Tami Keeling for School Board - TamiKeeling's Blog - Victoria Advocate

Tami Keeling for School Board - TamiKeeling's Blog - Victoria Advocate http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/TamiKeeling This blog is about issues and concerns facing voters in the election for Victoria Independent School Board, District 5. This blog is about issues and concerns facing voters in the election for Victoria Independent School Board, District 5. en-us *VOTE TODAY* http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/TamiKeeling/7407 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/TamiKeeling/7407 <font size="3">Voters in VISD District 5 have the opportunity today to make an important choice.   Our school system is in the middle of an exciting and long-overdue transformation.  I am proud to have been an important part of it during my first term in office.  <br /> <br /> I believe that, under the leadership of our present administration, we are on the right track towards improved facilities <u>and</u> improving what goes on inside those walls.  The board will be making important decisions regarding those facilities.  Because of sharply rising costs, I think we will have to make some hard choices, but I have articulated my approach to making those decisions: I will consider our primary mission of education first, and will choose schools and repairs over ancillary facilities.<br /> <br /> On the inside, we have to consider new approaches to overcome problems in discipline and enhance student achievement.  To say, as does my opponent, that we simply need to enforce the policies we have is an unhelpful gloss over the facts and circumstances we face in our large and diverse district.  We need to listen to administrators and teachers and give them the tools they need to do their jobs.<br /> <br /> I believe that I have presented the voters with specific and substantive answers to what I will do if granted another term as your representative on the VISD board. <br /> <br /> I want to continue the work the voters sent me out to do three years ago.  I believe that I have done the job they asked me to do, and I will continue to devote my time and energy to the betterment of our school system as the important cornerstone of our social, civic and economic lives that it is.  I ask for your vote today.<br /> <br /> Tami Keeling  <br /> <br /> <br /> </font>

Title: Tami Keeling
Caption: Tami Keeling, VISD Trustee, District 5
Credit: TamiKeeling

Title: Tami Keeling
Caption: Tami Keeling, VISD Trustee, District 5
Credit: TamiKeeling

Tami Keeling Tami Keeling, VISD Trustee, District 5 TamiKeeling VOTE TODAY and KEEP KEELING http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/TamiKeeling/7714 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/TamiKeeling/7714 <font size="6"><em><font face="Arial"><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Re-Elect</font></em>   <em><strong>TAMI </strong></em><br /> <font size="7"><em><strong>KEELING</strong></em><br /> <strong><font size="5">for Victoria School Board<br /> <br /> </font></strong><font size="4">"Our superintendent has a proven track record and a viable plan for success.  Your school board is operating in top form, and I have been an impartial voice for positive progress.  I ask for your vote today and pledge to continue on the path of fiscal responsibility that provides a quality school system for all Victorians."  <br />                                                      <em>  Tami Keeling</em><br /> <br /> <font size="7"><font face="Verdana"><strong>VOTE TODAY</strong></font><br /> <em><strong>KEEP KEELING</strong></em></font></font></font></font>

Title: Tami Keeling
Caption: Tami Keeling, VISD Trustee, District 5
Credit: TamiKeeling

Title: Tami Keeling
Caption: Tami Keeling, VISD Trustee, District 5
Credit: TamiKeeling

Tami Keeling Tami Keeling, VISD Trustee, District 5 TamiKeeling KEELING on the ISSUES http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/TamiKeeling/7692 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/TamiKeeling/7692 <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m Tami Keeling<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m running for re-election to the VISD school board, place 5.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I have the time to commit to this type of community service and give it the attention it deserves.<span style="">  </span>It has been my privilege to serve you over the last three years.<span style="">  </span>I have the experience, training and dedication to follow through on the bond and the continued improvement of our public school system.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Two very important issues face the school board.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">How will VISD spend your $159 million?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My view is that we must build and repair schools first. <span style=""> </span>I pledge to be fiscally responsible and openly communicative with all constituents in this regard and to make decisions that will insure that VISD reaches the goals and educational successes that our community seeks.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Buildings alone aren’t the solution.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style=""><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I will continue to support competitive pay for our teachers and staff</span></u></strong><strong style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="">   </span>I will continue to work with VISD administration to craft programs that will attract the brightest new teachers to the District and that will support and compensate the experienced, tenured educators already within VISD.<span style="">  </span><strong><o:p></o:p></strong></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s time for new solutions to disciplinary issues</span></u></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="">  </span>Under Superintendent Bob Moore, the VISD Safe and Secure Learning Environment Committee has been working for the past year on recommendations for changes in the way the district instills and enforces discipline.<span style="">  </span>These recommendations come from those working in the trenches, including administrators and teachers who deal with these issues daily. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My opponent thinks the current codes of conduct and dress are fine as long as they are enforced.<span style="">  </span>I disagree.<span style="">  </span>Our current system is broken; it pits administrators against teachers and lacks real consequences.<span style="">  </span>Enforcement alone is not the answer.<span style="">  </span>I support a system that puts all our administrators and teachers on the same team, with clear guidelines and consequences.<span style="">  </span>I will work to give campus administrators and teachers the tools they need, including recommended changes to VISD codes of student conduct and dress. <span style=""> </span>A safe and productive learning environment for our children must remain a top priority, and we need these changes to see improved results.<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Regarding student achievement and preparation</span></u></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">. </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The public school system is an economic cornerstone of our community.<span style="">  </span>That’s why I serve on the Victoria Education and Business Coalition and work to strengthen relationships between local businesses and VISD.<span style="">  </span>The HOSTS mentoring program is an excellent example of the business community and VISD working together to improve learning.<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I support strong academic paths to college, community college, technical college and the work place.<span style="">  </span>I am proud to have been a part of the great progress VISD is making in these areas.<span style="">  </span>I want our students to graduate from VISD with the ability to live their lives as responsible adults, the skills to get a job and the knowledge to pursue their educational dreams beyond high school, whatever those dreams may be.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">For the past three years, I have been an impartial voice for positive progress that benefits all students.<span style="">  </span>It would be my privilege to continue to serve as your trustee. <span style=""> </span>I ask for you vote on JUNE 14th.<span style="">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style=""><em style=""><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As always, I welcome your input and advice.<span style="">  </span>Please feel free to contact me.<o:p></o:p></span></em></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Tami Keeling<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">575-4434<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">935-5142<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="mailto:wlkeeling@suddenlink.net">wlkeeling@suddenlink.net</a></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal">                   Paid for by the Tami Keeling for School Board Campaign<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>

