Decisions 2008

By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor

With the resignation of Jasper Independent School District Superintendent Bill "Butch" Dean, the JISD school board will face a big challenge in the coming months.

That only adds to the importance of the May 10 election of three crucial school board positions.

In an effort to introduce the candidates to the JISD public, The Jasper Newsboy posed a series of questions to all the school board candidates dealing with various school issues.

Incumbent James Riley is running for re-election and is one of six candidates seeking three positions on the board. Other candidates running for office include Carolyn Armitage, Tommy Street, Steve Floyd, Dr. Ron McMurry and Keith Hilderbrand.

The questions and the candidates' answers are as follow.

Why are you running for a position on school board?

Armitage: I believe that I can make a difference in the lives of our children by serving on the school board. My previous experience on the board taught me that the school board needs individuals who are willing to devote time to training as well as make a personal commitment to understanding the educational system. Serving on the board requires a lot of time, training, commitment and personal sacrifice. I feel our school district has a responsibility to provide the best education possible to the children of Jasper, and I am committed to working toward that goal.

Street: I have a profound appreciation for the role our public school system plays in helping students reach their full potential. As a parent of a young child that will be entering the Jasper school system in the near future, I feel it is my obligation to invest my time and energy to give back to the school system where I live.

Floyd: I was employed by the city of Jasper for over 18 years. During that time I always had a sense of community involvement through different projects and events that the city participated in. Now that my career has taken me out of town I miss being involved in the community. I am a member of the First United Methodist Church and also involved in youth sports through Jasper Youth Baseball Association. However, I would like the opportunity to give back to my community by serving on the school board. Also, I have three children that attend school here and the success of the school district is important to me.

McMurry: Last year's revelation that Jasper High School was rated "academically unacceptable" startled many people. As a district taxpayer and one of the "owners" of the district, I could not help but take notice.

The main reason I am running for a seat on the Jasper Independent School District's Board of Trustees is, quite frankly, I was just not able to come up with a good reason not to run. Every student's parent has an obligation to make sure their child has access to an educational system, which will meet their needs. For some parents that has meant a decision to avoid public education in favor of home schooling. For others it has meant transporting their children to adjacent districts. For me, personally, as for most Jasper area residents, it means rolling up my sleeves, facing the tough issues head on, and making whatever personal sacrifices necessary to get the job done.

My family came to Jasper County in the 1830's, when it was still part of Mexico. They and other local Texicans often met at the Bevil settlement to discuss the government's refusal to live up to the provisions of the Mexican Constitution of 1824. Always high on their list of grievances was the failure to provide for a system of education. As the Texas Republic formed around the 23 original counties, public education became a foundation of national policy-an ideal that was not lost in the transition to statehood.

With that history in mind and with the knowledge that our forefathers did all they could do to pass to my generation a system from which I have benefited so much, I can find little excuse not to play some role in passing on those benefits to the generations that follow me.

Hilderbrand: I'm running to ensure fairness and impartiality. A trustee is just that, someone entrusted to serve and I want to serve the taxpayers, the district personnel and, more importantly, the students.

Riley: I am seeking reelection for our children. Our youth are our future. Nothing is more important than insuring that they are well prepared for citizenship and leadership. Education is the main source of preparation. I want to continue to help provide the best education possible in Jasper Independent School District

What is the biggest challenge facing this school district and what would you do to address it?

Armitage: The biggest challenge facing this district in the immediate future will be selecting a new superintendent. Having served on the board during a previous superintendent search, I am very familiar with the process. I am also aware of the time and effort this process will require. Just as teacher recruitment is challenging, so is finding a highly qualified superintendent, the person who will be the CEO of the largest "business" in Jasper. There are budget restraints, fairness issues and confidentially requirements. During the last search, I served as an alternate on the board sub committee, which reviewed the applications and learned first hand what qualities and experience the board was looking for. The process worked well, but was tedious and demanding. Selecting the next leader of our district is a tremendous responsibility, which will not only affect everyone, employed by the district, but also the students served by the district. I think my previous experience in the process would be a considerable asset.

Street: Based on the announcement this week of Superintendent Bill Dean's retirement, I believe the school board's role in finding a suitable replacement is extremely important. The superintendent is in charge of activities for JISD and plays a large role in setting the priorities and goals for the school district. Having said that, I also believe that the academic rating of our school system must be the top priority. According to the Texas Education Agency's web site, Jasper has 2 schools rated "Recognized," 2 schools rated "Acceptable" and one rated "Unacceptable." The school board meetings I have attended lead me to believe that these issues are being addressed and progress being made. Our children deserve the very best education and our teachers need the right tools to educate them.

