2
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Getting to know your candidates
L
ess than two months ago, on the eve of “filing day” for school board candidates, we called out for “a few good leaders” to help run our public schools — and did that get a response! Nine people stepped up to run for four open positions on the Roswell Independent School District’s board, and they’ve been making themselves available for public scrutiny ever since. Part of what makes this election such a big deal is that, because of previous resignations and appointment, four of five positions on the school board is up for grabs. District 4 is the only seat on the board not up for election. All nine candidates have been working hard to earn your vote. They’ve attended candidate forums, met with voters at various locales and settings around town and responded to our questions for this Voters Guide in advance of Tuesday’s election day. Serving on the school board is important in a variety of ways. This is the board that sets the district’s policies, which are critical to the success of our schools. The board gives guidance to teachers and consistency for students, and it moves our community forward. There’s a good possibility that a kid in one of our schools today will grow up to be tomorrow’s mayor, or a city councilor, or a future school board member. Roswell’s and Chaves County’s future depends on how our school district serves and grows the leaders for our future. We appreciate those who are putting themselves on the line by running for these important positions. They are to be commended for their effort and commitment to our schools, teachers and children. It’s tough enough to campaign and win, but it’s even harder to actually serve. — Tom McDonald, editor Roswell Daily Record
School Board Elections
RISD school board candidates respond to Daily Record questions District 1
many other volunteer positions.
General Questions What is the biggest problem or issue facing the district in 2017?
Stanford
Jennifer Stanford
575-317-4357 Stanfordenterprises@netzero.com Immediate family: Husband, Benjamin Stanford; four sons: Corban, 18, Dalin, 17, Eldon, 15, and Alijaih, 11; and two daughters, Brealyn, 6, and Emberlee, 3. Employment: Stay-at-home mom
Basic Questions Do you have children or grandchildren attending school in the RISD? If so, what school(s)? I have one child at Berrendo Elementary; one child at Berrendo Middle; two children at Goddard High School; one who graduated last year and one who will be in pre-K at BES next year. Do you have family members employed by RISD? No Do you have any contractual business ties to RISD? No What is your educational background? I have my high school diploma. I have had an insurance license and Notary. I have served as PTA president and treasurer at two different elementary schools multiple times. Booster club president, and
Student academic achievement is always number one with any district. We want our kids to outperform any in the state and the country. I know that there have been struggles within the district with test scores and I have spoken to administration about the results. As a former PTA president and as a mom I see our teachers working their hearts out and making the most of the class time. It is the board’s responsibility to support the efforts and to support a collaborative relationship where all students grow. What are your thoughts on the district receiving a “C” in its last completed state assessment? I think a C average is never what we strive for. I am glad that it has improved but I think we have a long way to go to be satisfied. I believe we have many problems that add to this grade that need to be addressed. Low graduation rate, large numbers of absences in the schools, the way the schools are graded, the power that is taken from the teachers to just teach what they have been educated to teach. If we can get our student and teacher morale up it will go a long way with improving of the district grade. We have to get certified teachers in the classrooms so that our students are learning what is needed to pass these tests in the first place. My son had four different teachers in a nine-week period for Spanish in high school, none of them Spanish teachers. He struggled the whole time and failed the semester. This year, he took the same class and has passed the semester with a high C because he has a Spanish teacher who knows the language and how to teach it. This is a real problem our students are facing every day at school. What “grade” (A-F) would you give
Superintendent Tom Burris? How would you vote on retaining him with a contract renewal? I would give him a B. I believe every one of us have room to improve and we can all do better in everything we do. When I have had dealings with Mr. Burris, whether it was as a PTA president bringing concerns of the parents or teachers, booster club president dealing with the new rules that were being purposed, or as a parent with a major issue concerning my high school student, he was always available to listen. Did he always do what I thought needed to be done? No, but he always listened and I always felt he addressed the issue the way he felt it warranted. I think Mr. Burris has done a lot of work to bring funds to RISD from Santa Fe to afford us programs we wouldn’t otherwise have, like two Pre-K classes at Berrendo Elementary. As far as a vote to retain Mr. Burris with a contract renewal, I believe that as a board we need to supervise Mr. Burris for the next year and a half, helping to make sure that together we are building the best district possible and then we would access the job he is doing at that time and come to a decision as a board. What is the greater issue in the district, student performance or teacher/ staff morale? I believe that these two go hand in hand and are both issues in our district. When students performances are low, teachers automatically feel bad and/or partially responsible. When teachers are overworked, underpaid, exhausted for long hours, the students suffer. As a board we have to come together to make sure that the polices we approve are beneficial for our students and teachers. Get rid of the unnecessary ones that are bogging everyone down. We have to make sure that our limited time together as a board is used to the most productive issues facing the district. Being a team member and willing to listen and work together is the absolute most important thing
School Board Elections
to work twice as hard to make up for the year of lost instruction. In addition, negative student behavior is typically compounded which, again, will adversely affect learning.
each person can bring to their board position. When all are working together for the good of the students and teachers great things can happen for RISD. Why are you running for the school board and, if elected, what will be your priority issues? I have six children ages 3 to 18. Five of them are in the school district. I have been blessed to stay home all my children’s life. This opportunity has allowed me to be able to be PTA president and treasurer many different times and now the booster club president of GHS Basketball Boosters. In being in the schools I have built great relationships with the students, teachers and staff. Along the way I have also seen that many students don’t have that parental support, a person to look in their backpack or even a parent at home at all. As my boys were growing up I told myself when they didn’t need me to be so involved in their daily education I would be that voice for those students I had grown to love. That gets me to now. I am running for school board for one reason only and that is to be a voice for the students. To make sure that all 10,300-plus students in our district get the best education our budget can provide. That our teachers are appreciated and well compensated and that the board as a collective team of five can supervise the superintendent to give him the tools and goals he needs to be successful for us all, since he just got a renewed contract in July for two years. If five level-headed people all come together with our district’s needs, strengths and weaknesses, we can work together to reestablish a great school district.