Title: Keeling Family
Caption:
Credit: TamiKeeling

Title: Keeling Family
Caption:
Credit: TamiKeeling

Keeling Family TamiKeeling Tami Keeling for School Board Commercial http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/TamiKeeling/7653 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/TamiKeeling/7653 Keeling Responds to Viper View http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/TamiKeeling/7469 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/TamiKeeling/7469 <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><br /> <o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">KEELING QUESTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">     </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">What differentiates you from Jaynes?<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">     </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><em style="">Several things:<o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><span style="">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">      </span></span></em><em style="">The board has worked well together for three years. We hired Mr. Moore and with him have charted a path for the district that I believe will bring great improvement to our public school system.<span style="">  </span>There is no reason to alter course or change leadership in VISD.<span style="">  </span>I support Mr. Moore and the current administration. <o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><span style="">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">      </span></span></em><em style="">During the last three years, I have devoted a great deal of time to my service on the board.<span style="">  </span>I know the commitment that being trustee requires, and I have the time to commit to this type of community service. <o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><span style="">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">      </span></span></em><em style="">Dr. Jaynes thinks the current codes of conduct and dress are fine as long as they are enforced.<span style="">  </span>I disagree.<span style="">  </span>Our current system is broken; it pits administrators against teachers and lacks real consequences.<span style="">  </span>Enforcement alone is not the answer.<span style="">  </span>With the superintendent, we are in the process of developing a system that puts all our administrators and teachers on the same team, with clear guidelines and consequences.<span style="">  </span>I support these changes and will work to give campus administrators and teachers the tools they need, including recommended changes to VISD codes of student conduct and dress.<span style="">  </span>A safe and productive learning environment for all students will remain one of my top priorities.<span style="">  </span>We need these changes to see improved results for all staff and students.<o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><span style="">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">      </span></span></em><em style="">I am an impartial voice for positive progress that benefits all students.<span style="">  </span>Dr. Jaynes’ wife runs the dance and drill team, which has recently and very publicly expressed its great disappointment with a decision by the administration that an acceptable agreement with MTV could not be obtained.<span style="">  </span>Why Dr. Jaynes has chosen to seek a position on the board at this time, and how he will approach issues concerning this group are legitimate questions in the minds of voters. <o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><span style="">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">      </span></span></em><em style="">As a mother of two children who have attended Dudley, Crain and MHS.<span style="">  </span>I know VISD and I am proud of the opportunities that are available to our students at every level.<span style="">  </span>I encourage each of you to make the most of what VISD has to offer.<o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""></span>How much time would you be able to devote to school board activities?<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><em style="">Because I am a mom, I have treated board service as a full time volunteer job.<span style="">  </span>As a part of my service, I have become an advocate for VISD in Austin and have addressed the State Board of Education on the 4X4 curriculum, the Senate Education Committee on discipline and am currently following the House and Higher Education Select Committee on Finance as they look at funding partnerships between community colleges and local schools districts to enhance career and technology programs. I have twice served on the TASB Legislative Advisory Committee and am an active member of the TASB School Board Advocacy Network. <span style=""> </span>In addition to my board service, I am secretary of the Victoria Business and Education Coalition, a member of the VISD Education Foundation and was a member of the PTO Steering Committee that brought the PTO back to active status at MHS Senior Campus.<o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Your opponent has mentioned his position on voting on personnel issues. Do you think that there is an ethical issue with him potentially voting, or did you misunderstand VISD board policies?<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><em style="">VISD board members who have spouses or other close relatives working for the district have, for as long as I am aware, made it a practice to refrain from voting on salary or benefit issues that affect the class of district employees to which their relative belongs.<span style="">  </span>I think this is a wise choice, and I think it is the ethical choice.<span style="">  </span>However, state law does not require that a board member refrain from voting in that circumstance.<span style="">  </span>Dr. Jaynes can’t vote on these issues unless he’s willing to depart from this practice.<span style="">  </span>And, he indicates in his advertising that he does not intend to observe the practice and that he’ll vote on these things.<span style="">  </span>I am disappointed at this, because I believe that in the public’s eyes it is seen as voting to spend tax dollars that will end up the board member’s own joint checking account.