How do you propose we raise the standards on academics and/or reverse the declining trend?

Texas public schools have faced declining academic performance in part due to chronic underfunding and the politicization of education. We must increase per-student funding, raise teacher pay to attract and retain the best educators, reduce class sizes, and invest in evidence-based interventions, including high-dosage tutoring and early childhood education programs. We need to shift away from overreliance on standardized testing and focus on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving to prepare students for modern careers.

Providing strategic pathways for students to go into the trades as opposed to post-secondary education would increase success for students who may not excel in a “typical” academic framework. Recognizing that our students, individually and generationally, are unique from what we may have seen historically and adapting our academic approach to ensure it is not outdated or “one size fits all” and is able to respond well to empowering each student for the world they are going to enter is important as well.

Discipline in the schools and on the buses is a concern among many in our community. What steps should be taken to enforce disciplinary action?

Our teachers and transportation specialists need to be well-trained, empowered and strongly supported as they manage conduct within their classrooms and vehicles. Teachers being given training in de-escalation and other behavior management strategies, with an emphasis on restorative justice, is key, but there must be consistent backing by the administration, parents and community. A teacher or driver cannot do their job effectively if poor behavior is consistently sidetracking their classroom or routes. Having external support from dedicated administration personnel, parent groups (such as Watch D.O.G.S.), counselors and others allow for timely, individualized engagement focusing on addressing root causes of behavior rather than just punitive or exclusionary measures like suspensions.

Parents and guardians must be engaged in this process with clear communication as a high priority. Providing low-cost or no-cost resources for parents/guradians who may be overwhelmed with their child’s behavior would be a significant benefit.

Consistent communication of clear expectations for students that have been derived from collaborative efforts with school staff, administration and students is essential, along with consistency in consequences for keeping or breaking policies or expectations.

What guidelines should be followed for books containing obscene or explicit material in school libraries or individual classroom libraries?

When it comes to books in school libraries and classrooms, it’s important to find a balanced approach, one that ensures materials are age-appropriate and align with the values of our community, while still encouraging students to explore diverse ideas and develop critical thinking skills.

Parents deserve transparency about what books are available to their children, and they should have a clear voice in shaping policies around library materials. Schools should have a well-defined process for reviewing concerns about specific books, one that includes input from parents, educators, and community members.

At the same time, blanket book bans are not the solution. Removing all materials that might be uncomfortable or controversial risks limiting educational opportunities and silencing important conversations. Instead, we should empower parents to make informed decisions for their own children, while ensuring that any materials available to students are both appropriate for their age group and educationally valuable.

Ultimately, parents and schools should work together to foster an environment where students are challenged to think critically, exposed to different viewpoints, and guided by caring adults at home and in the classroom.

What other specific issues do you believe our district needs to address? In turn, what solutions would you introduce?

In addition to academic performance, teacher recruitment and retention is a major crisis, as teachers are leaving the profession due to low pay, lack of respect, and excessive workloads. We also need to address student mental health, pandemic learning loss, decreased student social engagement and preparing students for the world they will encounter after graduation. I accept that these issues have many layers and these solutions are easier stated than accomplished.

That being said I would begin by pushing for:

●Competitive salaries and benefits for teachers and support staff.

● Expanded access to school counselors, psychologists, and social workers.

● Increased after-school and extra-curricular programs, broadening athletic programs and summer enrichment programs.

● Updated technology and facilities to ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed.

What issues, if any, do you believe school counselors should keep from parents?

Parents are the primary caregivers and play an essential role in their children’s development, so they should be informed and involved in any significant issues affecting their child’s well-being.

Counselors should work to build trust with both students and parents before incidents occur, encouraging open communication within families whenever possible. In rare situations where a child’s safety may be at risk, counselors should follow established protocols to protect the child, but the goal should always be to partner with parents to support the child’s best interests.

What role should the “school” and the “parents” play when it comes to providing counsel for a child wrestling with their gender identity?

Parents should be the primary decision-makers when it comes to sensitive issues like gender identity, and schools should partner with families to ensure that children feel safe, valued, and appropriately supported. Schools should provide age-appropriate counseling and resources, but always with the goal of involving parents early and encouraging healthy family conversations.

