Additional Information

Candidate Survey Responses

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RESPONSES TO THE 2024 ATPE CANDIDATE SURVEY:

1. If elected, what do you believe your primary role and responsibility as a State Board of Education (SBOE) member should be?

Lead in securing a state curriculum that is inclusive and accessible to all and marginalizes no one.

2. In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue facing public education in Texas?

The challenges to an inclusive curriculum have escalated in recent years. State government and lobbied interests seek to bend this curriculum to prevailing political views. We need curriculum focused on creating well-prepared graduates capable of working in a diverse global economy.

3. What role should educators and educator groups such as ATPE play in policy decisions made by the SBOE?

My core philosophy is centered on representative democracy. If elected, I believe I am charged with listening to constituents and colleagues and represent those needs and values in the board's work. ATPE should serve as a conduit for this representative relationship.

4. How much weight should the SBOE give to educators’ input when it comes to developing curriculum standards (known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills or “TEKS”) and approving instructional materials?

If elected, this would be fundamental to my mission- to give educators a leading voice in the evolution of curriculum standards, TEKS, instructional materials, etc.

5. In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1605, which requires the SBOE to review and approve instructional materials that may be used by school districts. What is the right balance between the SBOE and local school districts when it comes to selecting and approving instructional materials?

The Texas Constitution establishes the tradition and authority of independent school districts. I believe we must preserve this hallmark of Texas governance. Thus local school districts should be given wide parameters in the selection of instructional materials as they know best what will work for their students and their community.

6. Do you believe our state’s public education system, including current regulations on testing and accountability, graduation requirements, and curriculum standards, enables students to receive a well-rounded education throughout all grade levels? Would you recommend any changes?

As a public school educator for the past 40 years, I have experienced the entire transformation of student, campus and district accountability standards. Over these years, I believe we have improved, but we must press on in this evolution. While assessment focused on reading, writing, math, social studies and science does contribute to the development of the well-rounded student, we must insure that time is not reduced in the delivery of fine arts and physical education programming. The high school accountability focus on college, career and military readiness is a powerful step towards preparing our students for success after high school.

Changes

• The A-F system in the report card needs revision to ensure accuracy and fairness.
• English language learners must be treated fairly in the accountability system.

7. What role, if any, should charter schools have in the Texas public education system?

Charter schools can lead in innovative instructional and assessment design. They can also lead in the development of inclusive and accessible curriculum for all. Charter schools must, however, be held to the same accountability standards.

8. What role should the SBOE play in overseeing charter schools, such as approving or denying new charter applications and expansion requests for existing charters?

The SBOE should ensure the approval of charter schools that demonstrate the capacity to provide a quality, accredited education to all students.

9. Do you believe the SBOE should continue to have the authority to review and potentially veto any rulemaking actions taken by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)?

The teaching profession, though honorable, suffers under the burden of too many demands beyond the mission of working with children in the classroom. Yes- the SBOE should serve as arbiter with SBEC standards and any other outside demands to ensure the preservation of teacher fairness and well-being.

Additional Comments from Candidate on Survey

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COMMENTS SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THE 2024 ATPE CANDIDATE SURVEY:

As a public school educator of 40 years both as a classroom teacher and campus principal, I believe we need a career servant voice on the SBOE.