School board members must: • Be subject to the regulations of the department, develop educational policies for the school district. • Employ a superintendent of schools for the school district and determine their salary. • Review and approve the school budget. • Acquire, lease and dispose of property. • Have capacity to sue and be sued. • Acquire property by eminent domain as pursuant to procedures provided in the Eminent Domain Code. • Issue general obligation bonds of the school district. • Provide for the repair and maintenance of all school district property. • For good cause and upon order of the district court, subpoena witnesses and documents in connection with a hearing concerning any powers or duties of the local school board. • Except for expenditures of money according to the provisions of the Procurement code. • Adopt rules pertaining to the administration of all powers or duties of the local school board. — New Mexico School Board Handbook
What are your thoughts on the district receiving a “C” in its last completed state assessment?
Kirk
Mona Kirk
575-626-4049 mskirk@mail4me.com
Basic questions Do you have children or grandchildren attending school in the RISD? If so, what school(s)? I have one son who attends Berrendo Middle School. Do you have family members employed by RISD? No Do you have any contractual business ties to RISD? No What is your educational background? I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Recreation, Masters in Elementary Education and Administration K-12
General questions What is the biggest problem or issue facing the district in 2017? Staffing: Data has proven that one of the most important factors in raising student achievement is a highly qualified teacher. During this time of National Standards, teacher and district grading, and testing transparency, having a highly qualified teacher in every classroom has never been more important. Just as important, we need to have each position staffed by August 1, prior to the start of the school year. That is a priority! Without a highly qualified teacher in every classroom, instruction is compromised and benchmarks will not be met. This, in turn, will adversely affect students being ready to progress to the next grade. The next grade level teacher will be required
Saturday, February 4, 2017
3
son who attends RISD schools and I want to ensure he gets the same quality education that was afforded to me. My priority issues are: Ensuring every classroom has a highly qualified teacher by August 2017 and increasing the district report card grade — a “C” is not good enough!
A “C” is not good enough! RISD is not an average district. This letter grade is indicative of a lack of vision, inability to coordinate resources, and execute a plan. Communication and transparency have got to be top priorities of the school board, superintendent, and the top administration. If we can accomplish this, we will see this grade improve! What “grade” (A-F) would you give Superintendent Tom Burris? How would you vote on retaining him with a contract renewal? As a sitting board member, I understand the qualifications of a school board and the requirements to be an effective school board member. As such, I am bound by a code of ethics which prevents me from addressing this question in a public format. That is not to say I have not had my disagreements with Mr. Burris, and it is my full intent as a board member to hold him to the fullest expectations of this board and RISD. What is the greater issue in the district, student performance or teacher/staff morale? They are not mutually exclusive; they are intertwined. If you empower teachers, give them the flexibility to teach, and demonstrate they are valued you will see student performance increase. We need to demonstrate we value our employees, acknowledge they are professionals, and give them the latitude to put their skills to work! If the culture of the district reflects integrity, honesty, and high moral principles, greater staff morale will be the result. Why are you running for the school board and, if elected, what will be your priority issues? I am a lifelong resident of Roswell and a retired educator of 31 years. I have a passion for both Roswell and RISD. What better way to unite my two passions than to serve on the RISD school board? It has been a goal of mine for many years. I knew when I retired that I wanted to serve on the board. In addition, I have a
Aguilar
Timothy Aguilar 575-317-4869 timothy_aguilar@hotmail.com Immediate family: Iris, my wife; Madison, my daughter; and Braden, my son Employment: Youth Pastor at Church On The Move for the past 14 years
Basic Questions Do you have children or grandchildren attending school in the RISD? If so, what school(s)? My daughter is in the sixth grade at Berrendo Middle School. My son is in the second grade at Gateway Elementary School. Do you have family members employed by RISD? No Do you have any contractual business ties to RISD? No What is your educational background? High School diploma from Goddard High School. Attended Lubbock Christian University and ENMU-Roswell.
General Questions What is the biggest problem or issue facing the district in 2017? This question is complicated, because
4
Saturday, February 4, 2017 there are a number of smaller items that appear to be insurmountable. Strong leadership, in my opinion would help alleviate many of the issues that lie at the district level. So much rises and falls on the position of our leaders.
School Board Elections
District 2
What are your thoughts on the district receiving a “C” in its last completed state assessment? This is an extremely sad representation of our bright students and gifted teachers. I truly believe our city is better than what is stated in this grade. What “grade” (A-F) would you give Superintendent Tom Burris? How would you vote on retaining him with a contract renewal? I believe at best he should receive a “C,” the same grade our district received. My opinion on his contract renewal would be very much based on whether or not our district would see vast improvements this second semester. Without improvements, I would recommend we as a board not renew his contract.