Every child is unique, and the best outcomes happen when schools and families work together with compassion and respect to meet the child’s needs and help them navigate towards becoming healthy, fully-functioning individuals.

In light of recent political actions, what are your thoughts on “inclusive” bathrooms and locker rooms?

Schools have a duty to provide a safe and respectful environment for all students while upholding the values and concerns of families in the community. When addressing the use of bathrooms and locker rooms, privacy and safety of all students should be the top priorities. The end goal should be to ensure our students are not subjected to environments that are potentially harmful, dangerous or lacking in dignity.

In navigating this topic we need to acknowledge that this issue is complex and dialogue is important to understanding differing viewpoints and perspectives held within the community so that well-informed decisions can be made.

Decisions on these policies should be made at the local level, allowing schools to work closely with parents to find practical solutions that reflect the needs of their students while maintaining fairness and respect for all. Rather than one-size-fits-all mandates from outside the school district, communities should have the flexibility to develop policies that ensure every student is treated with dignity while protecting personal privacy and upholding longstanding standards of safety.

Parents cannot view many 3rd party resources because of proprietary laws. Do you support the use of resources to which parents do not have full access?

I believe in transparency in curriculum and materials, and parents should have access to the overall curriculum, learning objectives, and general content being taught. However, individual lesson plans, proprietary software, and testing materials are often protected for valid reasons – including copyright laws and maintaining test integrity. I would support clear communication to parents about how to access information and how to provide feedback, while respecting these legal constraints. I would also support accurate, curriculum overviews in layperson terms that allow parents to understand what is in the curriculum without having to wade through large, complex documents.

What fiscal policies do you believe BISD ought to pursue and how do you view the school board’s role in that effort?

The school board should advocate at the state level for increased public education funding and resist efforts to divert public money to private school voucher programs as this has a significant negative impact on rural communities such as Brenham. Locally, BISD should pursue participatory budgeting processes, where parents, educators, and community members have a voice in spending priorities. We should look at our available resources and prioritize investment in capital improvements, teacher compensation, and academic intervention programs, while ensuring financial accountability and transparency.

The BISD will need to be innovative and willing to pursue grants and other funding avenues that perhaps historically we have not had to pursue. The school board needs to be supportive in these pursuits while maintaining the guardrails of what is best for our students, our teachers and our community and ensuring that any “strings” tied to funding opportunities will not go against our mission and ideology. I believe the school board actively engaging in both practical and innovative steps will make a significant difference in the outcomes.

How do you propose we develop greater transparency between the school district and parents in issues like those mentioned on this questionnaire?

Transparency starts with frequent, two-way communication between the district and families. I would advocate for:

● Regular town hall meetings where parents can ask questions directly.

● Parent advisory committees that collaborate with district leadership.

● Online portals which are simple to navigate where parents can easily access curriculum guides, budgets, and board decisions.

● Surveys and other feedback tools to ensure the district understands parent concerns.

● Sharing information with parents in ways non-educators can easily understand and engage.

What is your motivation for running for a position on the BISD board?

My motivation for running comes from a commitment to serving children and families in our community – a calling I’ve followed throughout my career and personal life. As the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, I see firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing our kids, and I’m passionate about ensuring every child has access to a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive both academically and personally.

Before my current role, I served as a youth pastor, where I had the privilege of walking alongside students and their families, supporting their growth and helping them navigate life’s challenges.

As a dad of two daughters who attend BISD schools, my investment in this district is personal – I want to see our schools excel not just for my own children, but for every child in our community.

My wife and I have been happily married for 14 years, and our family has lived in Brenham for nearly 4 years. During that time, we’ve grown to love this community and feel called to serve it with the love of Christ. I believe strong schools build strong communities, and I’m running to help strengthen communication between families and the district, support our teachers, and ensure our students are prepared for bright futures so they may reach their full, God-given potential.

How do you propose we raise the standards on academics and/or reverse the declining trend?

