It is difficult to believe that we have already begun the final six weeks of the school year. However, even though the end of the school year is “in sight,” there are many important events still to take place in terms of both academic as well as extracurricular activities.

One extremely important event will take place on May 8 when three LCISD Board of Trustees’ seats are up for election (three current members are not seeking an additional term), and one seat is up for re-election (one current member is seeking another term). All School Board elections are important, but this particular election is extremely important (and quite unique) as there will be a minimum of three new members elected this year.  The last time three new members were added to the Board in the same election was in 1992 – nineteen years ago.

Because of this added importance to the election this year, I would like to encourage all district voters to take the time to visit the “Meet the Candidates” section on the LCISD website to get to know the individuals running for a place on the Board.  In this section, you can learn about the background of each candidate, their reasons for running for the Board, and their thoughts on what are the most significant challenges that LCISD will face in the coming years.  

Several of these candidates have asked me what expectations I would have, as Superintendent of Schools, for new Board members.  My answer is very simple – my expectations would be that new members come to the Board table with the philosophy of supporting all LCISD programs and all LCISD students and staff.  I would expect new members to not harbor any “hidden agendas” and that they operate as stipulated by Texas law by carrying out general oversight responsibilities for the district and allowing the Superintendent, as Chief Executive Officer, to manage the day-to-day operations of the district.  This is precisely how the 11 Boards (19 different individuals) that I have served with during my 15 year tenure as LCISD Superintendent and have viewed their role as a School Board Trustee.  These members and I have performed as a “Team of Eight,” and these 11 Boards have all abided by the governance structure dictated by state law and local policy.  These Boards never sought to micro-mange the district, but rather understood that the Board’s role is to set goals and establish policies, and the Superintendent’s role is to see to it that those goals are accomplished and that those policies are implemented.  I would expect no less from future Boards - because it works!

PS – We had two individuals originally sign up to run for the Board, but have, for one reason or another, decided to withdraw.  However, because the deadline had passed for the ballot to be changed, their names will appear on the ballot on May 8.  They do not, however, wish to be considered for election.  These individuals are Stacie Eldredge-Dillashaw (Place 7) and Rems Keane (Place 6).