Austin
Nicole Austin
575-420-8728 naustin@risd.k12.nm.us Immediate family: Husband, Doug, and son, Jonah
What is the greater issue in the district, student performance or teacher/staff morale?
Employment: Senior vice president and chief lending officer at Pioneer Bank
This is a difficult question. These two topics tend to run in tandem. Positive teacher morale typically affects students performance. If student performance is high, this commonly reflects positive teacher morale.
Basic Questions
Why are you running for the school board and, if elected, what will be your priority issues? Strengthening the position of our superintendent would definitely be a primary focus for this next school board. Enabling our teachers to do their job at the highest level possible and taking as many distractions out of the way, so they can do just that. Doing what is in my ability to ensure that our district is helping equip and prepare our students for the next season of their life.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X
Do you have children or grandchildren attending school in the RISD? If so, what school(s)? Yes, my son is attending Goddard High School. Do you have family members employed by RISD? No. Do you have any contractual business ties to RISD? No; however, Pioneer Bank is the financial institution for RISD. This was awarded by competitive RFP before I was on the board. What is your educational background? Bachelor’s degree from Lubbock Christian University in secondary education with teaching fields in English and business administration, and a master’s degree from West Texas A&M in educational administration.
General Questions What is the biggest problem or issue facing the district in 2017? Retention and recruitment of highly qualified teachers. The State of New Mexico gives funding to districts partially based on the district’s T&E (training and experi-
ence) Index. Basically, the longer a teacher has been teaching and the level of education the teacher has affects this index. Our index has dropped every year for the last six years. This information is on the district’s website on the finance department’s page. From the 2015-2016 to the 2016-2017 school year, that accounts for a revenue loss of over $900K in funding. We are losing our best and brightest teachers. Why? That is something we have to figure out and correct. As of Jan. 24, 2016, RISD had 24 teaching openings, with five of those being special education teachers and nine of those being math or science teachers. In addition to that 24, we have openings for eight gifted teachers. Surrounding districts (Hobbs, Clovis, Carlsbad, Alamogordo and Artesia) I checked have no more than 12 openings. Is this an ongoing leadership issue? We have serious issues in this area, and we have to figure out how to solve them. What are your thoughts on the district receiving a “C” in its last completed state assessment? For the last six years, RISD’s district grade has been a C with the exception of last year which was a D. This is not district-wide improvement, and it is unacceptable. Improvement is needed from the top down, and when I say the top, I mean starting with the school board and the superintendent. I will say that the methods the PED has used to score districts year over year have not been consistent, and that is part of the problem but not all of the problem. Other districts have been able to adapt and raise their grade or keep it at a higher level despite the scoring model. We have thrown program after program, assessment after assessment at our teachers and students hoping something will help without planning for and evaluating what is working and what isn’t. We keep piling on programs, costs and administrative positions without taking things away that aren’t working. We have to find what works and cut the rest. Our teachers are overburdened and at their limits. We need to evaluate what we as leaders of the district are doing to make things better and more supportive for all involved. What “grade” (A-F) would you give Superintendent Tom Burris? How would you vote on retaining him with a contract renewal? As a sitting board member, I have a role in evaluating the superintendent each year. Like other employees, the superintendent is entitled to a confidential evaluation by his supervisors, so in that regard, I am not permitted to publicly and specifi-
cally evaluate his performance. That being said, there is much improvement needed in our district from the top down. If our district has a grade of C, then it is fair that the superintendent, the CEO of the district, bear the bulk of the responsibility for that outcome since he is the one who sets the tone, hires and directs the administrative team and drives the success or failure of the district. In the six year tenure of the superintendent, there has been little change in the district’s grade, with the exception of the drop last year. When I see how our T&E index has dropped year over year, indicating the loss of our best and brightest, and the resulting losses in funding, I have to ask, “What is wrong with this picture?” If there is not significant improvement in the success of RISD, I could not vote to renew such a contract in good conscience while representing our community’s best interests. What is the greater issue in the district, student performance or teacher/staff morale? The two issues go hand in hand. The goal of this or any school district should be the success of its students. However, this is best accomplished when there is strong teacher/staff morale. As a district, we must do whatever we can to give our students the education they need to be able to graduate and go into the workforce, enter the military, be ready to enter a vocational training program or college so that they can be successful adults. Strong teacher/staff morale comes from strong leadership, a shared vision, and support from the board. Why are you running for the school board and, if elected, what will be your priority issues? When the opening came up for the board a year ago, I had been searching for a way to serve in the community, to use the talents I have been given to give back. With my education and business background, I thought that the school board would be a perfect way to give back to a community that has given so much to my family. My goal is to promote a climate of support, trust and vision. To accomplish that, I believe that the board should focus on the retention and recruitment of highly qualified teachers, we must ensure that the district has the best possible leadership and we must make fiscally responsible decisions for our community’s school district. My vision for RISD is that when anyone asks, “What is the best thing about Roswell,” we can say, “Our public schools!”
School Board Elections decisions.