Both the standards as well as the actual academics have been declining for years. We need a return to the basics, e.g. phonics for reading and memorization of basic math facts. As an example, I should not see a student pull out a phone to use the calculator app when I need change for a $20 bill after purchasing two adult sporting event tickets at $5 each and a student ticket for $2. For curriculum, it is important to have a quality curriculum in place that has a proven record of success, and supplement it as needed. One potential way for the district to accomplish this is to research curriculum and best practices that have worked for other similar districts and implement them accordingly. In terms of grades, we need to give students the grade that they deserve instead of giving students a grade of 50 when they earned a grade lower than that, especially when it should have been a zero. We should not be curving the grades for every assignment or test if the students do not know the material. In terms of academic help, early intervention is the key. Setting aside time after school for tutorials twice a week was one way we provided intervention for struggling students at a previous school. Additionally, it would benefit the schools greatly to work with the local preschools to help them identify areas of potential improvement so that they can better prepare the students before they enter kindergarten.

Discipline in the schools and on the buses is a concern among many in our community. What steps should be taken to enforce disciplinary action?

Appropriate behavior and expectations should always be communicated, both in the schools and on the transportation buses. Discipline/consequences should always be appropriate for the infraction, consistent, fair, and done in a timely manner. The administrator in charge should communicate the inappropriate behavior and consequences to the parent(s) of the student. Since the school buses have video cameras, that should help identify students that are not following the rules. Like teachers, bus drivers should be trained to help de-escalate conflict.

What guidelines should be followed for books containing obscene or explicit material in school libraries or individual classroom libraries? 

There should be zero tolerance for obscene or explicit material. Put realistic and age-appropriate standards in place that also allow for the evaluation of all material. As a community, most of us agree that we do not want obscene or explicit materials in the schools. If the local newspaper cannot print the words or images, there is a very good probability that it does not need to be in our schools.

What other specific issues do you believe our district needs to address? In turn, what solutions would you introduce?

Our students and staff are the most important part of our district. We need to provide learning environments where students feel safe that also allow teachers to teach effectively. We have a lot of wonderful teachers that spend a lot of time and effort in their classrooms, but discipline issues allow the classrooms to be hijacked, and they spend more time managing the class than teaching it. We also need to address teacher salaries and show them how much we value them. We need to do away with DEI and SEL practices in the district.

What issues, if any, do you believe school counselors should keep from parents? 

Counselors should work cooperatively with students and their parents, and not hide or keep any issues from the parents.

What role should the “school” and the “parents” play when it comes to providing counsel for a child with their gender identity?

The school should not provide counsel regarding gender identity. Parents and, if necessary, licensed counselors should navigate any identity concerns regarding their children.

In light of recent political actions, what are your thoughts on “inclusive” bathrooms and locker rooms?

There needs to be a men’s room for males and ladies’ room for females, for both bathrooms and locker rooms.

Parents cannot view many 3rd party resources because of proprietary laws. Do you support the use of resources to which parents do not have full access?

In general, I do not support the use of materials that do not allow for transparency. However, without a lot more specific information, it is difficult to make an educated decision.

What fiscal policies do you believe BISD ought to pursue and how do you view the school board’s role in that effort? 

BISD needs to not only have a balanced budget, but needs to start putting extra funds back into the school district fund balance to make up for the large deficit spending from previous years. For financial stability, the district fund balance should have enough money to run the school for a minimum of 90 days, and we currently only have enough for around 30 days. The school board needs to work closely with the superintendent and CFO to make sure that funds are spent wisely. We need to re-examine all areas of spending to make sure we are utilizing the monies entrusted to the district in the best ways possible.

How do you propose that we develop greater transparency between the school district and parents in issues like those mentioned on this questionnaire?

There are several different ways to do that. One, is to always make sure that decisions are being made publicly, whenever possible. Even the appearance of hiding information or decisions is problematic. I enjoyed the forum that was held at Abiding Word Lutheran Church a couple of years ago. Any time that leadership, either the school board or the superintendent, has the opportunity to listen to questions from the community and provide an honest answer helps the community feel more involved and creates opportunities for open communication. Having a Q&A between the community and superintendent via the local media, such as the newspaper or radio stations, would be another way to create better transparency.

What is your motivation for running for a position on the BISD board?

Both my wife and I have a passion for education. I taught high school math at two different public schools for 16 years and finished a master’s degree in instructional technology before moving to Brenham, and my wife has taught at various public and private schools during her 25 years in education. Now that all of our children have graduated from high school, I want to give back to the Brenham community by serving as a BISD board member and support the many friends that work within the district. With my teaching background as well as my administrative experience, I desire to apply my knowledge in a way that can make a positive difference for the students, faculty, and staff of the Brenham schools.

