DCTA to Exchange Canned Food Item for FREE Regional Day Pass at Arts & Jazz Festival

DCTA to Exchange Canned Food Item for FREE Regional Day Pass at Arts & Jazz Festival.

We Recommend…….

The time has come where we recommend voting for theses candidates in the May 12th Dallas ISD School Board Elections, this has been a tough process and even where there are some good people running in theses seats. Theses are always fun to do and at the same time, hard choosing the right person to pick. You have read and seen theses candidates run and read what they have to say, so here is what we think would be best for the spot.

District 1: Michael Greenberg 

Dr. Greenberg seems to have a real understanding on what is going on in the district. As the race gets tight and now that Edwin Flores was said that he did not want to run again. Michael gave us many real detailed responses and going though Leadership DISD, it looks as he knows what is going on in the district and really have the passion for running and making this district better. He knows the issues that are going in his area that he is from, as well what is needed around the district. Jennifer Levy also has good ideas about the district and would be a runner-up in the race. Roland Love with this budget background would be good as well as good as running for the first time, but seems to lack the understanding in district issues. Elizabeth Jones, who has not reposed to our questionnaire and by all of the endorsements and where the money is coming from, it seems that she is Flores 2.0 in which in a Dallas Morning News Post said that he has endorsed her. The hope is that after the Flores era, that voters in District 1 will wake-up and feel that they deserve better and will be heard from everyone, now only from the elite.

District 3: Bruce Parrott

Preppy Issues has endorsed Mr. Parrott in 2009 to think that he will be doing a good job and he has during this first term in office. Many people who think that doing what the voters ask and to help represent them is what he has done best. Many of meetings, he has asked the questions that need to be answered. He fights for at the right time what it is that needs to be discussed and to be raised. Parrott should be re-elected again over Dan Micciche who is running against him  who seems to support Teach for America which is such a hot topic in the district where many people are against it. However, he did work with the schools before at Bonham and helped to get to where it’s at before it’s closure this year which we will give props to him.

District 9: No Endorment

As much as we want to recommend someone in District 9, Bernadette Nutall nor Damarcus Offord has returned our questionnaires therefore we can’t endorse or recommend anyone. District 9 is a heated race right now and both sides are at each other trying to fight over the seat. What it looks like Mr. Offord could be the youngest person seated in the board and looks that he is only running over one issue, the school closures. Mrs. Nutall has done some good things during her time on the board, but lately the people are seeing the other side of here. We won’t say which would be better, but until they can fight the out and the voters decided who they would like, we will just watch the events unfold. 

Early Voting Begins April 30th-May 8th

General Elections- May 12th

For Election info and Polling Places, visit www.dalcoelections.org

No Reponses from District 9

At this rate, today we would have heard from the District 9 candidates, but nether Bernadette Nutall nor Damarcus Offord has responded or returned any of our questionnaires that we have send them. It is disappointing that District 9 voters will not get a chance to hear what they have to say, and the race is getting real heated between the two people and this could be the tie-breaker. This is all of the questionnaires from all of the candidates for the 2012 race, read the other posts from the other candidates in the different districts up for grabs.

District 3 Reponses

Today we hear from the District 3 reponses. The candidates for the Dallas ISD School Board are Bruce Parrott and Daniel Micciche. Scroll down and see what they have to say about the issues.

Daniel Micciche

1. What would be some of the things that you would push though the board once you are elected or re-elected?

• I would support a top to bottom, line-by-line, position-by-position, audit and review of the Central Office. Improvements are needed in budgeting, record keeping, technology support, human resources, and professional development.
• I would support policies that would promote parental engagement and community participation.
• I would support policies that would provide better training of teachers and principals and that would apply best practices from other school districts and TFA.
• I would support policies that empower principals.
• I would support policies that recruit the highest quality principals and teachers to DISD (including TFA).

2. Is there anything going on in your district that needs attention?

In District 3, both of our DISD high schools, Bryan Adams and Emmitt Conrad, as well two of our three middle schools and four of our elementary schools were recently ranked among the worst performing schools in Texas by the Texas Education Agency. We have to do better than this.

In addition, some of our schools like Reilly and Sanger should already be reaching exemplary status, given the level of parental engagement and community support available in those neighborhoods. .

3. Any past public offices held or ran for?

I have not held or run for any previous public office. Quasi- public positions I have held include: (i)service on the Texas Comptroller’s Taxpayer Advisory Group for over 12 years; (ii) State Bar of Texas Board of Directors (elected as section representative for 3 year term; and (iii) Chair of State Bar of Texas Tax Section (2,000 members).

4. Education- Please elaborate about your past education experience, High School you graduated, colleges and degrees.

I attended public school from kindergarten through college, counting overseas US military bases as public schools. I’m the first person in my family to attend college. My dad dropped out of high school at 16 and joined the Marines on his 17th birthday.