<span style="">  </span>I think our current practice exhibits admirable sensitivity to that public perception, and I am dismayed that Dr. Jaynes doesn’t seem to appreciate the conflict.<span style="">  </span>I believe that just because something may be legal doesn’t necessarily make it ethical.<o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Your opponent has mentioned that you are soft on discipline, as a member of the school board, has the issue of discipline been raised? If so, has the board taken action? What is your individual track record/viewpoint on the issue?<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><em style="">Yes, the issue of discipline has been raised.<span style="">  </span>It was the number one concern among parents, staff and students on the Harris Poll.<span style="">  </span>The board has made safe and secure schools as one of its priority action items.<span style="">  </span>Over the past year the Safe and Secure Learning Environment Committee has been working on the problem.<span style="">  </span>This committee has recommended the Safe and Civil Schools Discipline Model and it will begin in VISD this summer.<span style="">  </span>This committee has also recommended a change to the dress code. The board has not yet made a decision on the dress code, but it will probably do so in the next 6 months. <span style=""> </span>My track record and viewpoint on this issue is that I favor giving our faculty and administrators the tools they need to address the issue and consequently I support the recommendations of the committee.<span style="">  </span>As a board member my job is to make sure that the policies, procedures and funds are in place so that our staff can do their jobs and learning can take place.</em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">How long have you been on the board? <o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><em style="">Three years.<span style="">  </span>I was elected in 2005.<o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">What issues made you want to run for the board originally?<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><em style="">I believe that the school system is the social and economic cornerstone of our community.<span style="">  </span>I want our students to graduate from VISD with the ability to live their lives as responsible adults, the skills to get a job and the knowledge to pursue their educational dreams beyond high school, whatever those dreams may be.<o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">As a member of the school board, what do you consider your biggest accomplishment?<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p>The part I played in working with the rest of the board to hire Bob Moore.<o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">What types of training have you undergone to prepare yourself for being on the board?<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p>I have more than 160 hours of training with the Texas Association of School Boards.<span style="">  </span>I spent last year in the Leadership TASB class and graduated with Master Trustee Status. <o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span></span><em style=""><span style=""></span></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">What are your long term goals for VISD?<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><em style="">One long term goal is to continue to build strong paths to college, community college technical college and the work place.<span style="">  </span>VISD has a diverse student population with diverse needs.<span style="">  </span>I believe the district needs to have multiple paths in place with strong and appropriate academics for each path.</em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">How do you plan to tackle the high school dropout rates in Victoria?<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p>By helping students to see that school has value, whether they attend a four year university, a community college, a technical school or enter the workforce after graduation. Again, I support strong academic pathways that lead to each of these destinations. It is your job as students to be responsible for making sure that you get the full value of what VISD has to offer.<span style="">  </span>I assure you that if you want to go somewhere, you can get there from here.<span style="">  </span>It is up to you.<span style="">  </span>We are here to support you so that you can achieve your dreams. <o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p>Debunk the myth that “there is nothing here for me.”<o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p>By building a culture built on trust. Trust that says, “We care and are here to help you be successful.”<o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p></em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">A recent article in the Victoria Advocate alluded to a recent disconnect between members of the board and mentioned that they (the board) were not as united as you had originally thought. Was this limited to just the issue at hand (reorganizing the board)? Or had this been a trend? What do you attribute to this dissociation and how do you plan to help unify the board?<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><em style="">This has not been a trend.<span style="">  </span>The board has not had a split vote since we reorganized the board two years ago in 2006 and Mr. Klimist was elected president on a 4-3 vote.<span style="">  </span>It was indeed limited to the issue of reorganizing the board. The board will continue to work together and move forward with the business before it. This is a strong board with members that have a great deal of respect for each other. I always say that healthy discussion makes for good solutions. We wouldn’t have Mr. Moore or be on the path to new and smaller schools if this board wasn’t willing to pull together to ensure a bright future for VISD and Victorians.<span style="">  </span>VISD is moving forward in all areas and I am proud of the progress this board has made.<span style="">  </span>I believe that this board will continue to provide a collective effort and commitment to excellence.<o:p></o:p></em></font></strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><strong><font size="3"><em style=""><o:p> </o:p></em></font></strong></p>