How do you propose we raise the standards on academics and/or reverse the declining trend?

Review and approval of other possible curriculums that could improve our standards, for example Bluebonnet or Hillsdale, and get back to teaching the basics.

Discipline in the schools and on the buses is a concern among many in our community. What steps should be taken to enforce disciplinary action?

I don’t think disruptive behavior should be tolerated in BISD schools or buses. The following 3 steps
should be taken.

1. A written warning
2. Minor suspension
3. Major suspension or removal from BISD

What guidelines should be followed for books containing obscene or explicit material in school libraries or individual classroom libraries?

They should NEVER be allowed on our school campuses PERIOD.

What other specific issues do you believe our district needs to address? In turn, what solutions would you introduce?

• Teacher support. – Leadership retraining or replacement may be necessary in order to keep good teachers.
• Financials. – Review of where the money is being spent. Remove wasteful spending.
• Safety and security. – Bathroom and hall monitors. Video surveillance on every inch of school and buses.

What issues, if any, do you believe school counselors should keep from parents?

I don’t think any issues should be kept from a parent unless the parent is part of the issue which would obligate the counselor to report it to authorities.

What role should the “school” and the parents” play when it comes to providing counsel for a child wrestling with their gender identity?

The school counselor should encourage the parents to seek professional faith based counseling for the child.

In light of recent political actions, what are your thoughts on “inclusive” bathrooms and locker rooms?

I believe a biological male shall use the facilities for men/boys and biological females shall use the facilities for girls/ladies.

Parents cannot view many 3rd party resources because of proprietary laws. Do you support the use of resources to which parents do not have full access?

No, there should ALWAYS be full transparency.

What fiscal policies do you believe BISD ought to pursue and how do you view the school board’s role in that effort?

• Balanced budgets every year.
• A review of all spending items within the budget
• The elimination of wasteful spending
• ALL spending should require school board approval.

How do you propose we develop greater transparency between the school district and parents in issues like those mentioned on this questionnaire?

• Town Hall meetings for the community
• Better communication on the BISD website
• Posting of an issue and resolution on BISD website
• Having the board of trustees meeting video and audio.
• Recording how each trustee votes

How do you propose we raise the standards on academics and/or reverse the declining trend?

We can raise academic standards by supporting teachers, ensuring a strong curriculum, and encouraging community involvement. High expectations, accountability, and real-world learning opportunities will help students succeed.

Discipline in the schools and on the buses is a concern among many in our community. What steps should be taken to enforce disciplinary action?

We need clear, consistent discipline policies that support teachers, staff and bus drivers while holding students accountable. Partnering with parents and reinforcing expectations will help create a safe and respectful learning environment.

What guidelines should be followed for books containing obscene or explicit material in school libraries or individual classroom libraries?

Parents should have a voice in what their children are exposed to, and schools should follow clear policies to ensure materials are age-appropriate. Transparency, parental involvement, and a common-sense approach will help maintain a balanced library selection.

What other specific issues do you believe our district needs to address? In turn, what solutions would you introduce?

Supporting teachers is vital, including working to increase teacher pay to attract and retain quality educators. We should also focus on school safety, academic achievement, and open communication between the district, parents, and the community. Collaboration and smart budgeting will help us find solutions that benefit everyone.

Class Sizes – In addition to supporting teachers, we need to review the effects of larger class sizes. We can work together to optimize classroom space and continue to leverage technology to enhance learning experiences.

What issues, if any, do you believe school counselors should keep from parents?

School counselors play an important role, but they must follow laws like FERPA, which protect student privacy while also ensuring parents have access to important information. Open communication between schools and families is key to supporting students effectively.

What role should the “school” and the “parents” play when it comes to providing counsel for a child wrestling with their gender identity?

Parents should be the primary decision-makers in their child’s life, and schools should focus on providing a safe, respectful learning environment. Any counseling should involve open communication with parents while following legal guidelines and district policies.

In light of recent political actions, what are your thought on “inclusive” bathrooms and locker rooms?

As far as I know, this has never been an issue in Brenham ISD. Schools must follow state laws and district policies while ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all students. Parents and the community should have a voice in these discussions.

