CANDIDATE Q&A
Get to know the candidates running in the election
2023 LOCAL VOTER GUIDE
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Incumbent
COMPILED BY SAAB SAHI
Clear Creek ISD trustee Position 2 JAMIESON MACKAY Occupation: credit union executive Relevant experience:
Clear Creek ISD trustee Position 3
GLENCORA RODGERS
ARTURO SANCHEZ
Occupation: chemical engineer PETER LAUZON
Occupation: educator, mom
Occupation: director at Johnson Space Center Relevant experience: strategic partner in ed- ucation and nonpro ts, CCISD board member since May 2017, various boards and committees 832-370-6850 • www.electarturosanchez.com
Relevant experience: Master’s in educational administration, worked in education at multiple levels, PTA president, volunteer www.glencorarodgers4ccisd.com
Relevant experience: two children who at- tended CCISD schools, board experience, business background 979-320-9868 www.facebook.com/lauzon4ccisd
PTAs, various com- mittees, Clear Creek Education Foundation, Communities in Schools 832-788-3935 www.jamiesonmackay.org
What should the district focus on as the “Vision 2030” plan develops?
The district needs to focus on innovative programs that engage students, their par- ents and the community at large. We need to make sure that all students are receiving a world-class education that prepares them to become productive citizens whether they plan to attend college or go straight into the workforce.
The Vision 2030 team has made four recommendations: expanding tuition-based pre-K, scaling the “Leader in Me” program districtwide, transforming certain interme- diate schools to “schools of innovation,” and creating a new standard for learning spaces. One focus moving forward needs to be nding a balance between pushing for innovation and being scally responsible.
Vision 2030 informs what the Facility Advi- sory Committee will consider regarding the facilities and spaces needed to support future instructional programs. As the committee convenes in April, I know they will focus on a variety of areas, including aging facilities; campus renovations; expansion; ... [and] optimizing facility spaces for instruction, aging buses and security enhancements. I will remain committed to strengthening the board’s decision-making, so all students are prepared to achieve at their highest level. I will continue to focus on CCISD’s scal responsibility and transparency. I will build on my six years of board experience to sup- port the district’s long-range planning [and] ensure CCISD provides multiple pathways for students to explore and learn. My 22 years of professional corporate and government experience; service on university and community college boards; and six years on the CCISD board as a trustee, secretary and vice president make me the best candidate. I have spent time on our campuses and facili- ties attending events, competitions, program showcases, performances and PTA meetings, remaining ... engaged.
CCISD is limited to 2.5% budget growth in maintenance and operating due to state mandates. These budget constraints impede adaptation to the changing needs of all our students. Nationally from 2010 to 2022, college/post-high school education enrollment dropped by 16.2%. CCISD must ensure all our students are prepared regardless of the path they choose. The security and safety of all our students is non-negotiable; this must come rst. Following is the need to manage a challeng- ing economic environment with in ation, high interest rates and increased building material costs. What makes this di cult is balancing the budget given maintenance and operating increases being capped at 2.5% annually by the state. I’m an independent voice to our commu- nity who had two children go through and graduate from the school district, so I am familiar with the full impact a CCISD edu- cation has on their preparedness and what improvements could be made. I am familiar with how a board operates. I am also a skilled analyst that can ... propose how best to assemble a budget.
If elected, what would be your priorities?
My priorities are to listen and learn. The various stakeholders have a lot to o er when it comes to input on how our local school district can better serve students.
The function of the school board is to provide citizen governance and oversight. Therefore, my rst priority will be to listen. My motto is “talk to anyone and listen to everyone.” I will also advocate—advocate in Austin for funding and changes to our assess- ment system, advocate for students, advo- cate for teachers who feel underappreciated, and advocate for our district to a community that in too many situations is losing trust.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
My entire professional and volunteer career have been centered around my passion for public education. My vast board experience and nancial background make me uniquely quali ed to be a trustee in the current environment.
Numerous challenges face our district that would be best addressed by someone with my knowledge and experience. Teacher engagement is declining. If we cannot attract and retain quali ed teachers, nothing else matters. Budget shortfalls are looming. I have experience knowing what truly matters in teaching and learning and will ght for those things as cuts are considered.
Licensed and certified assisted living residences for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders.
Memory care in a home-like setting
• Large secure outdoor space • In person or virtual tours available • Serving Texas since 1997, The Cottages is family-owned and operated
Schedule a tour to receive $200 off monthly rent New residents only. 281-316-4281 • www.alzcottages.com • 400 Landing Blvd, League City, Texas 77573 Facility ID: 010237, 010241 & 105485 AT CLEAR LAKE New residents only. Memory Care Move in by April 30 and receive $400 off monthly rent
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BAY AREA EDITION • MARCH 2023
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