Floyd: The biggest current challenge facing the district will be replacing the superintendent. Mr. Dean has displayed great leadership skills that will not be easily replaced. The success of the district or any organization begins at the top and therefore, the placement of a new superintendent will be critical to future success. I would like to be part of the team that recruits this critical position.

McMurry: This is a no brainer. Our high school is deemed "academically unacceptable." We have until the next evaluation period to fix that. If we are rated unacceptable a second time, NCLB sanctions kick in which may force costly and sweeping changes as well as impact our federal and state funding.

The biggest component of our biggest challenge is low math scores. There is a problem in how we teach and/or how our students learn math. If we fix that, we have little to fear about having a two time "academically unacceptable" high school.

I am impressed that our students' ACT and SAT college entrance test scores are as high or even a little higher than the state average. So, if our kids are a little brighter than the state average, why do we see low math performance?

Also, why is it our district has such a low use of dual enrollment programs and what is it that keeps our students from taking more Advanced Placement (AP) courses?

Somehow, we have allowed a culture of math and science avoidance to develop at JHS, and worse, we really don't know how that happened. Like Topsy, it just grew.

I believe we can summon regional service center and state education specialists to survey our district and assist with on campus training for teachers and students. Our district can't afford to send very many key teachers away to specialized math teaching courses, but we should be able to find ways to bring those programs to us.

Hilderbrand: From top to bottom I believe we have serious issues with respect, discipline and fairness. However, those issues, just like learning, come more from home than from anywhere else. We need a community who supports and respects our educators. We need educators and systems that practice fairness. We need students who are disciplined and who practice respect for those trying to give them something. When those things happen, the issues I mention will be taken care of.

Riley: There are a few challenges; which ones are the biggest challenge is the question. We are faced with unacceptable ratings at a school, finding qualified and certified teachers, and rating well in TAKS test alone is a challenge; it takes up too much classroom time. If we could find dedicated teachers with all the necessary tools would take care of the majority of students. The unmotivated students need creative teachers who are willing to teach, motivate and REACH out to their unresponsiveness.

JISD is considering random drug testing for students? What is your stance on this issue?

Armitage: Unfortunately, the problem of drug use as well as gang activity is not just a big city problem anymore. In order to provide a safe environment for our students, the district must do everything in its power to detect and stop the proliferation of drugs. In my opinion, used properly, random drug testing should be one of the tools in the district's arsenal of drug prevention techniques.

Street: The 80th Texas Legislature mandated statewide random testing of student athletes regardless of sport, gender or participation level, whether we approve of this or not, the state says we have to do this. Illicit drugs have no place in our school system or society. The safety of our children, students, teachers and staff are paramount on achieving our goal of educating students.

Floyd: First and foremost the district needs to follow any state and federal regulations regarding random drug testing for students. I believe that JISD should review some of the surrounding districts random drug testing policies for an example of their effectiveness. Personally, I would like a random policy that has the potential to test all students and not just those who participate in extra-curricular activities or drive to school. I feel that anything that can help keep drugs out of our schools is a step in the right direction.

McMurry: The drug-testing genie is already out of the bottle. TEA has mandated testing for steroid use under UIL policies. There is no place for drugs and alcohol on any of our campi. I have personally been submitted to mandatory drug testing during my 23 years of service in the United States Army and Army National Guard. Our military could not function very well, if we allowed drugimpaired paratroopers to hit the silk carrying automatic weapons. I accept that. Certainly, there appears to be a loss of dignity to an extent, but somehow, I feel my ego survived intact.

Education cannot occur without discipline. Tolerating drugs or alcohol on campus is an affront to that discipline. I support zero tolerance on drug issues as well as the very effective DARE programs run by local law enforcement. The district must make reasonable efforts to protect the health and welfare of our students and staff. A random drug and alcohol-testing program should be developed by using input from students, teachers, and administrators, as well as the community. Anyone attending classes or being paid by the district should be included in the random testing. Yes, board members, too.

Hilderbrand: No one should object to any drug testing. Drugs are illegal and unless you are fearful of being caught you can't reasonably oppose a drug test.

Riley: It should be considered and I accept drug testing for students, especially for all athletes and the ones involved in sports (trainers) and extracurricular activities. Testing of other students should be based on probably causes, such as personal environment, unusual behavior that has no reasonable cause, and reliable information that suggest drug use.

How important are athletics and extra-curricular activities in the field of education?