Parents cannot view many 3rd party resources because of proprietary laws. Do you support the use of resources to which parents do not have full access?

Technology is constantly advancing, and schools are working to keep up while meeting the needs of students, teachers, and parents. Transparency is important, and I support finding solutions that balance innovation with parental involvement.

What fiscal policies do you believe BISD ought to pursue and how do you view the school board’s role in that effort?

The school board’s role is to provide oversight, set priorities, and ensure financial decisions align with the district’s goals. We should hold administrators accountable for responsible budgeting while advocating for policies that improve student outcomes. The board must also maintain transparency with taxpayers, ensuring funds are used correctly.

The district needs to prioritize classroom spending, provide competitive teacher compensation, and invest in our infrastructure and maintenance programs.

How do you propose we develop greater transparency between the school district and parents in issues like those mentioned on this questionnaire?

We can improve transparency by keeping open lines of communication, providing clear policies, and making information easily accessible to parents. Regular meetings, forums, and online resources can help ensure families stay informed and involved in key decisions.

What is your motivation for running for a position on the BISD board?

My motivation for running for this position is to be an advocate for not only my own children, but all current and future students in Brenham ISD. I truly believe that Brenham ISD is the best school district in the state, and I am willing to work and prove it. My children attend these schools, and I want the best opportunities for all students and staff. I support a well-rounded approach with no political or hidden agenda, I simply want what’s best for everyone in our district.

How do you propose we raise the standards on academics and/or reverse the declining trend?

I think that bringing in Sara Borchardt was huge for the district.  She is doing fantastic work training the teachers and administrators while aligning curriculum and providing quality instructional materials.

Discipline in the schools and on the buses is a concern among many in our community. What steps should be taken to enforce disciplinary action?

The realignment of principals and AP’s at the end of the 2024 school year has really helped with discipline especially at the secondary campuses.  As for the buses, having more monitors or community volunteers would be huge.  However, budgetary restrictions are not allowing us to add more paid positions currently.

What guidelines should be followed for books containing obscene or explicit material in school libraries or individual classroom libraries?

I think having a collective group of individuals to read any books of question is our current policy.  This way we ensure a collective and diverse group and with varying opinions that comes to a consensus.

What other specific issues do you believe our district needs to address? In turn, what solutions would you introduce?

The district needs to look at some ways of generating revenue because at this point, we are not receiving the funding we need from the state.   Also, our aging facilities and outdated HVAC are big concerns. 

What issues, if any, do you believe school counselors should keep from parents?

I think that all counselors should adhere to the policies and procedures of the district.  What people are hearing about schools not informing parents of kids transitioning or helping them is not what is happening in our district, and it is up to the community, staff, Superintendent and school board to ensure it stays that way.

What role should the “school” and the parents” play when it comes to providing counsel for a child wrestling with their gender identity?

The parents and the school need to work together to do what is best for child wrestling with gender identity.  There should always be clear and open conversations between both parties.

In light of recent political actions, what are your thoughts on “inclusive” bathrooms and locker rooms?

This is not something that we have had to address in our district.  The only way I would say a separate bathroom would be okay if it was to protect the safety of a student being bullied.

Parents cannot view many 3rd party resources because of proprietary laws. Do you support the use of resources to which parents do not have full access?

I’m not sure what 3^rd party resources this question refers to.  Everything we do in a meeting is set into archives and recorded for full transparency.

What fiscal policies do you believe BISD ought to pursue and how do you view the school board’s role in that effort?

80% of Texas schools filed a deficit budget this year due to lack of funding from the state. It hit us a year early due to some unforeseen ADA planning and list of other issues.  However, we were able through attrition to pass a balanced budget, but it is not a sustainable goal without more funding or more major cuts in the district.  We need to continue to be diligent and look for ways to generate revenue if possible and continue to cut where we can.

How do you propose we develop greater transparency between the school district and parents in issues like those mentioned on this questionnaire?

I don’t believe there is a lack of transparency but a lack of a way to distribute information to the community.  If it is not on KWHI or the Banner Press, how do we get the message out?  I have been concerned about this my entire time on the board.  Also, the information is out there but only if someone wants to put in the effort to find it. I try to be open and available to anyone that has a question and get them the answers they need or point them in the direction of someone that can help them.

