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Questions & Answers
How would you hold
administration accountable for student achievement?
The best single measure of schools is at www.Just4Kids.org (which
adjusts for socioeconomic status), and I advocate LISD’s using the
highest standard by striving to be at the top of their ratings. I
have been a consistent proponent of academic excellence and
accountability for student achievement. I have advocated written
curriculum standards, a curriculum management audit, mentoring for
at-risk students, a KIPP Academy and a focus on a culture of
academic achievement. We are currently developing success
measures that can be used to provide bonuses for the new
superintendent based on the performance of the district, a plan that
I strongly support.
What are the most important aspects of your
role as a school board member?
School board members should work as a team to provide vision and
leadership, and relentlessly strive to improve schools by
- focusing on learning and character in the midst of the many
distractions that plague schools,
- insisting on research-based
pedagogy,
- ensuring that teachers know their subjects, and
- establishing a climate where (in the words of
the LISD Vision) “Every student is encouraged, supported and
challenged to achieve the highest levels of knowledge, skills
and character.”
What are the most critical issues in the
school district today? What activities are needed to resolve each of
these issues?
Things are going well in LISD. Student achievement is improving; we
are establishing a culture of excellence in learning and character,
and coping well with very rapid growth. However, we can always do
better, and should never be complacent. In particular, I would like to increase accountability for
students and educators, make sure class time is used
efficiently, increase parent involvement, improve student
motivation, get even more students in advanced classes, expand the
student mentoring program, and improve service to our parents,
students and citizens. |