I attended high school at Arlington High School in Arlington, Texas (grades 9-11) and Westminster High School, Westminster, California (12th grade). I attended college at Stony Brook University, working part time in a retail store 20-30 hours per week. I graduated in three years with highest honors in 1978. I received my law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1981.

5. What would you do for the whole School District? Not, only just for your own district.

We need to clean up the mess in the Central Office and increase community and parental engagement to help improve our schools.

DISD’s mission statement is “Educating students for success.” The impact I would hope to have, in District 3 and all of DISD, is to help DISD make a significant improvement in graduation rates, achievement scores, and college readiness. Every student should leave DISD with the ability to succeed in the workforce or college.

6. How important it is to maintain trusting relationships with the School Board, Employees, Students, community members, etc.?

Maintaining trusting relationships with the School Board, Employees, , Students, community members is essential. The board has not done this very well.

7. This school year and for the 2012-2013 school year, DISD have or will open new schools and most of them are in the Southeast Portion of the district, do you believe during this financial climate and the school closings that happened this year, are the schools even needed?

This is a very good question worth looking into further. I would need to take a close look at maps, where the closed schools are located, where the new schools are located, the attendance projections, and the staff recommendations. The population growth may not be in the area where a closing school is located. But this is a very important question.

8. With another budget defect that the district will face in `12-`13, do you really think that there needs to be something going on in the state level which caused theses cuts?

We need the state to increase aid to our public schools. We are a state that provides fewer resources to our kids than most other states.

9. Name three things that Dallas ISD would be proud of that you would promote or brag about and why.

The vast majority of our DISD teachers are good teachers. DISD should be proud of this. We need to honor and respect the hard work our teachers do on a day-to-day basis. In many circumstances the only thing a child has going for them is a good teacher. I have been in the classroom for seven years in one of the highest poverty schools in the district and seen this first hand.

We can be proud of our magnet schools and our exemplary schools.

We can be proud of the fact that our school system, which was once a bastion of segregation and disgusting racism and racial turmoil, is now one that has unanimously approved progressive anti-discrimination and anti-bullying policies.

10. What are the qualities that you like to look for in the next superintendent, in your own opinion?

DISD should hire a new superintendent who is a proven leader with a track record of success, who will focus on student achievement and set high expectations, someone committed to recruiting the best talent and providing the best training available to principals and teachers. The new superintendent should be a listener, who will reach out and be open to the ideas of all of the various communities in DISD, a transparent leader, with high integrity. The new superintendent also should have a commitment to increasing the involvement of parents, businesses, non-profits, and the arts community in Dallas public schools.

11. Is there anyway that you would find ways to bring students back to the district from the ones that moved out to suburbs?

The only way to do this is to improve the quality of the schools so that parents will feel that they can give their children a great education in DISD in a safe and secure environment..

12. Do you support magnet schools? What would you do to maintain and improve these schools?

I support the magnet schools. Continue to challenge the students and continue to set high expectations.

13. Why should people elect or re-elect you and any final words?

I believe every child has a right to a great education, and that Dallas needs a first class public school system in order to retain and attract families, businesses, and jobs. As someone who went to public schools from kindergarten through college, and as the first person in my family to attend college, I want the kids at DISD to have the same opportunities that I had.

As a tax and business lawyer, I have extensive financial and budgetary experience. I have represented companies and individuals in complex transactions and cases.

I also have substantial HR-related experience, having served as Hiring Partner for 8 years and coordinated associate evaluations for many years. I also serve on our diversity committee.

I also have extensive experience with DISD. I started and led a school partnership program between Akin Gump and James W. Fannin Elementary School for 7 years. We provided tutoring, mentoring, field trips, safety and health programs, reading/art/music programs. We were one of 3 companies to receive the statewide Employers for Education Excellence Gold Award from the Texas Education Agency in 2011, which was awarded for the promotion of community involvement in Texas public schools. The school partnership program helped James W. Fannin earn exemplary status in 2009 despite the school being one of the highest poverty schools in the district.

I have seen first hand how a school can be transformed when the community joins together with parents, teachers, and students. I think we can replicate that success across the district.

Bruce Parrott

1)   What would be some of the things that you would push through the board once you are elected or re-elected?

I plan to continue the program of fiscal accountability and budget. I want to help in reforming our curriculum which will enable teachers to teach students more critical thinking skills and eliminate unnecessary student standardized testing. Students should have opportunities to learn to develop their critical thinking skills. 

2)   Is there anything going on in the your district that needs attention?

I always am accessible to parents, teachers and community members so I am constantly keeping abreast of situations which need attention. District 3 has some schools which are overcrowded. In the previous board of trustee’s term the bond package did not allot any monetary solutions for the overcrowding in the District 3 schools which are in need of expansion. That lack of planning causes us today to have substantial challenges at those school sites. I have done everything I can to support my district and stay in touch with my constituents.

3)   Your Education:

I graduated from high school from Bryan Adams which is one of the high schools which is in District 3 which I represent. My children also graduated from Bryan Adams. I obtained my MS degree in Educational Technology.

