What would I push for at DISD if elected?
Dallas ISD is at a crossroads and I believe that it is very critical that the Board and the Administration
-Take strategic and specific steps to move forward with a focus on the classroom and student success.
-The taxpayers and parents want answers and accountability in the DISD School Board and the administration and the population is shifting dramatically as many students are seeking charter schools and other options. Students are dropping out of school and we are facing large budget shortfalls.
-I will focus on new communication with the taxpayers with clear and specific budget and policies provided through town hall meetings and on the internet. I want students to be a part of the conversations on what makes our schools effective and strong learning environments.
-As a dyslexic therapist, I want to explore the best programs to support all students including the LD students and ensure successful graduation and postsecondary education. Every student has a talent and gifts that can enable learning to be more creative and interactive. If a student is struggling with slow reading, let’s help them with new scientific research and methods and do not let them be discouraged.
It is never too late to help a dyslexic.
Problems in District 9?
District 9 is very large and complex with over 35 schools. I want to study the Board’s recommendations for the bond spending and investigate how it was dispersed among schools. Schools like Truet Elementary are overcrowded and do not even have technology out to the 33 portable building on the campus. Whatever happens with bond funding, we need to make sure our classrooms are safe and ready to go if our number one focus is helping all students achieve and be successful.
Cuts in funding?
The budget shortfall should not have happened. And, it should never happen again with the expertise and design of a new internal auditing system.
Any public office?
I served as a Presidential appointee under President Bill Clinton. I was the Secretary of Education’s Regional Administrator in Region VI comprised of Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Lousiana and Oklahoma.
Transparency with DISD?
Yes, the taxpayers, parents and students need to fully understand how the dollars are being spent to ensure that students successfully graduate and be competitive in the 12th largest metropolitan economy in the world- Dallas.
Cuts in funding for Magnet schools?
I do not want to cut funding from any school that is excelling in student achievement. We need to look into the future and understand that DISD may see huge cuts in funding due to budget shortfalls at the State level. With 13 years of work for the Texas Senate Education Committee as a chief public policy analyst, I have the experience to help support DISD in the legislative process in Austin.
Change for the school board?
I will focus on Transparency and accountability with taxpayer funding and holding town hall meeting to help build back public trust. And every time I take a vote, I will consider how it will impact teaching and learning in the classroom- that should be the number one priority.
Whole District representation?
I believe that when a person is elected to serve on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees, that they have a responsibility to serve the entire school because building a strong school helps each individual district. It is very important to take care of issues that arise in the individual district, but rarely would that be unique and not be occurring in other parts of Dallas ISD.
Why should I be elected?
I have unique experiences that bring new leadership to the Dallas ISD . As a classroom teacher and dyslexic therapist, I understand the classroom and the many challenges students and teachers deal with.
As a former education policy analyst in Austin and a Federal representative with the U.S. Department of Education, I have unique knowledge of how funding works and what makes an excellent school.
Every student in Dallas ISD deserves a world class education and to graduate and be successful and pursue their dreams. I want to help this District make that happen for the students, the taxpayers and the parents who work so hard to help their children.
Final words-
How long a student goes to school will predict that student’s success. A student that graduates from high school and pursues postsecondary education will likely see an 80% increase in their lifetime earnings. Dallas Community College and the many other postsecondary institutions are ready to meet students where they are and can help them on that journey.
We need to start at home encouraging student’s to pursue their dreams and never set limits for their opportunities. Let’s reach out and help every student and every family understand the opportunities they have living in this great city.
While I get some rest, I would like to have the readers also blog her about anything. The school board elections, or anything that comes to mind. Please remember to vote if you haven’t yet! Polls are closed today, but will reopen tomorrow! Untill then have fun and be safe. 
