Robert Seitsinger, Candidate for Place 3

1. Name, age, occupation and education:

Bob Seitsinger, 47, Software Development Manager, BSCS and MSCS Boston University.

2. Address:

1005 Duke Cove, Pflugerville

3. Family members names and where they work or attend school (include grade):

Marina, wife, owner of Designs By Marina, substitute teacher, actress; Kerith, 15, 9th grade, PHS; Caitlin, 12, 7th grade, PMS

4. Years a resident of the PISD:

Almost eight

5. Why did you decide to run for office at this time?

An increasing interest in getting involved in the community at more than a cursory level. My involvement as a Mountain Creek HOA board member further sparked my interest.

6. Why do you think you are qualified to serve as a school board member?

I work very well with just about anyone. I am a persistent, detail oriented, pragmatic decision maker. I have worked for a startup for the past four years in a management role. This means having to make critical decisions daily, oftentimes with limited information, constantly changing priorities and schedules, and resource issues. These decisions must also be balanced against the strategic near and long term goals of the company. This kind of experience has prepared me well for the challenging issues that PISD currently faces.

7. What would you like to say to the voters in the form of an appeal as to why they should vote for you?

My appeal is nothing more than a request to allow me to use my experience, energy and interest in this role for the benefit of all Pflugerville ISD residents, and school faculty and administration.

8. What do you think is the best solution to overcrowding issues in the PISD?

I'm not sure at this point what the right solution is to this problem. Some of the possible solutions are redrawing the school boundary lines and/or building more schools. The eventual solution will probably be a mixture.

9. What is your best quality that you bring to the position?

My best quality is probably that I work well with people, although a close second is the energy and effort I will bring to the job.

10. What do you feel are some key issues facing the school board, and of these, which do you feel should be number-one priority?

The problem with creating a short list of key issues is that equally important ones are left out. But, having said that, some of the key issues are NCLB implementation, building for anticipated growth and finding creative ways to help increase the revenue stream into the district. I do not have a strong feeling yet about what issue should be the top priority.

11. How do you think the district can help have a positive impact on the gang, drug, alcohol problem and drop out problem?

I'm a firm believer in the impact a teacher can have on a student in this area when he/she has time to spend with a student. At the current student to teacher ratio averages that's a difficult task to include in the long list of tasks teachers have to do already. So, reducing the student to teacher ratio would be a good start.

12. What role do you feel the PISD fund balance should play in helping the district balance the budget deficit expected for the coming school year?

I'm not hearing that there is money sitting somewhere unallocated.

13. On what department or budget area do you think the administration and board of trustees should focus for future cost cuts or revenue opportunities?

Since the school district is currently one of the most efficient in the state in terms of its use of funds, I'm not sure how much better we can get. I have recently learned, however, that we are one of the highest when it comes to what we spend on transportation. So, this is certainly an area that should be looked at for cost savings.

14. How do you plan to handle the current financial crisis our schools are in?

We can not increase the tax burden on the residents. In the short term we need to continue to be frugal with our spending.

15. What do you think the district will have to do in the future to maintain its tradition of excellence?

A critical issue to me is the student to teacher ratio. It is very difficult to maintain excellence in the classroom when you have to spend a lot of time managing or controlling the class due to the number of students.

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Paul J. King Candidate for Place 3

1. Name, age, occupation and education:
Paul J. King, 55, Telecommunications, Associate's Degree Business Marketing.

2. Address:

1218 Rocky Creek, Pflugerville TX 78660  

3. Family members names and where they work or attend school (include grade):

Wife, Rita H. King, Employed by Dept. of Human Services
Son Aaron King, college at UTSA Majoring in Criminal Justice
Son Ryan King, sophomore at Pflugerville High School, Son Chris King, just completed Court Reporting Training.

4. Years a resident of the PISD: 
23 years

5. Why did you decide to run for office at this time?
I think the greatest gift you can give your community is your time. I have served as little league basketball coach, Board of Director for Little League Basketball and served on both the CAAC and DAAC and felt the next step in servicing the children of my community was to run for the School Board.

