students because we had a special needs student who went to the district. So we understand the need for inclusion and how to approach school officials to get it done.
Humble ISD has several Title I campuses. How do we ensure that those campuses have the resources needed?
Work with the administration to make sure those campuses have the right personnel in place and that they have plans going forward for success. There needs to be parity for campuses that may be struggling. And this needs to be on the forefront of board agendas with campus staff advocating for their needs.
Closing thoughts? Anything you would like to add that we didn’t ask? What can people do (or where can they go) to learn more about you?
Just look at my facebook page. I am a 35 year educator, I have lived in Houston for 40 years, and my daughter graduated from Summer Creek High School. She was the homecoming queen a few years ago (she was the special needs young lady). I am an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and I enjoy serving in Church and Civic organizations.