General Questions
Student performance and teacher/staff morale go hand in hand. The evaluation process puts more emphasis on what we are not doing rather than on what we are doing right for our kids. We have great teachers and principals in this district. The responsibility of administrators is to provide resources, support and encouragement to the teachers and trust the teachers to make professional decisions about children assigned to them. Teachers know what their students need.
What is the biggest problem or issue facing the district in 2017?
Mestas
Louis Mestas
575-317-8689 louiemestas@gmail.com
Basic Questions Do you have children or grandchildren attending school in the RISD? If so, what school(s)? I am blessed to have two grandchildren at Del Norte Elementary School. One grandson is in third grade, and the other grandson is in fifth grade. Do you have family members employed by RISD? My daughter is a teacher at the Creative Learning Center, the home base for the elementary arts teachers who work with children throughout the district. My daughter teaches visual arts to all first grade students. My son teaches New Mexico History at Goddard High School. My wife is a school nurse at Valley View Elementary School. Do you have any contractual business ties to RISD? I occasionally work as a substitute. What is your educational background? I am a native New Mexican. I graduated from Clayton High School and was among the last drafted during the Vietnam Era. I was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps. I attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales and earned a B.A. in Secondary Education, majoring in Social Studies and Psychology. After teaching in Clovis for about seven years, I earned a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. I served as a school counselor in Clovis before returning to Eastern to obtain a license in School Administration. I worked as principal and then superintendent of Hagerman Schools until retirement. Since then, I have worked as
a teacher, vice principal and principal at middle schools here in Roswell. I also worked as a school counselor at Sunset Elementary and assisted with recruitment.
Presently, the New Mexico Legislature is in session, working to create an education budget at a time of shrinking tax revenues. This reduction in funds will have a direct impact on our school district, teachers and students. We must do our best to protect teachers and students from budget cuts. We must strive to use our funds wisely, while not postponing planned projects, such as the proposed renovations of Del Norte Elementary School, Nancy Lopez Elementary School and Mesa Middle School. What are your thoughts on the district receiving a “C” in its last completed state assessment? Giving a grade to a school district is a relatively new idea. It is more reasonable to determine if improvement is taking place … if the students are making progress. The process used by the State of New Mexico for evaluating teachers and districts does not seem to reflect the efforts and progress that are being made. I have a hard time trusting someone evaluating our teachers who has never taught or worked in a school. What “grade” (A-F) would you give Superintendent Tom Burris? How would you vote on retaining him with a contract renewal? As a former teacher, before assessing a grade, I would want to see all the assignments. Not being a board member yet, I do not have access to the superintendent’s evaluations. Therefore, I would have to assign him a “C” based on the district grade. School Board Policy 1110-B states that the board employ a local superintendent for the district and fix their salary. Last year my opponent voted to extend the superintendent’s contract to 2018. If elected, I would review evaluations for the past two years, listen to all my constituents, and vote based on my findings. In visiting with people throughout the district, I have come to understand that this is a very emotional issue. However, logic, common sense and board policy must prevail when making legally binding
What is the greater issue in the district, student performance or teacher/staff morale?
Why are you running for the school board and, if elected, what will be your priority issues? I am running on my own merit. No one has asked me to run. Rumors that I have been given money to seek this office are unfounded. Although the state of New Mexico does not require school board candidates to reveal their funding sources, I will be glad to make mine public to anyone. I am a product of public education. My high school graduation gift was my first trip to a dentist. Education changed my life. My teachers gave me hope and opportunity. I want to do everything I can to help the Roswell Independent School District give hope and opportunity to the boys and girls of our community. That’s why I am running for the board. I can make hard choices that will make teachers feel appreciated. Teachers who feel appreciated are better able to give their students the hope and opportunities they need and deserve. I will encourage and support activities that enrich our students’ lives and provide opportunities for them to learn and grow. I have always heard educators state they are in this business because of their love for kids. And the way love is spelled in public schools is time. I am willing to give the time necessary to serve as a board member for the betterment of our kids, schools, and community.
“The highest result of education is tolerance.” — Helen Keller
Saturday, February 4, 2017
District 3
5
Gedde
Alan Scott Gedde 575-420-1478 alangedde@gmail.com
Immediate family: Tamra, wife; children Harmony, 22, Maryruth, 19, Elsie, 13, Nehemiah, 9, Phoebe, 6, and Cora, 1 (all Gedde) Employment: Grace Community Church
Basic Questions Do you have children or grandchildren attending school in the RISD? If so, what school(s)? I have three children attending school in RISD: Elsie at Sierra, Nehemiah and Phoebe at Washington Avenue. Do you have family members employed by RISD? My wife has taught in RISD for 12 years, she is a freshman science teacher at Roswell High School. Do you have any contractual business ties to RISD? No What is your educational background? I received my bachelor of arts degree from Arizona Christian University and my master’s degree from Wayland Baptist University.