4)   What would you do for the whole district?

I came up with a plan and spearheaded the formation of the Budget Commission and the new DISD portal which links to district check registers, vendor information, budget and audit documents and finance, spending and conflict of interest reports.

5)   How important is it to maintain trusting relationships with the School Board, Employees, Students, community members?

It is absolutely essential to build trust and to communicate with all of these members and entities.

 6)   Are the schools that closed needed?

It was important for the board to look at the number of students that it served and how the DISD could utilize its resources and still serve all the children’s needs to best of their ability.

7)   What quality do you look for in the next superintendent, in your own opinion?

The Superintendent needs to be dedicated to public education, dedicated to DISD and honest. He needs to be able to work with the board and with the teachers, staff, students and community.

8)   Is there anyway that you would find ways to bring students back to the district from the ones that moved out to suburbs?

The school district has great magnet schools and sometimes parents are not aware of these schools. The district will also be considering the formation of more in-district charter schools.

9)   Do you support magnet schools? What would you do to maintain and improve theses schools? 

I certainly have been an advocate for magnet schools. I have been forthright in my discussions and support for magnet schools as a board member.

10)  Why should people elect or re-elect you and any final words?

I want to continue to serve on the DISD School Board because I believe that we are making tremendous strides in helping more students each year obtain a quality education.

May 2012 DISD Candidate Reponses Are Here!

The time of the year has arrived! The candidates running for Dallas ISD School Board is taking shape, and this week Preppy Issues has started posting the answers to the questionnaires that we have sent to all of the candidates running in each district. This year, District 1 in North Dallas, District 3 in East Dallas and District 9 in South Central Dallas are up for grabs on May 12th. Today, all of the responses from District 1 candidates will be up. Elizabeth Jones, who is the another candidate running for the seat has not returned our questions on time for the deadline, below are the rest of the candidates responses. Tomorrow, hear from District 3 candidates on what they have to say on the important issues in DISD.

Jennifer Levy

What would be some of the things that you would push though the board once you are elected or re-elected?

            Once elected, I would focus initially on getting to know my fellow team members and would work to position myself as an effective new board member by demonstrating a willingness to learn, working as constructive member of the team and by putting in the time and effort needed to become a high quality board member. As far as specific issues that I would like the board to address, I would focus on:

Strong Leadership:

DISD will soon have a new superintendent, and fostering high quality leadership through establishing an effective working relationship with the superintendent is imperative for setting the stage for strong leadership throughout the district. I would also work to ensure a world-class principal in each school and a high quality teacher in every classroom. While this is a goal that will take a lot of work, I would push for programs that included, but are not limited to, professional development opportunities for teachers and principals, performance improvement plans for low performing teachers and principals, and would advocate working with talent pipelines, such as Teach for America, to recruit high quality candidates for open positions.

Engaged communities

I would support programs that programs that foster a positive relationship between parents and the school and which encourage parents to be actively involved in their child’s educational journey. I would support programs, which foster community involvement in public education, such as awareness activities and public/private partnerships.

Smart Spending

As a board member, I would focus on efficient spending practices as a district by supporting programs that cut waste and focus funding on classrooms. I would advocate for programs that support a culture of accountability at all levels. I would also work to ensure resources were well allocated to ensure the same high quality education for every child in the district.

Is there anything going on in your district that needs attention?

            District 1 needs increased community engagement, which means actively involving citizens and DISD stakeholders. Educating the next generation should be a top priority for our community. As a board member I would be an advocate within District 1 to promote the awareness of the need for a high quality public education system and would publicly promote the successes of DISD within the community.  

I would also work to form new relationships, and build upon current ones, with local businesses and community groups.

Low teacher morale is something that can be found throughout the district. I would work to strengthen relationships with teachers and support staff by being present in schools for different events and would network with teachers and staff so that they feel they have a voice and an advocate on the board.

Currently within District 1 we have 1 exemplary rated school, 14 recognized schools, and 1 academically unacceptable school. I would form strong relationships with the leadership in the academically unacceptable school to support their improvement plan.

 Any past public offices held or ran for?

            No. This is my first run for office.

Education- Please elaborate about your past education experience, High School you graduated, colleges and degrees.

            Bachelor of Science, Nursing – University of Oklahoma

            High School Diploma – Casady School

What would you do for the whole School District? Not, only just for your own district.

             As a board member my goal would be to improve outcomes for the entire district, and support programs that positively affect the largest amount of students within the district. I would use my skills in problem solving, collaboration, and communication to work as a team with my fellow board members and DISD leadership. My goal as a board member would not only be to achieve academic excellence within District 1, but throughout the entire DISD district.

How important it is to maintain trusting relationships with the School Board, Employees, Students, community members, etc.?  

