10/18/2024
Brock Resident Questionnaire
Thanks to Elaine- the community put forth some questions for school board candidates and what each of us stand for.
So....here is where I stand:
1. Short answer: Why should we vote for you? What is the most important thing we should know about you before casting our vote?
I am a problem solver by nature and profession. I find creative ideas by working with others to come to the best solution. I am very determined to make sure that our children are protected and get the best opportunities and education available which can only be achieved through supporting our teachers, increasing participation from our community, and progressing into the future that is coming with purpose and forethought.
2. Please name one of your personal strengths (not accomplishments) that you feel would help you be a good trustee.
I am very good at participating and leading civil debate to come to the best solutions that are prepared future contingencies and consequences.
3. School finance is different from any other business finance. What have you done or what are you doing to learn about school finance?
I read some of the statutes and two digital publications (around 75 pages each to explain the basics of school finance) then spent some time with our new CFO (who has been doing AMAZING) to answer the rest of the questions I had. I also have a history of reviewing and evaluating financial records- both personal and business- and creating new and responsible budgets.
4. School board attendance is critical. How many meetings have you attended since January?
I have attended most (if not all) of the monthly school board meetings since February and many special meetings that are held in the evening. While the school board meetings are somewhat enlightening, I believe with more civil discussion at the meetings, rather than in closed session which is for limited purposes only, or summations of outside discussions had, the meetings could be more educational and transparent.
5. Do you have children or grandchildren enrolled in Brock ISD this school year? If so, what campuses do they attend?
Yes I have 2 at the elementary school.
6. We need a board that may not always agree, but can work together. What experience do you have working with a team to accomplish a goal? Do you have experience setting aside your personal agendas for the good of others - in this case our children?
I work with other attorneys on a daily basis both in conjunction with representation and adverse to them. I also am a certified mediator which allows me to work with lots of different kinds of people during a very emotional and adverse process in an effort to come to mutual and beneficial agreements. I am fact driven. I believe that logical and factual decision-making leads to a more prosperous outcome. Decisions made emotionally are selfish and are not what is best when making choices that impact a large group. I don't want to work as a Trustee for my personal gain or benefit but to help make sure that all kids, teachers, and parents in Brock have a wonderful experience that helps build for the future of the children’s success.
7. The school board only meets once a month and has to make decisions based on what they are told by the administration. How are you going to gather the information you need to make well-informed decisions?
I read studies, require reliable data, and ask the tough questions from those in positions to know information. I also want the community to have feedback for the Board to keep a good pulse on what the community likes or dislikes.
8. While attending board meetings, I have noticed the current trustees ask very few questions and most votes are unanimous. How do you feel about that?
I am not a fan. I acknowledge there will be some outside discussion to get the details and make sure the information is understood. I believe that agenda items should be presented with some background information and a summation of outside discussions that have been held to collect information. Then I believe the Board should debate the issue and work to make sure that all future consequences (good and bad) have been considered and discussed along with contingencies planned prior to taking action.
9. Every child, every staff member, and every program matters. You are tasked with making difficult decisions that impact each of them. How do you prioritize and find balance when making difficult decisions?
Education is priority. The school is here to educate and our teachers are educators. If that is not sufficiently met, then the entire endeavor is a failure. After education, safety (including equal and fair discipline) is next. Our children cannot thrive in an unsafe atmosphere and will be disenchanted from learning if there is a perceived two or three tier system. After education and safety are prioritized, the extracurricular and CTE type programs should be considered. I prioritize these areas on benefits of preparation for and opportunities for the kids to succeed after high school. But even with these priorities, the Board must be very fiscally responsible- especially in the current state of the budget.
10. Are you a good listener and can you be flexible? Please provide an example of each.
As a mediator I have to be able to listen to the parties both for what they say and what they don’t say. When I can listen and understand the person and their view- even when I don’t agree with that view- I am able to work with them to a solution. I can be flexible and understand that when someone gets 100% of what they want, it means that someone else was harmed 100%. That is rarely the best outcome- especially when decisions impact many. I understand that the best solution is usually made up from a mixture of views, thoughts, and ideas. My goal is not to be the person that gets everything they want in the role as a Trustee. My goal is to help make Brock be the best for everyone and continue to be such an amazing place to call home.