General Questions What is the biggest problem or issue facing the district in 2017? I believe that the biggest issue facing the district in 2017 is going to be creating a vision of strength and unity in all of the Roswell schools. I believe that Roswell is an incredible town where I have already
6
Saturday, February 4, 2017
raised two children and am raising my other four. It is not a perfect city but I believe it is worth fighting for. If the school district was a positive environment where all the staff and the students were working together for a common goal, then all areas of the city would improve. What are your thoughts on the district receiving a “C” in its last completed state assessment? I have extremely high expectations as a parent for my children, in the Gedde house C’s are frowned upon, and we consider a C to be a bad grade. I believe the same should be said of our District. C is average, I believe that the only grade that should be acceptable is an A. We should be doing whatever it takes to make sure that the A happens. I tell my children there are no excuses, only solutions. I would do my best to help our district find the solutions to improve the district grade. What “grade” (A-F) would you give Superintendent Tom Burris? How would you vote on retaining him with a contract renewal? If you go to the PED website and look at the district grade since Tom Burris has been the Superintendent you will see that the district grade has not improved except for the year 2016, because in 2015 the district received a
School Board Elections D grade. However, the larger concern than the school grades is the amount of teachers leaving that have advanced degrees. With every year the percentage of teachers that had advanced degrees decreased under Tom Burris’s leadership. Since the district received a C this year, I would give Tom Burris a C as well. Since I do not believe a C is acceptable, at this time, I would not renew his contract. What is the greater issue in the district, student performance or teacher/ staff morale? The teachers and staff of the school are excited to come to work and feel like they are respected and honored then I am a firm believer that student performance will improve. Because of this, I feel that teacher/staff morale is a bigger issue than student performance. The two definitely go hand in hand. It is going to be vitally important for the board in 2017 to make sure that there is a clear vision for student success, and that student success will begin with teachers and staff being on board and excited about the vision and direction of the district. Why are you running for the school board and, if elected, what will be your priority issues? First and foremost, I want to see a unified and vision directed board. We have amazing teachers and staff
in Roswell, it is disappointing that so many are leaving. I want to see the district start to take care of our teachers and staff by showing them just how important they are by honoring class sizes and listening to all of the staff’s concerns. I want to be fiscally responsible with our budget so that our children are able to have great teachers and great staff. I want to see our students have experiences that will broaden their horizon. Finally, I want to see a comprehensive, outside of the box plan that will help Roswell attract highly qualified teachers, so our students receive the most comprehensive education possible.
See CANDIDATES, Page 8
Abbreviated Code of Ethics
• Attend all scheduled board meeting. • Avoid speaking on behalf of the board except at those times when the board, by official action authorizes. • Recognize that I have no legal authority outside the board meetings, and that all decisions of the board will be made at a public meeting where a quorum of the board is present. • Upgrade performance as a board member by informing self about current educational issues by study and through participation in programs. • Work in harmony with the rest of the board members to promote integrity of the board. • Support the employment of those persons best qualified to serve as school staff. • Avoid being placed in a position of conflict of interest and refrain from using position for gain. • Accept that primary function is to establish policy by which schools are administered. • Welcome and encourage active participation. — New Mexico School Board Handbook
RISD School Board Voting Convenience Centers Roswell Mall 4501 North Main Street Roswell Convention & Civic Center 912 North Main Street Roswell Boys and Girls Club 201 South Garden Avenue Waymaker Church 202 South Sunset Boulevard
Chaves County Clerk’s Office No. 1 St. Mary’s Place area D Eastern New Mexico University 52 University Boulevard Dexter Central Office 100 North Lincoln Hagerman Joy Center 503 Argyle Lake Arthur Schools 700 Broadway
Saturday, February 4, 2017 “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” School Board Elections
Ways to give back to local schools
Metro Creative Services Schools frequently serve as a home away from home for millions of students. Although children regularly spend six or more hours per day inside the classroom and schools are instrumental in shaping the lives of students, many schools are making due with very few resources. The Center of Budget and Policy Priorities says that, in the United States, education budgets are providing less per-pupil funding for kindergarten through 12th grade than they did just a few years ago. What’s more, local school districts typically have little recourse to replace lost state aid on their own. Similar scenarios are playing out in Canada. Canadian education budgets are being slashed. Many provinces have been forced to re-examine their education budgets and make serious cuts to keep schools operational. Declining enrollment in Ontario could lead to school closures, while in 2014 in Québec, nine of 69 school boards made cuts to specialized staff. These staff members included guidance counselors, speech therapists, psychologists and social workers. Schools have various needs that must be addressed. Financial donations and/or volunteer work is one way to address those needs. The following is a look at how people can support neighborhood schools and ensure they deliver the best education for local students. • Shop smartly. A sim-
ple way to give back to school is to buy supplies from brands that give a portion of their profits to schools or those that match purchases with donated items. Some of these brands and retailers include Office Max, Target and Levi Strauss. When shopping, purchase extra materials for schools, which are often short on supplies. Many teachers regularly tap into their own money to buy supplies or to help students who are in need. • Volunteer to help in the classroom. Large classroom sizes can pull teachers in many directions. Volunteering in the classroom a few hours per week can make it easier for teachers to devote their energy to those who need it most and to provide one-on-one attention more frequently. • Give when you can. Financial donations can help schools offset budget cuts. Donations can be made via one-time contributions or by participating in school-organized fundraisers. • Volunteer in other ways. Volunteer to lead a committee or to work in the school library. Funding may be cut for specialized programs, so investigate any opportunities to organize activities during school or after school wh en ma n y k id s h a ve nothing to do. • Make other donations. Check your home for old musical instruments, books, sports equipment, and other items that schools can put to good use. With some ingenuity, people can give back to schools throughout the year.