What is your motivation for running for a position on the BISD board?

My motivation for running is the same as it was four years ago.  To be a voice for those in Brenham that are like me.  Christians, husbands and wives, grandparents, community members, volunteers, and parents of children attending BISD. I have no agenda; I go into every meeting with an open mind and the willingness to communicate and debate on what is best for our kids and community. 

How do you propose we raise the standards on academics and/or reverse the declining trend?

I lived during what I’d call our Nation’s Academic Golden Age. We were, if not #1 in the world, a top leader in academically educating our children. This educational success was based on teacher’s objective findings of a child’s performance, not on the subjectivity of a teacher for a child, or a child’s feelings.  How was this education achieved, & how might we return to this success? Some may say my answer here  is simplistic, but I call it simple… and I know it works. How do I know? Back in my day, students had to perform, or they were held back. No one was promoted or passed through to the next grade unless they had been successful … the same standard for all! We all knew which kids didn’t make it, & the number failing was small because virtually all our friends were with us the next year … nowhere near the 60+% of 3^rd graders failing our state tests today.

Because I know how poorly our Brenham 3^rd graders are performing in statewide reading & math tests, my answer here will address these related fundamentals & through this grade level. I started my formal education as a 5yo kindergartener, not as a 4yo preschooler. Initially only 4 hours/day, then up to 6½-7 hrs at 3^rd grade. Teaching in these beginning grades focused only on the 3 R’s: reading, writing & arithmetic- plus physical activity. The day was filled with the practice of printing letters & numbers early on, with flash cards at school & home. Later, the writing of short sentences was added, along with correct sentence structure. We also learned phonics for the sounding-out & sight reading of words, and had new spelling words added weekly, with complexity building & appropriate testing given for these each week, for years. In a similar manner, we also received regular instruction in the basic math skills of addition & subtraction, eventually incorporating simple multiplication & division. Again, comprehensive testing was given weekly on the new concepts taught that week. Reading too was done & made fun.  We’d sit at our desks, gather in a corner on the floor, or weather permitting, we’d sit outside while the teacher read whatever exciting storybook was at hand. She kept our attention with animated voice & intermittently asked the point or who the important character was at that moment. We also had our reader books with the chapters we were responsible to have read that week- in class or at home. Parents were involved in this and had to sign off on accomplished work. Again, appropriate comprehension tests were given weekly. For years, semester after semester, for each of these 3 R fundamentals, skills became more complex & test results went home to parents for signatures.  Of course, the success of these fundamental years was tied to the next question about discipline.

There’s no reason the above cannot be replicated & done today achieving similar success.   There are other small things we can do, but these are only after the above is successfully implemented. Additionally, DEI confusion policies & SEL subjective grading, and anything having to do with CRT should be immediately eliminated from our District’s schools.

Discipline in the schools and on the buses is a concern among many in our community. What steps should be taken to enforce disciplinary action?

Children mature at different rates- cognitively & emotionally. Additionally, different home environments foster the child’s maturation rate in both areas. I’ll ask, “Is the discipline problem at school related to an inattentiveness & unruly behavior of the child in the classroom? Or are we talking about a meanness & bullying behavior in the halls & bathrooms, as well as on the bus?  Parents remove their children from schools for both behavior problems.  Inattentive & unruly behavior, along with bullying, have been around since the invention of school classrooms, though each have been on the rise. BISD must again require a ‘zero-tolerance’ system for both types of misbehaviors. Swift student accountability, commensurate with infraction, must be determined & delivered … this done with immediate parent involvement & concern. Observation of poor behavior must be dealt with early and not merely overlooked as childishness. Serious actions by the student require serious consequences, to curb behavior and set a behavior standard for all students. Intractable poor behavior seen in the student may require administrative & parent recommended professional counseling to get him or her on the right path.  To immediately improve discipline in the classroom- and this is related to the differing home atmospheres & child maturation rates- the District ought to reverse course on DEI implementation and the chaos it creates in the classroom.  This would be accomplished by using common-sense placement of students in classrooms which align with and are more conducive to the child’s learning abilities… like with like, so the teacher can reach each child with the appropriate care, and is not required to have multiple lesson plans per classroom, which have been shown to cause more discipline problems.

