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Below are questions for the Branch Herald’s Voters Guide for the May 3 election for three seats on the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (CFBISD) Board of Trustees.
1. Length of residency in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch (CFB) School District: I have been a proud resident of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District for the past 17 years.
2. Why do you want to be a trustee for the CFBISD? I am committed and dedicated towards making CFBISD public education system the best it can be. Our children deserve the best resources possible, and I am here to help bring change and advocate for student’s needs.
3. How many CFBISD meetings have you attended or watched online in the last year? I have watched most of the CFBISD meetings that take place on the first Thursday of each month. As trustee I will not miss a meeting.
4. What other civic responsibilities have you undertaken? I volunteer often throughout the greater Carrollton-Farmers Branch area. I frequently prepare meals for senior citizens through a local non-profit organization at Joe’s Pizza-Soup Kitchen. Additionally, I assist in gathering donation for a Clothes Closet that assists in distribution of essential items for those in need.
5. How has current CFBISD leadership influenced your decision to run for the CFBISD Board of Trustees? I am adamantly concerned about the spending, transparency, and vetting procedures through the Carrollton- Farmers Branch Independent School District. As a trustee for the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, I will engage with the citizens throughout our district. I will put their concerns for our children before the leaders of our city. I will ensure trustee engagement, public interaction, and resource allocations.
6. What makes you the most qualified candidate in your race and why? I am whole heartily dedicated to improving the quality of education for our children throughout CFBISD. Being a parent and volunteer within our school has shaped my perspective and fueled my desire to make a difference.
I have a unique understanding of the challenges that our district is facing. My goal is to vastly improve resource allocation and community engagement.
Trustees must be effective communicators, and I have the ability to listen, engage, and articulate ideas clearly and persuasively for the people of Carrollton and Farmers Branch. Furthermore, I am known for my ability to work well with others, especially in governing roles, where working with fellow trustees and community leaders are essential.
I am committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or unique needs, have the opportunity to succeed.
7. As a school board member, what action, if any, would you take to adequately fund our schools? First and foremost, I would advocate for increased state and local funding. Second, I would prioritize spending based on needs. Additionally, I would explore alternative funding sources and strategies. One example I have in mind is; I would encourage a metroplex-wide campaign to enroll more students. I would ask every parent to recruit a child to register and attend our district. We have amazing programs and so much more to offer.
By taking these steps, encouraging community engagement, I would strive to ensure that our schools have the financial resources they need to provide a high-quality education to all students, supporting both short-term improvements and long-term sustainability.
8. As a school board trustee, once the school board votes to approve an action or policy, what do you believe is your responsibility to that policy or action? What is your responsibility if you did not support that policy or action? All actions and policies should be for the betterment of our students and staff without attached agendas. Implementing new rules and regulations maintain order. I am a law-abiding citizen.
As a school board trustee, once the board votes to approve an action or policy, it is my responsibility to support the decision, even if I did not personally agree with it.
9. In the development of a school district budget, what goals and objectives would guide your decision making? The community should not be responsible for pointing out CFBISD shortcomings. I expect our staff to do their job to the fullest of their capacity and to bring the board information regarding inadequate spending just like our auditors should. My overall goal is to support the district’s mission to provide high quality education, and as trustee, to ensure that resources are allocated effectively. More specifically, the primary goal would always be to prioritize student achievement, wellbeing, equity and inclusion and to support the backbone of the district— teachers and staff. By prioritizing these goals and objectives, I would aim to create a balanced, responsible budget that enhances educational opportunities for students, supports teachers and staff, and ensures the long-term success and financial health of CFBISD.
10. Describe how you would provide quality education for a diverse student population: i.e. the gifted and talented, the average students, the special needs students, the physically challenged, English language learners and cultural differences? It is our duty to the taxpayers and our community to provide all students an excellent educational opportunity. I would ensure that every student feels valued by promoting inclusive teaching strategies, such as differentiated instruction, to meet individual needs. I would also foster an environment that embraces cultural diversity and provide resources and support to help all students succeed, whether they’re gifted, struggling, or learning English. Collaboration among teachers, families, and specialists would be key in supporting the unique needs of each student.
11. How important are fine arts and extra-curricular activities such as athletics to an overall education? How should they be funded? Fine arts and extra-curricular activities are essential and instrumental in the development of a child. I have firsthand knowledge and experience on fine arts and extra-curricular within our district. My daughter was in band throughout the course of her education CFBISD. The love of learning, the ability to foster many talents, and learn everyday skills will better equip our students to be successful and well-rounded young adults.
12. What is your view on charter schools What role should the local school board play in approving charter schools? I believe that charter schools have a special and distinct place in our community. The local school board should play an intricate part in approving the charter schools because charter schools are funded with public money based on student enrollment.
13. What is your position on vouchers? If vouchers could benefit public schools the same way that vouchers benefit private schools, then the voucher system could benefit CFBISD. However, if tax dollars are being used through the voucher system to only benefit private schools, then a separate and equal voucher or grant program should be implemented to benefit public schools. The public school system, more so now than ever needs as much state and federal funding possible.
14. What is the most important role of the superintendent? The most important role of a superintendent is to provide leadership and oversight for the overall operations of a school district. This includes ensuring the implementation of educational programs, managing resources, overseeing staff, and creating policies that promote student success and well-being. Superintendents also serve as a key communicator between the school board, teachers, students, parents, and the community, ensuring that the district’s goals align with the needs of all stakeholders.
15. Are you educating or did you educate your child in public school, private school or homeschool? My daughter is 2023 Creekview High School Alumni. She also attended Furneaux Elementary and Dan F. Long Middle School with CFBISD.
16. What security measures do you support to keep students and teachers safe from attacks by other students? I believe all measures should be taken to protect students, staff, and all CFBISD administration from any attack. Safety is our upmost priority.