— Nelson Mandela
7
8
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Candidates Continued from Page 6
Brewer
Peggy Sue Brewer 575 622-8126 psbrewer@cableone.net Immediate Family: Single Employment: Retired Educator
Basic Questions Do you have children or grandchildren attending in the RISD? If so, what school(s)? My siblings and nephews attended El Capitan and Sierra and like myself are all graduates of Roswell High School. Several cousins presently attend RISD. Do you have family members employed by RISD? My sister-in-law is a teacher at Sierra Middle School. My four sisters and I were teachers. Education — is important to my family and me. Do you have contractual business ties to RISD? I don’t operate a business, sell services/products, or have contractual business ties to RISD. What is your educational background? Associate of Arts, 1970, ENMU-R; Bachelor of Science, 1972, ENMU-P Elementary Education/Language Arts; Master of Arts, 1974 ENMU-P Educational Administration; Ed.D. 2011 Walden University-Minnesota, Administrative Leadership for Teaching and Learning.
General Questions What is the biggest issue facing the dis-
School Board Elections trict in 2017? The biggest issue facing the district is teacher shortage. Across the nation, fewer individuals are entering the education field. Some of the district’s recruiting efforts and efforts to retain teachers include assisting individuals with degrees obtain an alternative license, developing a partnership with ENMU to “grow your own” whereby instructional assistants obtain teaching degrees, and paying money awards to teachers for student achievement and attendance (Pay for Performance Grant). If we are to recruit teachers and retain teachers in our district, I believe the board and superintendent must advocate for changes in the teacher evaluation system with possible changes of greater emphasis on classroom observations and scores for current students; and, expand co-teaching opportunities between new and experienced teachers in our schools. Both solutions attract and retain teachers, and affect student achievement by supporting the professional work of our teachers. What are your thoughts on the district receiving a “C” in its last completed state assessment? The “C” district grade is heavily weighted on the results of one test, Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). Thirty-plus indicators contribute to the “C” grade. Based on these indicators, and I will expect the superintendent to identify specific actions to improve student achievement and the district grade. The development of the District’s Strategic Plan is an example of the superintendent’s efforts to improve instruction. The “C” grade motivates us to work together — board and superintendent — for continuous improvement. We all want our students to receive a quality education; we want our district’s grade to be an “A.” I will support the use of funds for resources that directly impact classroom instruction, especially retaining teaching positions. I will encourage the use of video recordings of board meetings so the community is informed about the students’ ongoing academic progress. What “grade” (A-F) would you give Superintendent Tom Burris? How would you vote on retaining him with a contract renewal? It is very important to hold the superintendent and myself accountable. However, the community needs a board and administration that can work productively as a team for the benefit of our students.
It is my goal to hold the superintendent to the high expectations for the best results for our students. Unfortunately, as a current board member, I cannot publicly and specifically evaluate the superintendent here as requested by this question. (Like all employees, the superintendent is entitled by law to a confidential evaluation process.) With that limitation, I believe the superintendent has made some positive strides for our students such as the implementation of the early college program at University High School, pre-K program for 3- to 4-year-old students at six elementary schools, and leadership training for staff. There is more work to be done. I expect the superintendent to meet the board’s and community’s shared goals. My decision for renewing the superintendent’s contract will be based on his progress and leadership of our students and staff. I also hope to see more mechanisms for the staff and community to have input in future superintendent evaluations, such as adding an anonymous opinion survey of staff and community. What is the greater issue in the district, student performance or teacher/staff morale? When the students don’t succeed academically, educators question why they teach. I believe one issue creates the other, but teacher morale is the greater issue. Teachers are motivated when they can make decisions about their teaching. Teachers are motivated when they believe they can improve student achievement. Students are motivated when they see importance or actual application to their lives. I hope to see more opportunities for students to learn about careers (i.e., mentorship and community service projects). I will ask the superintendent to conduct a school climate survey to improve staff satisfaction. I will advocate with the board and superintendent to make changes in the teacher evaluation system. I will require the superintendent use of technology to communicate information to staff, “instant messages” to address concerns and questions (e.g., equal access without reprisal). I will support the work of our educators to improve student performance by my decisions to allocate funds and/or adopt policies based on “what is best for all students.” Why are you running for the school board and if elected, what will be your priority issues? I believe in education and its importance to successful and rewarding lives for our students. I’ve devoted my entire
career and service to our community to the education of students. As a former teacher, principal and district administrator, principal mentor, supervising teacher for student teachers, professional development consultant, and now as a board member, my work is based on “How would I want my child to be educated?” Students … they are my motivation to serve on the Board of Education. I am eager to use my knowledge and abilities to represent you … the community to educate our students. Great achievements begin with opportunities … priorities. My priority issues include providing resources for classroom instruction, constructing safe and efficient schools, improving student achievement and preparing students for future careers, recruiting and retaining the best teachers and leaders, celebrating the accomplishments of students and staff, and maintaining a sound financial budget. I am eager to continue to serve on the Board of Education to support the education of our students. Together — we can provide a quality education for all our students.
District 5
Edwards
James Edwards
575-420-0599 james.edwards@roswell.enmu.edu
Basic Questions Do you have children or grandchildren attending school in the RISD? If so, what school(s)? No but yes, I have over 650 kids that I have become surrogate mentor or father figure to that currently attend public schools in Roswell.