What guidelines should be followed for books containing obscene or explicit material in school libraries or individual classroom libraries?

Classical literature & arts, the sciences & mathematics, true history in the world & our nation along with the people who created it & their motivation for acting- especially those done selflessly & sacrificially- all these have inspired the best in students & adults. Vulgar & base, obscene & explicit material, whether read or viewed, are all known to incite the worst in people— with urges & or behavior— perhaps provoking violent acts. We should only want the best placed before our children’s developing minds! No books or accessible online sites containing ‘sexually-explicit’ material should ever be considered acceptable for or by public school libraries.

What other specific issues do you believe our district needs to address? In turn, what solutions would you introduce?

After implementing the other items I’ve mentioned, perhaps: 

• GOAL SETTING: Some A-rated school districts in Texas are setting high goals [60- 80%] for all 3^rd grade students reading at grade level PRIOR to promotion to higher grades and focusing all the necessary academic resources on the K-2 school[s] to achieve this.  Return to the ‘tried & true’ methods I spoke of in my answer to question #1. BISD should consider adopting aggressive goals and researching ‘Best Practices’  for achieving higher academic performance. 
• MORE CURRICULUM UPGRADES: Recent changes to higher quality academic materials were made by the new Executive Director of Curriculum at BISD.  The Board should support and encourage BISD to consider this new Bluebonnet curriculum developed by the state of Texas which provides the accuracy in history and civics that has been lacking in schools and should be considered for BISD use.  The state provides funding for this curriculum.   
• COMPARING BISD to other options for parents: Students attending private schools and Home School currently score on average 10 – 15 percent points higher than public school students on standardized testing.  Public schools like BISD, however, have many students that require remedial classroom attendance prior to acceptance in college level classrooms.  By returning to the historically successful policies that focused on academic excellence, student discipline and accountability BISD can and must rebuild trust in the quality of their educational ‘product’  which will as a result improve and increase enrollment necessary for optimal public-school funding. Let’s explore & discover what other successful Districts around us are finding— we can return to what was successful in the past! 

What issues, if any, do you believe school counselors should keep from parents?

Under no circumstances should the counselors or teachers in any public school system be involved in decisions that are legally the right of the parents to determine.  Moreover, in these times of ambivalent governmental & district policies regarding social trends, I’d say counselors should err on the side of great caution by deferring to what has been traditionally the parent’s domain, even if some vague law may be misconstrued    This should include how sexual health education and other personal behavior instruction is conducted in public schools.  Parents should be given all information pertaining to counseling and instructional materials prior to counseling the student, and certainly given the right to opt out of these if the deem it inappropriate for their child.  This policy will restore transparency and rebuild trust with parents.

What role should the “school” and the parents” play when it comes to providing counsel for a child wrestling with their gender identity?

If school’s aren’t allowed to dispense med’s (aspirin/Tylenol) without the parent’s permission or a doctor’s prescription – or even if they can— how could the school or it’s counselor take it upon themselves to delve into this volatile & confusing, yet critical arena? This is solely the parent’s domain. There is to be no dissemination of topical material, nor administrative or counselor guidance given to the child regarding this … apart from immediately notifying the parent of a child’s voiced struggle.   The School District should make it clear to school administrators & teachers that parents have the right to be notified when a student is speaking out about being influenced by this negative and dangerous activity … in any way, form or fashion that it may come from their public school.  Counselors should not be forced or encouraged to keep this secret from parents of children who possibly need professional guidance.  This will protect the school and staff from possible legal action by parents.

In light of recent political actions, what are your thoughts on ‘inclusive’ bathrooms & locker rooms?  

Inclusive bathrooms & locker rooms are no longer protected by the misguided policies of the Department of Education through their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)systems.  Executive orders now require schools adhere strictly to common sense biological ‘male and female’ gender separation of public facilities … especially protecting the right to privacy & the right to an only female sports participation, as protected under the original Title 9 act.  Protection of students will encourage parents to return to public schools like BISD through the assurance that their daughters and vulnerable students will be protected and safe in classrooms and public facilities.

Bathrooms and all other places in public schools must be kept safe for ALL students. 