6. Why do you think you are qualified to serve as a school board member?
I have established effective working relationships with district employees as well as city and county officials. I have established honest relationships with parents and citizens of the district. I still enjoy the challenge of working through tough issues to ensure that the district stays YOUTH CENTERED and FUTURE ORIENTED.  For this reason, I am excited about the aspect of continuing in my current role as Board member and extending the continuity needed on the Board through the next few years.

7. What would you like to say to the voters in the form of an appeal as to why they should vote for you?
I am a board member that strongly believes in not always saying the right thing but saying what is right. I would ask the voters to look at my record, look at my attendance on the board, talk with their neighbors, visit with some of the staff of PISD. As I said, my record speaks for itself. I will say this, on a personal level, I am honored to serve as a member in the Leadship Program of the Texas Association of School Boards(TASB). Of over 9000 Texas Board members I was selected to participate and serve with 35 other Board members to identify school district issues and problems solving. Leadership TASB is a yearlong program culminating with a presentation at the Summer Leadership Institute. I am proud to be a part of the project team that will present views on "No Child Let Behind".

8. What do you think is the best solution to overcrowding issues in the PISD?
People move to Pflugerville primarily for the great schools we have to offer. I don't know if there is a true solution. But what has to happen is constant communications between PISD, the City Of Pflugerville and Developers.

9. What is your best quality that you bring to the position? 
Knowing that I don't have all the answers. Because I can admit that I am open to listening to all that have a stake in our future. If the stakeholders have a say, then the process not only goes smoother, but it works.

10. What do you feel are some key issues facing the school board, and of these, which do you feel should be number-one priority?
Growth and school financing. Both are equally important. Unfortunately, we at the local level don't have much control of either. This is why communicating with the stakeholders is so very important.

11. How do you think the district can help have a positive impact on the gang, drug, alcohol problem and drop out problem?
All students should be involved in something. All students should be made to feel that they have a say in the school in which they attend. An involved student is for the most part a focused student. The key to this success is parental involvement. We need to address these issues or concerns with the parents. We also need to somehow address these issues long before they become an issue.

12. What role do you feel the PISD fund balance should play in helping the district balance the budget deficit expected for the coming school year?
There is no plan that I know of at this time that would suggest we will have a budget deficit for the coming school year. But to respond to the question "what if" fund balance is the only place that we can go to, to my knowledge to get help. 

13. On what department or budget area do you think the administration and board of trustees should focus for future cost cuts or revenue opportunities?
As a current board member I played an integral part in ordering a review of the district's business office and facility practices and policies; as a result of this review we found opportunities to save in some areas. I think that everything should be put on the table. Each department head along with the superintendent should present to the Board what they think are the areas of cuts or revenue opportunities.

14. How do you plan to handle the current financial crisis our schools are in?
I did not know we were in a financial crisis. We, like many other school districts, have to somehow address the many requirements that are being put on districts; but again, communicating with the stakeholders as to what we are or may be faced with and soliciting their support certainly will ease some of the pain.

15. What do you think the district will have to do in the future to maintain its tradition of excellence?
1. Continue to hire and maintained the best and brightest teachers.
2. Continue to provide clean and environmentally safe classrooms.
3. Increase the communication between educators and parents.
4. Increase parental involvement.

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Sidney Parker, Candidate for Place 4

1. Name, age, occupation and education:
My name is Sidney Parker and I am thirty-six years old. I am a deputy sheriff, and have been for the last thirteen and a half years. I graduated from Lockhart High School in 1986. I currently hold an Advanced Peace Officer Certificate from the State of Texas licensing agency TCLEOS.

2. Address:
1014 Prairie Ridge Trail, Pflugerville TX, 78660
 
3. Family members names and where they work or attend school:
I have a beautiful wife, Yazmin, and two incredible, beautiful daughters. Genesys is seven years old and attends Springhill Elementary. Chelsea is just over one month old and will also attend Springhill in the near future. I am proud to say that my wife is a stay-at-home mom who manages our household.

4. Years a resident in PISD:
I have lived in the PISD for four years.

5. Why did you decide to run for office at this time?
I have always believed that the highest calling of any public service is dealing with our children. I have protected and helped our children in my duties as a deputy. I want to continue my service by being elected to the school board in order to build a future for our children. I believe this is an important time in our district and strong leadership is needed to move into the future.

