Tami Keeling on the Issues
Tami Keeling on the Issues
Tags: Election, school, Vote, keeling
Thu Jun 12, 2008 09:33:22 CDT
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I’m Tami Keeling
I’m running for re-election to the VISD school board, place 5.
I have the time to commit to this type of community service and give it the attention it deserves. It has been my privilege to serve you over the last three years. I have the experience, training and dedication to follow through on the bond and the continued improvement of our public school system.
Two very important issues face the school board.
How will VISD spend your $159 million?
My view is that we must build and repair schools first. 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.
Buildings alone aren’t the solution.
I will continue to support competitive pay for our teachers and staff. 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.
It’s time for new solutions to disciplinary issues. 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. These recommendations come from those working in the trenches, including administrators and teachers who deal with these issues daily.
My opponent thinks the current codes of conduct and dress are fine as long as they are enforced. I disagree. Our current system is broken; it pits administrators against teachers and lacks real consequences. Enforcement alone is not the answer. I support a system that puts all our administrators and teachers on the same team, with clear guidelines and consequences. I will work to give campus administrators and teachers the tools they need, including recommended changes to VISD codes of student conduct and dress. A safe and productive learning environment for our children must remain a top priority, and we need these changes to see improved results.
Regarding student achievement and preparation. The public school system is an economic cornerstone of our community. That’s why I serve on the Victoria Education and Business Coalition and work to strengthen relationships between local businesses and VISD. The HOSTS mentoring program is an excellent example of the business community and VISD working together to improve learning.
I support strong academic paths to college, community college, technical college and the work place. I am proud to have been a part of the great progress VISD is making in these areas. 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.
For the past three years, I have been an impartial voice for positive progress that benefits all students. It would be my privilege to continue to serve as your trustee. I ask for you vote on JUNE 14th.
As always, I welcome your input and advice. Please feel free to contact me.
Tami Keeling
575-4434
935-5142
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