Do you have family members employed by RISD? No Do you have any contractual business ties to RISD? No What is your educational background? Attended public schools in Roswell: Edgewood Elementary; Mesa Middle School; Roswell High School. Obtained a bachelor’s degree, New Mexico Highlands University.
General Questions What is the biggest problem or issue facing the district in 2017? I believe there are more than one problem or issue facing the district currently. I don’t believe one is more of a problem than the others. In my opinion, they include but are not limited to: federal and state mandates; teachers shortage (this includes hiring permanent substitutes); staff and teachers low morale; budget shortfall; and subject matter being taught (curriculum). What are your thoughts on the district receiving a “C” in its last completed state assessment? A “C” rating should not be acceptable. Our children deserve better. However, my understanding is that school districts do not have control over some matter that they are being evaluated on. What “grade” (A-F) would you give Superintendent Tom Burris? How would you vote on retaining him with a contract renewal? In my opinion, the superintendent is ultimately responsible for the overall daily operation of the school district. Therefore, the superintendent should own the rating of the district. In my opinion, since he is ultimately responsible for the district’s rating, I would have a hard time rating him higher than a “C.” I am not a proponent of the current process of how superintendents’ contracts are handled. As I understand it, superintendents request three-year contracts and ask for an extension at the end of each year they serve. I believe their extensions should be considered at the beginning of the third year. That being said, I believe it is premature and would be irresponsible for me to say that I would or would not vote to retain him. I believe, as a voting member of the RISD Board, you have
School Board Elections a responsibility to look at all aspects of his job and if you have concerns, he should be allowed an opportunity to explain those concerns. What is the greater issue in the district, student performance or teacher/ staff morale? I believe these two issues are intertwined along with other issues discussed in question 1. In my opinion, higher teacher/staff morale will certainly have a positive affect concerning student performance. I believe teaching takes a special kind of person. I applaud and commend individuals that choose the teaching profession; especially if they choose it with the best interest of the children.
on an even keel. I strongly believe that we have tremendous teachers and staff working with our children. We must re-establish morale amongst all district employees and work to return harmony throughout the RISD. Education takes place in the classroom and the board’s efforts must focus on enhancing and enriching what goes on there
9
ty High school; I also attended ENMU for Criminal Justice.
General Questions What is the biggest problem or issue facing the district in 2017? There is more than one issue in the district. Teacher recruiting and retention are two issues on top of our list of priorities. Teacher morale, student performance, poor parent involvement, budget cuts and low graduation rate are also some of the issues. The goal is to target all and each one of these concerns and treat them with the same level of importance. What are your thoughts on the district receiving a “C” in its last completed state assessment?
Why are you running for the school board and, if elected, what will be your priority issues? I am running for a seat on the RISD school board for a few reasons. I have been an advocate for the community’s children for the past 30 years. My running for the school board will allow me to continue working and advocating for the education of all children in our community. I believe that as a school board member we must be responsive and receptive to parents, staff, and students, encouraging an open dialog. The board must take input from all groups and weigh all the facts before making a decision. I don’t feel that this has always been the case. I also believe that anyone that comes before the school board has the right to be heard and not just to speak. As a school board member, I will strive to build public understanding, support, and participation. My efforts as a board member would center on serving all of the children in the community; one child is no more important than another. We are a diverse community and have to celebrate that diversity. Our schools are here to serve the educational needs of all the children in our district. I don’t believe that is currently happening under the current administration. A key issue for the next school board membership is to create a longterm vision mapping a course that provides the necessary opportunities students need to reach their full potential. Another issue is providing leadership on the board. It is difficult to provide leadership and to carry out a vision when a district lurches from crisis to crisis, like a ship without a rudder. With my background and knowledge of my district I can help to provide the necessary leadership to keep the district
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Ibarra
Arturo Ibarra 505-227-7898
Immediate family: Married to Diana Ibarra for 20 years, daughters Bianca, Valeria, Abril and Guadalupe Ibarra. Employment: Krumland Auto Group
Basic Questions Do you have children or grandchildren attending school in the RISD? If so, what school(s)? Valeria, a junior and Abril, a sophomore at Roswell High, Guadalupe is an eighth grader at Mesa Middle. Bianca graduated from Roswell High School in 2015 and is currently attending NMSU. Do you have family members employed by RISD? My wife has been a district employee for nine years, two of those years at Mesa Middle school and five at Nancy Lopez Elementary; she currently works at the central office. Do you have any contractual business ties to RISD? None What is your educational background? I’ve been a Roswell resident for 32 years, attended East Grand Plains, Mountain View, RHS and graduated from Universi-
It has been a long journey, teachers have spent many hours in and outside of the classroom, hours in professional development and trainings, I am sure that their main focus are the minds they need to feed and improve on a daily basis; at the end of the day, we are all in this for our children’s future. Parents, teachers, staff, administrators, community, we are all here to serve and help our kids. I believe that even when it is not what we’d like to have as a grade, especially with how hard everyone worked, a “C” is an improvement compared to last year’s “D.” We are moving forward, we are taking steps that may seem small but are huge progress. Can we do better? Of course we can, and we will see it happen! What “grade” (A-F) would you give Superintendent Tom Burris? How would you vote on retaining him with a contract renewal? It is difficult to say what grade Mr. Burris should be receiving before the end of the school year without conducting the required assessment first. There are goals that have been met, there are goals that have not been met, as well as other goals that are in process. Giving a grade at this point would not be proper. There are many requirements to take in consideration when making a decision to renew the superintendent’s contract, which will be made by all five board members when the time comes. What is the greater issue in the dis-