6. Why do you think you are qualified to serve as a board member?
I think sometimes the search for the outward signs of success and qualifications derails us from the important ones. The greatest qualification is true concern for your community and the dedication to devote your precious time toward serving that community. I have an honest desire to serve my community to the best of my ability as a board member. I will do so with honesty and integrity.

7. What would you like to say to the voters in the form of an appeal as to why they should vote for you?
I am an active PTO parent and believe in our school system. The greatest attribute of any candidate for this position is conviction. I have the strength of conviction to cast the right vote for all community members. My word is my bond and will be the same in private as it is on the board. I believe that important issues are yet to face our district. I can and will face those challenges with resolve and determination.

8. What do you think is the best solution to overcrowding issues in the PISD?
We currently do not have an overcrowding problem. We have a district-zoning problem. Administration numbers show that we are actually well below capacity in almost every school. Dessau Elementary is the only one over. Hendrickson High School is 1,873 students below capacity, and Connally is 443. Our total surplus capacity in the district is an astounding 4,599. We do have some problems in the middle schools but construction of the new one will help alleviate that. There is no one school that has to be overcrowded at this time. As a board member I will make it a top priority.

9. What is your best quality that you bring to the position?
Integrity and understanding of our current problems. I also will make tough decisions that are in the best interest of everyone and stand by my vote.

10. What do you feel are some of the key issues facing the school board, and of these, which do you feel should be the number one priority?
The key issue in the district today is the tax burden on the district's property owners. We can no longer rely on the politics of tax and spend. We currently tax our property owners at the state maximum of $1.50 for every $100 in appraised value. Bond debt raises it to $1.85. We must alleviate the tax burden on families already tightening home budgets. What we ask of them should be no less than what we ourselves are willing to do. We must also develop a long-term growth plan that allows for flexibility.

11. How do you think the district can help have a positive impact on the gang, drug, alcohol, and drop out problem?
The board has already taken a positive step by voting to expand the school resource officer program. It will also expand the DARE program. With my experience as a deputy, I know all too well the cost of substance abuse to our children today. I have experienced firsthand the cost to society when our kids fall prey to substance abuse. We as a district must continue to educate our children and work with parents to help our children make the right choices. I believe the parents of the district are our greatest resource in this fight.

12. What role do you feel the PISD fund balance should play helping the district balance the budget deficit expected for the coming school year?
The fund balance is an emergency fund set aside in case of just that, an emergency. We should not become accustomed to thinking of it as a resource to dip into. We must manage our district efficiently enough that we do not find ourselves constantly looking to the fund as an answer.

13. On what department or budget area do you think the administration and board of trustees should focus for future cuts or revenue opportunities?
I think this is a consistent mistake made when looking for areas to cut in a budget. We should not concentrate on the big budget items. Cost-savings are usually achieved best across the board. This will also reduce the need to drastically cut into one department or area, rendering it less effective. The board must ask the administration to get employees from all areas to look for ways to save. In most cases, it is the people who do the job everyday who have the answers.

14. How do you plan to handle the current financial crisis our schools are in?

Most of the decisions that affect school finance are going to be made at the state level by the legislature. We must work closely with our representatives to ensure that our needs are addressed and a fair and equitable plan is adopted. School districts themselves must also shoulder some of the blame. In many instances the answer to every problem has been to raise taxes. The cost to the average property owner is showing. We will have to make tough decisions, but reducing the tax burden has to be a priority.

15. What do you think the district will to do in the future to maintain its tradition of excellence?
We are very fortunate to have in the Pflugerville ISD a tradition of excellence. This comes first and foremost from our community. Without caring parents, community members, and an involved business community this could not be a fact. We have the area's best teachers and must strive to keep them. We must ensure that our local and district site-based committees are utilized and represent the community as a whole. Excellence is earned over many years but can be lost in only a few. We must not let that happen.