            It is imperative to my success as a board member to maintain trusting relationships with the school board, employees, students, and community members. As a board member, I would be responsible for earning the trust of stakeholders. I would work fervently to earn this trust through communicating openly and effectively with stakeholders, and would strive to be a positive voice on the board that was known for supporting programs and policies that focused on the academic achievement and the overall well being of DISD children. I would also deliver what I promised, and would follow through with commitments made to fellow co-workers and to constituents. Without trusting relationships with stakeholders, my effectiveness as a board member would be negated, and ultimately my goals and vision for DISD would be impossible to achieve.

This school year and for the 2012-2013 school year, DISD have or will open new schools and most of them are in the Southeast Portion of the district, do you believe during this financial climate and the school closings that happened this year, are the schools even needed?  

              I want to ensure that children are able to attend a DISD school where they receive the highest quality education possible. It is critical that DISD provide the resources to schools to ensure they are not overcrowded, but are also at an effective capacity. Because I am not privy to the DISD budget, it is difficult for me to address the necessity of new schools without more specific information on resource allocation. As a potential new board member, I feel that in order to become a constructive team member, I must enter with an open mind to policies and decisions made by my predecessors, and to make the assumption regarding the necessity of opening new schools is an ineffective way to become a constructive member of the team.

With another budget defect that the district will face in `12-`13, do you really think that there needs to be something going on in the state level which caused theses cuts?  

               Board members must be aware of the activities at the state and federal levels. While awareness is needed, the focus of the board members must remain focused on the governance of the district. While board members cannot directly prevent state and federal cuts, they must be creative, forward thinking planners to work collaboratively and efficiently during lean financial times. Board members are tasked with creatively closing the budget shortfall in order to ensure a quality education for all students.

Name three things that Dallas ISD would be proud of that you would promote or brag about and why.

1. Student leadership and activism- For example, when budget shortfalls left the library at Marsh Middle School without money for much needed improvements and new books, students at the school sprung into action. They organized fundraisers and worked on remodeling projects to keep their library a desirable place for students even during difficult financial times. Also, at DeGolyer Elementary students and parents participated in the construction of a Discovery Garden, which will serve as a unique learning landscape for students. DISD should be proud that students, parents, and community members are willing to come together to put in the time and effort needed to make their schools better.
2. 4 year graduation rate is increasing- The percentage of students graduating in four years from the Dallas ISD has increased every year over the past three years. In 2007, the percentage of students graduating with their class in four years was 62.5%. That number is now up to 74.6%. A steady increase that has continued consistently for three years now is something to be proud of.
3. Engaged and dedicated teachers- When I walk in to a DISD school a majority of the teaching staff comes across as extremely dedicated to the students that they teach. Dedicated teachers are essential to the delivery of quality education and their hard work enriches the lives of students each and every day. The DISD should be proud to have quality, dedicated teachers, and with the improvements of the teacher evaluation system it will soon be easier to recognize these high performing teachers and reward them for their efforts.

What are the qualities that you like to look for in the next superintendent, in your own opinion?

            The new superintendent should be a change agent with a proven track record in innovative and effective leadership. The new superintendent must understand the challenges facing the district and believe that every student in the district has the ability to learn. She/he should understand the education community and have a keen ability to identify improvement models that have proven successful in similar urban districts throughout the country in order to bring data driven best practice models to the DISD. The new superintendent also needs to be a person that is works well with others, is able to motivate and lead a team to success, and be able to work collaboratively with the board as well as the other stakeholders within the DISD. Another attractive quality in an incoming superintendent would be someone who is committed to the district long term. A track record of employment in a previous position for more than a couple of years at a time can be looked at as an attractive quality. Consistent leadership is imperative for the success of the district over the next several years. DISD needs a leader that will set the bar high and will hold all staff accountable, while ensuring employees feel valued and high performing employees are praised and rewarded. DISD also needs a superintendent that is an approachable community figure known for their persistence, positive attitude, and unique ability to represent the district positively to the community at large.

Is there anyway that you would find ways to bring students back to the district from the ones that moved out to suburbs?

            In my opinion, the best way to bring students back to the district that may have moved out to the suburbs is to improve district performance and show consistency in excellent performance over time. Data speaks volumes, and when scores consistently improve and stay high, people will take notice. It is important to concentrate on turning around low performing schools and strive for high performance throughout the district. It is much more convincing to residents of the suburbs when the overall district is high performing, rather than just one or two high performing schools within the district. It is important for board members and district staff to embrace the vision and represent the district’s quest for excellence within the community.

Do you support magnet schools? What would you do to maintain and improve theses schools?  

            I am a supporter of magnet schools. I believe that magnet schools are an integral part of a successful school district. Education is not a “one size fits all” industry and students should have options in order to find the best available educational fit in which their potential is maximized and where they are excited about learning. Magnet schools must have excellent leadership that understands the mission and specialty represented by their school. School leadership should work to build partnerships within the community to enhance and improve the programs offered in magnet schools. For example, a magnet school that specializes in vocational training would positively benefit from partnerships with local vocational trade specialists (i.e. auto repair shops, cosmetology service providers, etc.) to provide valuable mentorship opportunities as well as job training and networking opportunities for interested students.