Having inclusive bathrooms have been shown to be unsafe and, in some cases, violent crimes have been committed there.  At BISD schools, prior to this ‘inclusivity era’, students using only biological male or female common stall restrooms reported gang member & bully threats, and parents still speak of how their students complain about not being able to use the bathrooms at school.  Of course my answer to discipline on question #2 applies to this. Also, cameras installed in restrooms & locker room areas – while maintaining privacy— and any other security measure must be considered by the Board to keep students safe. Additionally, as a plumber & without cameras, I can see other options for safety in the common stall restroom areas in our local schools … providing both protection & privacy.

Parents cannot view many 3rd party resources because of proprietary laws. Do you support the use of resources to which parents do not have full access?  

Under no circumstances should the counselors or teachers in any public school system be involved in decisions that are legally the right of the parents to determine for their children. This means schools must not use any materials to explain, show, instruct, teach or otherwise persuade students to any end that has not been historically & traditionally considered within the teacher’s or school’s domain. What is there to hide? If it’s truly within the bounds of normal instruction & teaching, then we parents have seen it all before, right?  Whatever action steps should be taken to remove non-traditional subject matter & materials then make this happen. Failure to follow a policy such as this can result in serious lawsuits of the district by a parent. Plus, any other way and it’s just wrong, as parents have the final say!

What fiscal policies do you believe BISD ought to pursue and how do you view the school board’s role in that effort?  

Not all schools are ‘suffering’ financially to the degree that Brenham ISD is suffering.  Many other Region 6 schools are standing financially sound due to effective financial management practices.  Beginning 4 years ago BISD’s Trustees, apart from recent installed conservative Trustees, created a financial crisis for us by approving expenditures without an accurate and in-depth budget review or analysis of the long-range impact these would have on the financial rating of the district—  which recently dropped from a longstanding  A to a B-rating and may continue to decline to a C-rating.  This is unacceptable & fiduciary irresponsibility. 

New school board members need to support the new Superintendent and CFO in holding the district to a balanced budget to rectify our current financial status— one where we’re currently holding our own but are not (1) at the State recommended 3 month minimum General Ledger balance (we had this only 4 years ago), and are not (2) gaining $$ … which is creating a strain on the existing teachers here… they’re picking up all the stress of the increased size classrooms & are not being compensated for it since there is no money to do this AND, since there’s no money for it, new teachers cannot be hired to replace those leaving due to the DEI classroom chaos.  New board members should insist on continuing due diligence prior to new financial expenditures and should continually persuade all other board members to act and vote accordingly. This will help to restore financial stability for the district and improve community support for new bond issue.

How do you propose we develop greater transparency between the school district and parents in issues like those mentioned on this questionnaire?

Two BISD parents recently complained publicly that their students were expelled from school without prior notification of misconduct in the school and only then did they learn their students were also failing in academics. Two SEL systems for discipline and grading have effectively eliminated the necessary transparency and accuracy of information provided to parents of BISD students. This has damaged the previously excellent reputation of Brenham ISD as a reputable and safe place for students of Washington County residents.  Unless BISD removes all CRT-DEI-SEL systems, encourages parents to support and participate in the disciplining of their students, monitors libraries to exclude any and all inappropriate publications and provides systems that protect all students while on school campuses, then enrollment will continue to stagnate and possibly decline rapidly as the opportunities for new ESA’s [Educational Savings Accounts] will give parents more options for an effective education of their children in the future.

What is your motivation for running for a position on the BISD board?   

I’ve been following closely what’s been happening in our BISD for the last 4 years. I’ve been shocked at what has happened fiscally, academically & school ratings. Initially, before deciding to run for Trustee position 7, I had hoped there would be others also seeing the District’s weakening stance on so many important positions and policies. Others who may be just a passionate as I about stopping the decline but who may be more adequately prepared or gifted … perhaps politically or because of community/parental involvement.  I saw no one else stepping into the arena and so, at the Lord’s nudging and the prompting  by others, I decided to not make excuses & offer my service to our community. I have no political ambitions; my only desire is to help the District return to its solid educational & successful roots. I received a wonderful and thorough education just a short time ago in our great Nation. I want to see all children in our District receive the same— so they’ll not be frustrated in life because they can’t Read, Write, do Math or Think clearly.  Afterall, that’s what early education is all about!