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Vernagene Mott, Candidate for Place 4

1. Vernagene Mott, 61, retired educator

Education: Valedictorian of PHS '60, UT Austin BA Mathematics with Honors, Continuing Education in Teaching

2. Address
P.O. Box 951 Pflugerville, Texas  78691-0951   NE Travis County

3. Family members names and where they work or attend school (include grade):
My mother, my brothers & spouses, my husband & his siblings, my 3 children, my nieces and nephews all graduated from PHS, received college degrees, and several have post-graduate degrees

4. Years a resident in PISD: 
Have been a resident of PISD 51 years

5. Why did you decide to run for office at this time?
I decided to run for PISD Board of Trustees Place 4 because I feel every child is entitled to a good education and an educated citizen is vital to a strong democracy and a vibrant economy.  I retired from 35 years of teaching last year and feel this is a position I can continue to influence teachers and students. My dad and father-in-law who were role models have previously served on the board.

6. Why do you think you are qualified to serve as a board member?
I have experience as a leader being Science Dept chair and later Math Dept. I have been in the business of teaching students, working with parents and other teachers and administrators for 35 years.  I served on the Manville Water Supply Corporation Board, the Travis  County Historical Society Commission and am presently on the Heritage House Partners Board.  Having deep roots in the community, I will effectively communicate with leaders and citizens seeking input and solutions to issues.  I will work in harmony with other Board members and administration to promote the welfare and success of the student.

7. What would you like to say to the voters in the form of an appeal as to why they should vote for you?
I  will  research issues; I will listen to folks, I will use common sense to arrive at solutions.  I value solid academic programs and believe that well rounded students will be contributing citizens  and leaders in our nation.  Our schools are the training ground for growing these young men and women.

8. What do you think is the best solution to overcrowding issues in the PISD? 
This is a complex issue which more money could help solve.  Buzz words which alarm parents are rezoning, portables, staggered schedules, bond elections, etc.  The board must rely on the administrative officials who obtain the population data.  With this info, the board must evaluate the best usage of existing spaces. There are future meetings to consider long range plans and input.  The present board recently voted to build the districts 5th middle school.  Future bond issues may be necessary to address the elementary population.

9. What is your best quality that you bring to the position? 
I know the district and have deep roots; I am patient, a good listener, have lots of energy and resolve for excellence, but most of all, I will be a student advocate.

10. What do you feel are some of the key issues facing the school board, and of these, which do you feel should be the number one priority?
Utmost is the MONEY problem.  Several school finance proposals have been mentioned in the news.  The legislature will hopefully do more to help.  The percentage of state funds has decreased over the past years.  PISD is already @ $1.50 cap. Other key-issues are overcrowded campuses with continued growth of new subdivisions; maintaining academic excellence,  TAKS results, Future planning.

11. How do you think the district can help have a positive impact on the gang, drug, alcohol, and drop out problem?
I think the Pflugerville Police Dept. working with each campus administrator and staff can be a great help with the gang, drug, alcohol & drop-out problems. A short concise training session presented by an officer for teachers to recognize and deal with areas of concern in our community would.  This would provide support for the teacher and provide tools to help identify those in need of assistance.   There should be district policies on discipline/punishment for students caught or identified.  I support zero tolerance and strict enforcement of current proven policies.  With the first offense, a mandatory session with the parent, child, & a trained drug counselor may help rehabilitation.

12. What role do you feel the PISD fund balance should play helping the district balance the budget deficit expected for the coming school year?
The fund balance is an emergency fund set aside in case of just that, an emergency.  We should not be accustomed to thinking of it as a resource to dip into.  We must manage our district efficiently enough that we do not find ourselves looking to the fund as an answer.

13. On what department or budget area do you think the administration and board of trustees should focus for future cuts or revenue opportunities?
PISD is ranked near the top of all Texas school district to get the "most bang for the buck".  Many of our programs are recognized statewide.  These proven award winning programs should be maintained.  It takes years to build a respectable successful program and only a short time or wrong turn to wipe it out in a second.  With the 130 & 45 corridor crossing our district, with Dell and the latest retail stores on Howard & I35, and plans for business parks in the district, we should realize continued revenue opportunities.  Again with the competent personnel, the board will scrutinize the budget ensuring we don't get top heavy and that for every dollar spent a dollar's worth of top-grade education is received.(value-oriented)

14. How do you plan to handle the current financial crisis our schools are in?
I hope the legislature will make a wise decision which will be beneficial to PISD and the education of all children in Texas.  Corporate sponsorship may be a consideration.  Encouraging parent participation to assist where funding/personnel may be short.  Stay informed and updated on what other districts are doing for financial survival.  Trust the administration to run a lean ship.  Have "THINK TANKS" to seek innovative, "out of the box" solutions.

