VOTE411 Voter Guide

My priority is protecting the people and programs that directly impact students. Consistent review of admin costs, contracted services, purchasing, and other non-instructional spending helps identify inefficiencies. My 30 years of business experience would add value by partnering with district leadership to address these areas. I would prioritize retaining quality teachers and staff and evaluate reductions based on their impact on instruction and student support. I support Bryan ISD’s proposed 2-cent VATRE that would provide $5.5 million annually to the M&O budget, which would eliminate our current deficits from lack of state funding and solve many issues we currently face. I believe in our community and trust in their support on this

Declining enrollment requires thoughtful planning because funding is closely tied to student enrollment and attendance. I would support using reliable projections to align staffing, facilities, and programs with actual student needs while protecting classroom instruction. We should continually evaluate programs based on student outcomes, participation, and cost to identify efficiencies before reducing services. I would also support efforts to attract and retain students by strengthening academics, CTE courses, and expanding Virtual Learning options to stabilize revenue through growth, while effectively messaging the value Bryan ISD offers to our students and Community.

As a Christian, I value both my faith and the principle of religious freedom. I believe the separation of church and state is important because it protects the freedom of every individual to practice their faith—or choose not to practice a faith—without government coercion. That freedom is one of the principles that makes our country unique.

I also respect the laws enacted by the Texas Legislature. Since Texas law requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public-school classrooms, I have no objection to their display. The Ten Commandments have significant historical, cultural, and moral importance, including to our nation’s history.

At the same time, I believe no student should be pressured to believe, practice, or participate in a particular religion. As a trustee, I will respect the rights and personal choices of every student and family while supporting an educational environment where all students are treated with respect

The first priority would be to protect core classroom instruction. These are non-negotiable line items. To do this, I would look to consolidate administrative roles and streamline central office functions. A hiring freeze for non-essential administrative hiring could be put into place. I would suggest audits of vendors and contracts to review non-essential operational subscriptions and redundancies are eliminated or renegotiated. Adjust staffing through attrition and not layoffs based on enrollment. With state funding being provided based on average daily attendance, attendance campus and reviewing truancy policies are also a need to ensure maximum funding. BISD can also maximize Teacher Incentive Allotments for teacher compensation.

BISD can deploy dedicated attendance intervention teams to encourage students to attend school. Since state funding is based on average daily attendance, these programs can be crucial to recover state funding without requiring new taxpayers. Truancy programs also need a thorough review to ensure help is provided to students who need assistance and to provide accountability to chronic truancy offenders. BISD started a virtual academy this year, but outstanding opportunities that currently exist such as Bryan Collegiate High School as well as CTE offerings need to be expanded and marketed and used as a tool for long term retention of current students. Proactive campaigns to advertise these opportunities need to created.

Article VII, Section 1 of the Texas Constitution requires the state legislature to establish efficient system of public free schools. The relationship between public education and the constitutional separation of church and state involves balancing local values with constitutional standards, legal boundaries and community inclusivity. The primary argument that could be made is separation of church and state and protecting students right to practice their faith individually while at school. BISD should follow strict legal compliance and risk management. Adhere strictly to binding state laws while staying informed on ongoing state and federal court challenges. BISD should also consider context over endorsement. Teach materials through an objective, academic and literary lens. BISD should also respect local community choice. Utilize parent forums when considering optional curricula. BISD should also foster inclusive campuses.