Why should people elect or re-elect you and any final words?

            As the mother of three young children, one who was diagnosed with autism in 2010 and currently attends a DISD preschool, I understand the importance of education not only from my experience professionally, but also as a parent. My training as a nurse, and career as a nurse administrator at Southwest Transplant Alliance taught me to stay calm in a crisis, problem solve in complex environments, and deal with high pressure, emotional situations. As your trustee, I will stand up for our school children and work constructively with fellow board members to make improving our public schools a top priority not only for our school district, but also for the community.

            Partisan politics are not my focus and I will not bring any political baggage to the district. I bring a fresh perspective and the creativity needed to improve student achievement. I am here to make Dallas ISD better, more efficient and more effective, not use this position as a stepping-stone for new opportunities. I have the commitment necessary to see our long-term goals through to completion.

Michael Greenberg

1.  What would be some of the things that you would push though the board one you are elected or re-elected?

If I am fortunate to win the election on election night (May 12th), my immediate focus would be the 2012-­‐2013 budget. That budget will be voted on during the May 25th board meeting. I have been engaged in the budget process through Leadership DISD and I have attended multiple DISD Citizen Budget Review Commission Meetings. I will ensure that the budget focus is squarely upon the classroom.

My involvement in Dallas ISD through Leadership DISD, the DISD Community Technology Forum as well as my attendance at Board Meeting and Briefings and Citizen Budget Review Commission Meetings, means that my ramp up time on the key issues facing Dallas ISD are reduced dramatically. While other District 1 candidates will be getting up to speed throughout May, June, July and August at a minimum, I will be able to contribute on Day 1. I continue to meet with Trustees to understand their priorities during this budget cycle.

To demand excellence in hiring of teachers and staff requires that we have a true Human Resources Director in place soon after the superintendent hire. I fully support the Star Commission recommendations and as Trustee would work to ensure we put the necessary controls in place that we hire only the best for our children. I would encourage the Superintendent hire his or her core staff quickly and efficiently and I would demand 5-­‐year strategy plans for each department. I would like the see the new Superintendent and HR Executive evaluate the structure of central DISD administration and propose a reorganization that puts the interests of our children and teachers first. The structure at 3700 Ross should be set up to serve the campus level staff, not the other way around. I would also place a priority on a review of any policy that takes our principals or teachers out of the classroom.

As a member of the DISD Community Technology Forum, I have seen first-­‐ hand the lack of measurable outputs, detailed project plans, communications plans and the lack of internal coordination as it relates to information technology initiatives throughout DISD. I will ensure smooth and effective implementation of sensible district policies and I will demand accountability from the superintendent on down.

2. Is there anything going on in your district that needs attention?

There are quite a few areas in District 1 that need attention. First, the overcrowding situation at W.T. White is a real issue. As part of my participation in Leadership DISD, I recently had the privilege to tour W.T. White High School and meet Principal Hardwick. I saw first-­‐hand the vibrancy of the choral program and how they operated in a very small space. I saw a packed lunchroom in a Starbucks style setting that was bustling.

While some DISD schools are being closed, overcrowding situations at W.T. White and other high schools, middle schools and elementary schools cannot be overlooked or ignored. I graduated from Hillcrest High School at a time before portables blanketed many of our campuses. During Leadership DISD sessions, some Trustees and administration officials have suggested that building and infrastructure needs at DISD total near $1 billion. This comes at a time when legislators in Austin are cutting public school budgets.  I do not foresee an appetite for another bond election by the citizens of Dallas for the next few years.

The interesting thing about looking at future high school populations, one only needs to look at the enrollment populations at the feeder middle and elementary schools.   According to School Usage Ad Hoc Committee, Marsh Middle School is at 123 percent of capacity, while Walker Middle School is at 88 percent of capacity. I would first want to understand if the overcrowding problem would get worse or better in the next five years based upon our elementary and middle school populations. Said another way, what are the outflow and in flow rates of students at W.T.White?

If the data shows that the overcrowding issue will only get worse, then I propose conversations with Principal Hardwick and teachers and parents about short-­‐term solutions. As your next District 1 Trustee, I would propose an advisory panel or board committee to look at growth patterns especially in the northern areas of the district. Some difficult boundary decisions might have to be made in the next three years to bring our schools into capacity balance. The voters can have confidence knowing that District 1 boundary decisions will affect my family just as they will affect every parent, teacher and student. I have complete empathy with my fellow neighbors. We must communicate and listen to our communities if these difficult decisions are required.

School overcrowding is a serious issue and without funds to build new schools, decisions to mitigate the issue will not be easy. No one prefers children to be taught in portables and most do not enjoy the prospects of boundary changes, yet the status quo is not acceptable either. Short Of building a new school to relieve W.T. White, I suggest that we open a dialogue with Principal Hardwick, teachers, parents and students and work together on a short and long term plan to solve the overcrowding issue.