15. What do you think the district will to do in the future to maintain its tradition of excellence?
Have a strong core of experienced certified teachers. Retain/attract good administrators and principals who value academic excellence and lead with focus to achieve high goals. Parent participation to assist students to reach the TAKS standards.   After school programs to prepare & remediate so "No Child is Left Behind".  The community should also be involved and supportive of maintaining this tradition of excellence and the state-wide recognized programs.

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Perrin C. Butler, Jr., Candidate for Place 5

1. Name, age, occupation and education:

Perrin Butler, Jr., 43 years.
I am an attorney licensed to practice law in Louisiana and Texas, presently employed by InfoEdge Technology, Inc., a litigation support company with offices in Austin, Houston and Washington, D.C., as their Austin Legal Services Supervisor.

2. Address:

2108 Bethesda Court, Pflugerville, Texas 78660

3. Family members names and where they work or attend school:
Wife: Holly Myers Butler - Dell Inc.
Daughters: Lindsey Marie Butler - 4th Grade - Murchison Elementary School
Sara Anne Butler - 2nd Grade - Murchison Elementary.

4. Years a resident in PISD:
3 years and 2 months.

5. Why did you decide to run for office at this time?
I decided to run for office because of events that occurred in early March, where my opponent was promoting the diversion of the remainder of the dedicated September 2000 bond issue money to entirely new uses not authorized or even considered by the voters. Even more troubling than her arrogant stance was the fact that her proposals for spending the remaining 19 million dollars of bond money were based upon erroneous information. Had she succeeded, her actions would have amounted to a violation of the public trust, and persuasive legal authority exists that suggests it would have been unlawful.

6. Why do you think you are qualified to serve as a board member?
I am qualified to serve as a school board member because of my professional education and my years of experience as a public servant. A legal education teaches you how to seek out as much information as you can on a particular topic or issue, to analyze the topics or issues thoroughly and deliberately, and to formulate a successful plan based upon that accumulation of knowledge. I will not arrogantly assume I have all the answers to the problems in the educational system. I will seek out information from those with superior knowledge to enact the best policy possible.

7. What would you like to say to the voters in the form of an appeal as to why they should vote for you?

I believe that character, integrity and leadership are the bases from which good decision-making flows. You can have all of the educational knowledge in the world, but if you lack character, integrity or leadership skills, you cannot put that educational knowledge to good use.  I pledge to you that I would never advocate or agree to the diversion of bond money to unapproved uses. I will strive to make educated, informed policy decisions at all times.  And lastly, I will not blame others for mistakes, but rather look for constructive ways to recover from those mistakes in the future.

8. What do you think is the best solution to overcrowding issues in the PISD? The best solution is to better project where future growth will be in the district and continue to timely build schools to accommodate that growth.

9. What is your best quality that you bring to the position?
The best quality I bring to the position is deliberativeness.  Again, I will strive to make well informed, sound decisions at all times.  Although deliberate, I will not get bogged down in studying an issue to the point of paralysis. 

10. What do you feel are some of the key issues facing the school board, and of these, which do you feel should be the number one priority?

The number one priority issue facing the Board is public school financing.  With the current state policy, PISD is receiving only 23% of its budget from the state because the taxable values on property within the district have risen each year.  The resulting tax rate we must pay PISD because of insufficient state funding puts a financial burden on the taxpayers of this District. Despite the increased taxes, the District is still forced to continually cut the budget.  We need to work with our legislative delegation to ensure that our needs are heard and addressed at the State Capitol.

11. How do you think the district can help have a positive impact on the gang, drug, alcohol, and drop out problem?

Since PISD has become a suburban school district, this has become more of an issue.  All of its secondary campuses employ school resource officers that monitor these activities.  Most also have programs in place such as CHAMPS and Foundations programs that address many of these issues. School counselors have and distribute information regarding drug and alcohol abuse.  In the elementary schools, there is also the DARE program in fifth grade that specifically addresses these issues.  Mentoring programs and programs to promote more parental involvement in the schools would also help prevent some of these problems.