Armitage: Athletics and extra-curricular activities are important for a well-rounded student. As the parent of three band students, I witnessed the lessons of selfdiscipline, teamwork, and personal goal setting that all three of them learned from being a member of the band. By providing extra-curricular activities in the educational experience, many students are motivated to keep their grades up and stay in school. That being said, we should not let the tail wag the dog, but remember that the ultimate goal is to provide the type of educational experience which will enable our students to be successful in higher education settings or the work force. The district also needs to strengthen the vocational curriculum to empower those students who do not plan to go to college with the ability to find employment after graduation.

Street: Very good question. These athletic and extracurricular activities teach our young people social skills, competition and teamwork - skills that will help them in the real world. Ultimately, our school is here to educate our students, and as much as I enjoy athletics and extracurricular activities as a mechanism to build community pride, I do believe they must take a back seat to the importance we need to place on providing a quality education.

Floyd: EDUCATION IS FIRST! However, I believe there is more to school than reading, writing and arithmetic! School is the first

environment where most children will have to learn to deal with and communicate with people other than family members. Athletics and extra-curricular activities are environment where most children will have to learn to deal with and communicate with people other than family members. Athletics and extra-curricular activities are important tools in teaching teamwork, leadership and relationship building.

McMurry: In a perfect world, students would come to class for the academic rigor of the curriculum. Hopefully, at least a few of our students do so, even now.

But the reality of modern times suggests most of our students come to class more for athletics and extracurricular activities. For those reasons alone, they are important in the field of education. I feel these programs assist in the development of a wellrounded individual.

I submit students who have participated in extracurricular activities and athletics are better prepared to face challenges on their own once they have left the security of home and community. Not only do these activities promote pride in the community, but, also, they inspire individuals to "give back" later on. Of course, we are obligated to imbue our young people with a sense of priority. "No Pass No Play" makes sense to me.

Hilderbrand: Athletics as well as all extra-curricular activities are very vital in a person's education. Education cannot be limited to a math or science book. Whether it is sports, band, art, drama, any activity outside the classroom, a young person is filled with traits and characteristics that he or she will take with them for the rest of their life. You may forget how to divide fractions but in these activities you will develop habits of self-discipline, positive work ethics and respect that will stay with you for a long, long time. However, we must be reminded that any extra-curricular activity is a privilege and not a right granted to us.

Riley: Athletics and extracurricular activities are very important to the overall development of participants. These activities help our children to be well rounded in all areas. They often lead to lucrative careers. However, education - a good basic education that will prepare students for entering skilled job training or higher education is the fundamental reason for schools.

Why should people vote for you?

Armitage: I would ask people to vote for me because I have the experience, time and commitment necessary to be an asset to the board. When I was previously on the board, I attended training events, faithfully attended meetings and worked will with the other board members to facilitate our goals. If elected to the school board, I would strive to make all my decisions fair, unbiased, and in the best interest of the students of JISD.

Street: Entering into a position of public trust should not be taken lightly, and I take this responsibility seriously. Should I be elected, I pledge to do my very best to take input from all groups and weigh all facts before making a decision. Our schools are here to serve the educational needs of all our children and you can rest assured that my primary goal is to make Jasper ISD the best it can be for our greatest asset - our children. I would be honored to have your support.

Floyd: Jasper is my home! I live and raise a family here. It is important to me that Jasper and the school district succeed. I have over 20 years of public service experience dealing with the very issues that the board addresses on a daily basis. I personally deal with personnel supervision of a large group of employees and one of the largest budgets within the city of Lufkin. The city of Lufkin has given me the opportunity to be a part of a progressive, forward thinking organization that promotes growth. I would like the opportunity to apply some of this knowledge to the JISD Board of Trustees.

McMurry: When I was 20, a few hardy Southeast Asian jungle villagers and I built a four-room school out of poles, mud and thatch. We used discarded paper, plywood painted black, and newspapers to teach the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. With functionally literate villagers taking turns teaching and others constantly repairing tropical rain damage, education happened. I was privileged to witness that miracle. I shall be forever thankful for what they taught me: Resources are not as important as inspiration.

JISD is a system of public education which functions pretty well in a resource poor environment. We are faced with some tough days ahead as we struggle to make ends meet while trying not to demoralize our students and teachers. Just as Plato was able to teach Calculus to the slave by using a stick to draw in the sand, so I believe we can use what we have at hand to do what needs to be done.

Hilderbrand: People should vote for me because of my passion. My interest in JISD is unquestionable as evidenced by my attendance at board meetings over the past several years as well as my many visits to the various campuses and with past board trustees.

Riley: People should vote for me because I will be bringing experience back to the school board. Vote for me if you want someone who really cares about Jasper and our young people. Vote for me if you want someone who is honest and fair. Vote for me if you want someone who will stick to a task until it is resolved.