The second issue for District1 and all of Dallas ISD is the high cost of health care for our teachers. The new superintendent and HR Executive need to review the health care plans offered and make it a priority to offer more health care value at a lower cost for our teachers.

A third issue for District 1 is to improve students’ results at Cary Middle School. Cary Middle School is the only academically unacceptable Dallas ISD School in District 1.

A forth issue is the resolution on where to build the Jose “Joe” May Elementary school or what the compromise solution would be to ease overcrowding issues.

3. Any past public offices held or ran for?

None

4. Education- Please elaborate about your past education experience, High School you graduated, colleges and degrees.

May 2010         University of Texas at Dallas

Ph.D. in Political Science – GPA 4.0

• Adjunct Faculty, School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

• Nominated for the 2008 President’s Teaching Excellence Award 

December 2008    University of Texas at Dallas

Master of Arts in Political Science – GPA 4.0

• Member Pi Sigma Alpha (National Political Science Honor Society)

               August 1997 Texas State University – San Marcos, Texas

                Master of Public Administration (MPA) – GPA 3.9

• Specialization: Public Finance Administration

• Member Pi Alpha Alpha (National Public Administration Honor Society)

May 1993 Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English– GPA 3.2

Hillcrest High School – Dallas ISD, Class of 1989

5.  How important it is to maintain trusting relationships with the School Board, Employees, Students, community members, etc.?  

It is one thing to present reform policy, it is quite another to implement reform policy and ensure oversight. I want to apply my skills and experience in managing projects, processes and people in order to improve policy implementation oversight. That being said, my top three priorities for Dallas ISD are:

1. Regain the public trust and rebuild bridges by communicating openly and effectively with our parents, teachers, principals and the business community.
2. Strengthen HR, IT, Audit, Finance and Compliance Departments by ensuring the right people with the right skills are in key leadership positions. This action would have direct on the classroom, as these departments would be restructured to serve the campus level employees.
3. Improve oversight and effectiveness of policy and technology implementations

If we execute on these three priorities we will improve student achievement, improve teacher moral and ensure we have the best and brightest employed at Dallas ISD. 

6.  How important it is to maintain trusting relationships with the School Board, Employees, Students, community members, etc.? 

In a world it is critical! The culture of DISD is perceived differently depending on the stake holders. For example, in my discussions with teachers there is clearly a sense of frustration that they are not supported and are often blamed for poor results. From a parent perspective there is a lack of trust that DISD can deliver a quality education for their children. The administration, in particular the Information Technology staff appear dedicated to the DISD mission, but fail to realize that they are not delivering transparent implementation plans for the policy they are to implement. There is a disconnect between the leadership at 3700 Ross Avenue and the campus employees.

In short, the perception is generally negative. However, if you talk to parents that are involved in individual schools you hear a different story. My wife and I are very happy with our daughter’s educational experience thus far. As a trustee, my goal would be to ensure that DISD administration and the superintendent are delivering measureable and accountable goals and initiatives. It Is important that new leadership throughout the district including the trustees establish that the old ways of running the district are no longer tolerated.

In order to be successful the trustees, superintendent and administrative staff must earn the trust of parents, teachers, principals and the community at large by providing transparent and measurable results. Maintaining a trusting relationship with the School Board, employees, students and community members is vital in the success of Dallas ISD.

 7.  This school year and for the 2012-2013 school year, DISD have or will open new schools and most of them are in the Southeast Portion of the district, do you believe during this financial climate and the school closings that happened this year, are the schools even needed? 

The building and opening of these schools represents follow through on a commitment made to the taxpayers. Fourteen new schools were part of the bond package and three of those were replacements for the existing schools. There were also significant renovations at scores of schools throughout Dallas ISD.

 8.  With another budget defect that the district will face in `12-­`13, do you really think that there needs to be something going on in the state level which caused theses cuts?

There certainly appears to be a lack of political leadership in Austin to recognize the need to properly fund our public schools. According to the Dallas Morning News, “lawmakers…cut an additional $4 billion, despite average public school enrollment increasing by 80,000 Students per year state wide.” The restricted funding model will only hurt the Texas economy in the future if we are unable to educate our children. It is fair to say that Dallas ISD in particular needs to spend monies wisely, but in Texas we rank 37th in spending per student according to the National Education Association, January 2011. Texas experienced its first decline in per-­‐student spending (~$500) since World War II.

Again, these funding cuts will have severe impacts on the Texas economy. Decisions were made to not use the Texas Rainy Day Funds to restore education funding. That was wrong. Our students and teachers deserve better from our elected officials in Austin. Dallas ISD must do its part to show itself to the community and the world that it can be a world-­‐class district once again.

9.  Name three things that Dallas ISD would be proud of that you would promote or brag about and why.

The first strength of the district is the diversity among the students, teachers and parents. Demographically, Dallas ISD looks like what Texas as a whole will look like in less than 10 years. We have a tremendous opportunity to set the standard for education in a diverse, urban setting that can be a model for other communities.