See CANDIDATES, Page 10
10
Saturday, February 4, 2017
School Board Elections
‘Clean, green and safe’ schools initiative launched
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National School Boards Association has launched the Clean, Green and Safe Schools initiative with the aim of providing school board members information they can use to develop policies and protocols to provide a healthy and safe environment for students, teachers, administrators and visitors. The initiative also provides access to experts who can help school boards develop and implement a working plan to improve school buildings, so they are energy and cost efficient, safe and designed to provide an optimal learning environment. A school’s physical structure is a critical component to student success. Studies have found positive correlations between building conditions and student performance. Unfortunately, the inverse is also true. In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency found that that students who attend schools in poor condition score 11 percent lower on standard-
ized tests than students who attend schools in good condition. “School board members across the country believe every school-age child deserves the finest public K-12 education possible,” said Thomas J. Gentzel, executive director and CEO of NSBA. “Striving to provide the highest quality education – one that enables every student to achieve their full potential – is grounded in many factors including the learning environment.” A report issued in March 2016 from the Center for Green Schools estimated that America spends $46 billion less annually on construction and maintenance on schools than is needed to maintain a safe and healthy environment. One in six people in America spend their day in a K-12 school and schools represent the largest public building sector in America, yet the last Government Accounting Office evaluation of school infrastructure is from 1995 and the average American
Candidates Continued from Page 9
trict, student performance or teacher/ staff morale? When it comes to kids, teachers and schools, there are no bigger or greater issues, they all have the same importance and are treated the same. Why are you running for the school board and, if elected, what will be your priority issues? I am running for the school board because I want to help make a change in our community, to serve our children, parents and teachers. I want to be the voice of those parents that have little or no knowledge of how the school system works, what programs are offered for their child’s success, especially Hispanic parents that have a language barrier and feel that they don’t matter. They need to be heard.
school is 44 years old. “School board members are often forced to choose between maintaining the building and keeping teachers. This is a no win choice and it is our children who lose as a result,” said Gentzel. “A challenge exists to upgrade facilities with capital budgets that are tight. Fortunately, creative solutions exist to help school boards address these environmental and infrastructure conditions so they can focus on their primary goal: serving students.” This is an ideal time to work on this critical issue as President Trump has spoken about the need to enhance our nation’s infrastructure. He has generated interest in an issue that needs it and there is no better investment than in school infrastructure. An investment in school infrastructure – making them cleaner, greener and safer – will help school districts create sanctuaries for learning and teaching, producing a brighter future for students and communities.
They need a voice. Parents need to know that our ultimate goal and focus, just as theirs, is our children. As I mentioned it before, there are several issues that need to be addressed and taken care of, some will take longer than others, but we will always keep moving forward. I think that with the state and federal funds out of our control, we can only try to focus on what we can change and what is in our hands, such as working on increasing graduation rates, and recruiting and retaining teachers. Parent involvement plays a huge role when it comes to student performance. Everything works in harmony, when there is parent involvement, the kids have a better performance, when the kids perform better it is easier for teachers to teach, better student performance, better teacher evaluations and better morale, a better evaluation for teachers, a better and successful district. It all starts and ends with kids and for kids.
Honeywell, which creates solutions that improve quality of life for people around the globe, is supporting this important initiative. The company shares NSBA’s belief that every school-aged child deserves the finest public K-12 education possible and it has been helping school districts generate clean energy and increase safety and security. Honeywell’s extensive experience will benefit school board officials who are seeking guidance and expertise as they navigate a myriad of questions and issues related to school building infrastructure. “Across the United States, upgrading the infrastructure of our educational facilities is a critical issue, because it has a direct impact on the performance and education of the next generation,” said Scott Maynard, director, Honeywell Building Solutions. “Honeywell and NSBA are united in advancing awareness and efforts to improve our school infrastructure through build-
ing improvements, energy conservation measures and other steps that ultimately improve productivity and save schools money so they can focus on what matters most — student outcomes.” More information and an array of resources, including case studies, videos, “Ask the Expert” link, infographics and other content, is located at www.nsba.org/cgss. The National School Boards Association (NSBA) is the leading advocate for public education and supports equity and excellence in public education through school board leadership. NSBA believes education is a civil right necessary to the dignity and freedom of the American people, and all children should have equal access to an education that maximizes his or her individual potential. The association represents state school boards associations and their more than 90,000 local school board members throughout the U.S.
School board meeting draws crowd
Bethany Freudenthal Photo
Charlie’s Angels Dance Team gathers at a June 14 school board meeting to fight for the opportunity to defend their national title at a competition in Florida. Their request for the trip was denied, citing Title IX equality rules for sports teams in New Mexico.
School Board Elections
Saturday, February 4, 2017
11
12
Saturday, February 4, 2017
School Board Elections