12. What role do you feel the PISD fund balance should play helping the district balance the budget deficit expected for the coming school year?

The Fund Balance should be used as a last resort to alleviate deficit problems.  We need to carefully cut everything we can, while ensuring that we do nothing to impact the teachers' ability to teach and the children's ability to learn.  This is going to be difficult because PISD is operating in pretty lean fashion based on the reporting available.  Again, meaningful school finance reform in the upcoming Special Legislative Session could make this a moot point.  If the District does need to dip into the Fund again, it needs to ensure that it provides a plan for replenishing these funds.

13. On what department or budget area do you think the administration and board of trustees should focus for future cuts or revenue opportunities?

There are reportedly savings that can be realized in the school transportation system, but whether they will make an appreciable contribution toward the expected deficit is unknown.  Until we see what happens in the Special Legislative Session there is no way to know what sorts of cuts will need to be made, if any.  Other opportunities for revenue might include the creation of a non-profit education foundation to foster continuous improvement of the PISD by providing financial assistance to the students and teachers of the District for scholarships, educational classroom projects and supplies, and special assistance as needed.

14. How do you plan to handle the current financial crisis our schools are in?

As indicated in my preceding answers, I expect the State to provide an alternative to the so-called "Robin Hood" school finance system in the upcoming Special Session, and if not, I intend to lend whatever support I can to assist the lawyers challenging the "Robin Hood" plan to prevail in the courts this summer.  Otherwise, we are left with few options other than to temporarily borrow from the Fund Balance, and/or make the least impacting cuts necessary to avoid a deficit.

15. What do you think the district will to do in the future to maintain its tradition of excellence?

The District will have to continue to deliver quality education to all children.  Pflugerville ISD has been a state Recognized district for its academic achievement for the last four years.  The scores on the new TAKS 3rd grade reading were excellent.  The majority of the money and the emphasis are on teaching, curriculum, and quality instructional practices so that all children can be academically successful.  The district will have to continue to maintain that focus.  Additionally, it will have to effectively monitor achievement test scores and make the necessary corrections where areas of need arise.

 

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Carol Fletcher, Candidate for Place 5

1. Name, age, occupation and education:
Carol L. Fletcher, 37 years old

--Research and Evaluation Coordinator for a statewide science teacher-training program at UT - Austin

--B.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, Texas A&M

--M.A. in Science Education, UT

--Ph.D. in Science Education, UT

2. Address:

505 Parkview Dr., Pflugerville, TX 78660

3. Family members names and where they work or attend school:
Husband - Clint Fletcher, National Instruments

Son - Benjamin Fletcher, 1st grade at Brookhollow

Son - Wiley Fletcher, PreK at Immanuel Lutheran Day School

4. Years a resident of PISD:
15 years

 

5. Why do you think you're qualified to serve as a school board member?
Education is not only my profession; it is my passion as well and my experience in education is both broad and deep. From my first job out of college as a 6th grade teacher at PMS to my current work with teachers at the University ofTexas, I have built a solid foundation on which to base decisions regarding educational policy. My extensive experience as an educator and children's advocate for the past 15 years is detailed on my web site at http://www.cox-internet.com/cfletcher/.

6. Why do you think you're qualified to serve as a school board member?
Education is not only my profession; it is my passion as well and my experience in education is both broad and deep. From my first job out of college as a 6th grade teacher at PMS to my current work with teachers at the University of Texas, I have built a solid foundation on which to base decisions regarding educational policy. My extensive experience as an educator and children's advocate for the past 15 years is detailed on my web site at http://www.cox-internet.com/cfletcher/index.htm.

7. What would you like to say to the voters in the form of an appeal as to why they should vote for you?
The school board acts as a conduit between the district and the community. Trustees are the people's voice and have a responsibility to solicit their input along with that of teachers and administrators when major policy decisions are being deliberated. I take that responsibility very seriously. During my tenure, I have demonstrated that the voters can count on me to tell them the truth, even when it's unpleasant, to weigh all sides of an issue judiciously, and to make decisions that are not just politically expedient, but are in the best interests of all the children of this district.