Second, our teachers are an amazing strength for Dallas ISD. During my campaign, I have encouraged everyone to go to a Dallas ISD school and watch what goes on in the classroom. Our teachers are true public servants and teach with passion and skill.

Third, if you walk into a school that has a tremendous principal you will see a school that is well run, people that are respectful and you will feel a real energy sparked by learning. Through my experience with Leadership DISD, I have had the privilege to go to multiple elementary, middle and high schools and witness firsthand the leadership abilities of many of our principals.

10.  What are the qualities that you like to look for in the next superintendent, in your own opinion?

The key qualifications that I feel are important for the new superintendent include a collaborative leadership style combined with a demonstrated commitment to accountability. This holds for the superintendent as well as his or her staff. The success of the next superintendent will be partially based on the leadership team he or she assembles. The ability to recognize and hire talented people is a critical qualification necessary for the new superintendent.

I would also prefer a candidate that is proficient in all phases of the policy process and has a track record of metric driven results for policy and project-based initiatives. The next superintendent does not need to be “Superman,” but he or she needs to be able to put a solid core team in place to move Dallas ISD forward.

11.  Is there anyway that you would find ways to bring students back to the district from the ones that moved out to suburbs?

I believe that if our schools produce college ready graduates, more families and students will come back to Dallas. This is good for our property values, good for our neighborhoods, good for our schools and good for Dallas.

I had a conversation with a friend of mine with young children that lived just outside Dallas. He said they would like to live in Dallas, but cannot justify it because of the schools. They would either pay through the nose and be house poor to get a good set of schools, or would have to live somewhere affordable and then have to do private school. So people who care about these issues are forced to make a tough choice, and the suburbs (Plano, Carrollton, Coppell, etc.) or enclaves (HP, UP) get our foot-vote. This friend would very much like to be in Dallas proper and closer to other things that set Dallas apart from all other cities.

12. Do you support magnet schools? What would you do to maintain and improve theses schools? 

Magnet schools, middle school academies, Montessori programs and elementary vanguard programs are all vital in the education options for DISD parents and children. The DISD magnets and special programs are a true strength for the district and something we can all be proud.

I pledge support for these programs and would be interested in further expansion into topic areas such as international relations among others. There are opportunities to expand magnet schools and other academies to District 1 campuses and these will be researched if I am elected as your next Trustee.

The mix of neighborhood schools, magnets and academies are necessary for a vibrant public school system in Dallas. The opportunity to shape the lives of children via the special programs is significant and is something that we should celebrate.

13. Why should people elect or re-elect you and any final words? 

I am excited about the variety and diversity of programs that magnets and other special programs offer our children. As your next District 1 Trustee, My wife Katie and I support public schools and the Dallas ISD. This is not a hollow commitment. We have established a demonstrated commitment to Dallas ISD in numerous ways. First and foremost, we enrolled our daughter in kindergarten at DeGolyer Elementary! Second, as a member of the inaugural Leadership DISD class, I dedicate a minimum of one Friday a month to learn and gain a better understanding of district issues. This scheduled meeting is coupled with numerous opportunities to visit Dallas ISD schools, principals and teachers. My family promotes the benefits of DISD to many families and friends that might otherwise consider private school options. I find myself adopting the role as an informal cheerleader for DISD and I am proud that many people have asked me to run for the District1 Trustee position because they understand that I have a passion for DISD and citizens in District 1 are ready for change.

I believe that reason, rather than passion drives good public policy. Compromise during the policy process is paramount as is the ability to listen to a diverse set of perspectives. People will only listen to you if you return the favor. Abraham Lincoln once said, “With public sentiment everything is possible, without it nothing is possible.” The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees must commit to listening to the public and my campaign is an example of my desire and willingness to go door to door to gain vital perspective.

My education (Doctorate in Political Science as well as Masters Degrees in Public Administration and Political Science) provides me the skills necessary to be an effective public servant. They can be confident that I am not “an unlicensed bonesetter”, but rather a uniquely qualified candidate that can be effective in the multiple phases of the policy process. In addition, my professional experiences in the public sector as well as my focus on project and process management oversight serve to complement my educational attainment in a role that demands discipline and measureable results.

I am also fortunate to be part of so many volunteer organizations. As a member of the inaugural Leadership Dallas class of 2012, I have been provided a wealth of information and insight as it pertains to DISD as well as significant leadership training. I was recently elected to serve as Treasurer of the Sparkman Board (residential community club) and my role as Chair of my church’s Stewardship Committee Show that I am often counted upon to lead.

If I am fortunate enough to be elected as the District 1 Trustee on May12, 2012, my obligation will be to represent the citizens of District 1. I pledge to lead with a servant’s heart and place focus on our children! I appreciate this opportunity and I thank you for taking the time to read my survey response!

Please remember that early voting begins April 30th and the election is May 12th!

Michael Greenberg, Ph.D.

Roland Love

What would be some of the things that you would push though the board one you are elected or re-elected?

While I doubt that I would “push through” anything in connection with the Board of Trustees, I would certainly support and work with the Board on a number of items needing immediate attention. First, there needs to be a thorough review of the administration, including identification of redundancy and unused capacity. Further, processes and software programs utilized are outdates, need to be reviewed, and replaced with more efficient, less labor intensive programs. Along with this focus on achieving a more lean and efficient administration, there needs to be an increase in focus on strong principals supported from Ross Avenue. Only with strong principals at each campus can we achieve the ultimate goal, which is better and more supported and enabled teachers for the students.

Is there anything going on in your district that needs attention?

District 1 is currently overcrowded. The schools are significantly over capacity, and this problem needs to be addressed and handled, not only on a short term basis but in connection with a long term plan.

Any past public offices held or ran for?

None.

Education- Please elaborate about your past education experience, High School you graduated, colleges and degrees.

I graduated from Dallas Bryan Adams High School, and attended Texas A&M University and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. From there I attended SMU Law School and obtained my JD Degree in 1977.

What would you do for the whole School District? Not, only just for your own district.

As noted above, there needs to be an immediate focus on more efficiency and improve productivity at the administrative leave. This should come hand in hand with a long range plan for DISD. At the same time, the Board will be developing a working relationship with the new superintendent, but also must monitor and be accountable for his performance.

How important it is to maintain trusting relationships with the School Board, Employees, Students, community members, etc.? 

This is, of course, key in that a dysfunctional school board cannot make much progress. Trusting relationships with employees, students, and community members begin with better communications, an area which DISD is somewhat lacking and can also immediately address. Open communication creates trust which will provide room for disagreement, but also the common goal of improvement of DISD.

This school year and for the 2012-2013 school year, DISD have or will open new schools and most of them are in the Southeast Portion of the district, do you believe during this financial climate and the school closings that happened this year, are the schools even needed? 

Yes. We must maintain a neighborhood school concept. Students need to be focued on education and not hours each day traveling to and from school. Moreover we want community support, and we need to make the schools accessible to the community and the parent. Finally, new schools provide upgraded and improved technology and use of space. At the same time, of course, we must take steps to utilize and improve the available capital assets that DISD already has.

With another budget defect that the district will face in `12-`13, do you really think that there needs to be something going on in the state level which caused theses cuts?  

The state legislature needs to step back and objectively review the current underfunding from the state level. The number of students in schools has increased and the funding has decreased. While Texas is certainly creative and a leader in many ways, it cannot continue to spend less than most every state in the United States and think that it is doing as good a job for its students.

Name three things that Dallas ISD would be proud of that you would promote or brag about and why.

DISD has continued to improve the curriculum and challenges available to its students. Many of its students are graduating with opportunities at nationally renowned schools or with job skills that make them immediately employable. The dropout rate has declined, although it needs continued attention. The number of exemplary schools has increased. All of these are great achievements, but which can be further improved upon.  

What are the qualities that you like to look for in the next superintendent, in your own opinion?

Mike Miles needs to be a great communicator, He needs to be clear about his expectations, and he needs to be open and expressive about his support for the principals and the teachers in the district. Clear and defined accountability for principals and teachers will only improve teacher morale, the quality of teaching, and the performance of the students. He needs to avoid being influenced by political pressures and individual agendas, and focus on the good of the district.

Is there anyway that you would find ways to bring students back to the district from the ones that moved out to suburbs?

People choose to live in various locations for a number of reasons, not just school district. Certainly an improved school district will make the choice eaiser for some to live in the urban district, but there are also pressures of commuting time, access to your children, and the cost of commuting and housing. This is a really a question that will answer itself. We need to be focused on the students within DISD, and not those outside of it.

Do you support magnet schools? What would you do to maintain and improve theses schools? 

Yes, magnet schools are a good available option for students. They serve a certain segment of the student population and should continue to be supported and enhanced. These schools can be maintained and improved by bringing specialized and high quality educators and supporting expanded curriculum.

Why should people elect or re-elect you and any final words? 

I can bring to the DISD Board of Trustees a significant amount of experience, including board experience, education experience, and managing business. As a 35 year lawyer, I have developed listening and analytical skills, together with an ability to respectfully advocate and solve problems. I am also familiar with scrubbing a budget, and I have spent many years on private school boards addressing issues of curriculum, student/parent community involvement, long range planning, and teacher review and compensation. I have also worked as an educator on the professional level my entire career and have run a number of institutes and seminars. I have spent much of my adult life working with youth, including coaching and in a YMCA programs. This is a perfect time in my life to bring to this board position all that I have gathered and learned, and return my services to the community. I have lived my life in Dallas, attended DISD and sent my children to DISD. My grandchildren will probably attend DISD. I believe a good public education system is a key ingredient to the betterment of the north Texas community and its economy.