8. What do you think is the best solution to overcrowding at PISD?
Although PISD is growing rapidly, we have always benefited from supportive parents and community members. Voters have consistently supported new bonds in the fifteen years I have lived here not just because they see the need for new schools, but also because they trust the district to use their money well. The board and administration must maintain that trust if we expect the voters to support new bonds for new schools. This entails being honest about our needs, thorough in our research, and open in our decision-making process.

9. What is your best quality that you bring to the position?
This is a tough time to be in education. We continue to ask more of our public schools but often give educators less support to live up to our expectations. Steering the district through these troubled waters requires vision and the leadership to make that vision reality. I have demonstrated that I am willing to exercise that leadership when necessary rather than taking the easy way out. This willingness to exercise leadership, combined with my knowledge of school finance, the Texas accountability system, and No Child Left Behind requirements make me uniquely qualified to serve as a PISD trustee.

10. What do you feel are some key issues facing the school board, and of these, which do you feel should be the number-one priority?
The greatest challenges facing this district are the uncertainty of school finance and managing growth. School finance is the most pressing as it impacts every other issue. As a trustee, I have a responsibility to advocate for our children by working with policymakers to develop an equitable and sustainable school finance plan. I have established a relationship with several legislators through the Texas Association of School Boards Grassroots meetings and Advocacy Network, and personal contacts by phone and email. I was also recently elected by other central Texas trustees to serve on the TASB Legislative Advisory Council.

11. How do you think the district can help have a positive impact on the gang, drug, and alcohol problem and drop out problem?
Students who feel a sense of belonging and ownership in their school are less likely to turn outside the school to meet their needs. Proactive policies that promote inclusiveness and student responsibility shape a school culture that makes students feel like citizens in their schools, not tourists. Research indicates that smaller schools are more effective in establishing a culture in which every child feels valued. Though building very large schools can be cheaper, we will spend more money in the long run dealing with these negative behaviors if students don't feel connected to their school.

12. What role do you feel the PISD fund balance should play in helping the district balance the budget deficit expected for the coming school year?
The school board is committed to the goal of maintaining a fund balance equal to a minimum of two month's of operating expenditures. Current fund balance equals approximately 1 month. The district increased fund balance by $1.9 million dollars in 2002-03 due to both attendance and tax collections exceeding projections. One of the reasons the district has maintained a AAA bond rating is due to our progress on this goal. Reneging on this goal would be fiscally irresponsible since this could lower our bond rating and force the district to pay a higher rate in the sale of future bonds.

13. On what department or budget area do you think the administration and board of trustees should focus future cost cuts or revenue opportunities?
Personnel costs comprise over 82% of the operating budget and contracted services (food service and transportation) comprise about 12%. Any substantial cost savings will come from increasing efficiencies in these two areas. We must ensure that staff is deployed efficiently across the district and that overstaffing at one school or in one department doesn't result in understaffing in other areas. As per the recommendation of the board- initiated management review, PISD should also look specifically to reducing transportation costs per pupil, as these costs are higher in Pflugerville than comparable districts.

14. How do you plan to handle the current financial crisis our schools are in?
In addition to the above recommendations, the board should ask voters to approve funding for large maintenance projects through new bond proceeds rather than operating expenditures. The district currently needs to expend over $1 million dollars to install new HVAC equipment, re-roof schools, and bring elementary playgrounds into ADA compliance. Shifting these items, with voter approval, to bond expenditures would free up resources in the operating fund without compromising the long-term value of our capital investments by ignoring maintenance. Improving energy efficiency through the installation of new equipment will also lower utility and maintenance costs in the long run.

15. What do you think the district will have to do in the future to maintain its tradition of excellence?
The most important thing any school or business can do is to recruit, support, and retain employees committed to its vision. Programs, policies, and strategic plans mean nothing if the right people aren't there to implement them. Creating an educational environment that is both nurturing and high achieving is a tremendous challenge and nothing will make a greater impact on our success in achieving this goal than hiring and retaining teachers and administrators that are committed to continuous improvement and decision-making based on what is best for children. Hire the best, treat them with respect, and let them shine.