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This is a transcribed version of the 2021 Red Oak Independent School District School Board Candidate Forum sponsored by the Red Oak Chamber of Commerce and ROISD Council of PTA's.
This event was hosted by Clint Woodward, President of the Chamber of Commerce; and Martha McGinley, Council of PTA's. The meeting was done via Zoom because of having to work around Covid-19 guidelines.
Opening Introductions:
• Michelle Porter: Running for re-election for Place 6
Certified occupational therapist; mom of 10 year old boy who goes to Wooden; on PTA at Wooden; board member on son's Red Oak pee wee football team; on Lady Hawks Varsity Booster Club; loves travelling; is an open book who wants people to know she's approachable and loves meeting people.
• Ernie Amaton: Running for Place 6
Married for 19 years; 4 children in Red Oak ISD; wife works at Red Oak elementary; moved here for 2 years here in 2004; once served as AP at RO middle school; wants to work with other board members to establish a vision for our schools; it's our responsibility to maintain and set organizational structure for the superintendent and administration to be able to manage and maintain our schools for teachers to teach in students to learn.
• Melanie Peterson: Running for reelection for Place 7
Husband and Melanie graduated from ROHS; grandson is in middle school and another graduated in 2020; Served on board for 5 years and elected by board members to become secretary for last 2 years; currently VP of school board; was the representative at the Texas association of school boards delegate assembly last year; enjoys volunteering; spending time with grandkids; member of Red Oak Lion's Club; senior citizens of Red Oak; VP of ROHS Alumni Association; lifetime member of Red Oak Council of PTA's; volunteers with education foundation.
• Dr. Gregory Kimble: Running for election for Place 7
Thank you to RO Chamber of Commerce, Council of PTA's, and fellow candidates; serving is always an honor; joined Texas National Guard and commissioned in ROTC program at UTA; service has been my life commitment; has lived in Ovilla for about 8 years with wife; "Loves children and young people and believes they are our future;" Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and National Certified Counselor; Knows how to solve large, complex budgets and problems; Serves the community and wants to help them excel.
(All questions asked by Clint Woodward)
Q & A Portion for Place 6
• Question #1: What is your view of school board and administration relationships as they relate to management of school district operations?
Michelle : Cohesiveness and communication is key for any board to work with any entity so that things go smoothly. It always seems to work together cohesively if the lines of communication stay open. We need to stay open-minded to any changes that may need to occur. We need to be proactive instead of reactive.
Ernie: The role of the board is to be an advocate for the success of all students. We must be clear, concise, and hold all management accountable, including ourselves.
• Question #2: How do you feel about the Head Start Program and how should it be funded?
Ernie: Head Start was designed to help children in poverty and to help meet the various needs of our kids. HB3 helped was an allotment to grant funds for districts. I'm an advocate for this program because it lays the foundation for all our students, especially at an early age and is something to look at for ROISD in order to build for the future of our students.
Michelle: I am for the Head Start program and pre-K programs. Helping with early interventions sets people on a path for success. Federally funded money funds Head Start. Because legislation has changed, pre-K is also a part of school curriculum now. RO offers half days and full days.
• Question #3: STAAR Test is a requirement. What resources would you commit to ensure our students success?
Michelle: I feel like additional resources need to be given to the high school because it's a requirement for graduation. It's vital that we ensure that our high schoolers are prepared with all the resources they need to be test ready. Maybe implement programs in the early morning, afternoon, or weekends. We need money to pay for educators. If we don't make it a priority, the teachers won't be prepared and either will the students. We need to give resources financially if they're necessary.
Ernie: Our focus should be on the needs of our staff. Anything we can provide to teachers and staff would have a direct impact on our students. Being in education for nearly 20 years, I am aware that we can buy all we want but it's the training we need to implement those resources. If the teachers have the training and professional development to implement those resources to be efficient, than that's a step toward ensuring the students success.
• Question #4: What is your place on home school, charter school, and private schools students participating in extracurricular activities in the public school?
Ernie: Because they already participate in academics, like ACT and SAT, I'm for it in for extra competition. As long as criteria is met for UIL regulations, I would welcome the opportunity to always measure where we stand.
Michelle: We need to make sure it's regulated. Parents have the choice where they want their kids to go to school. If they want to participate in extracurricular activities, they should be publicly educated too. Participating in extra curricular activities is a privilege. I am proud to be a product of public education.
Q & A Portion for Place 7
• Question #1: How do you see ROISD responding to the competition of charter and private schools?
Melanie Peterson: I am not sure we are in competition. I think charter and private schools give an alternative because they're looking for something different. I don't really see that we are in competition.
Dr. Gregory Kimble: I have been walking the community and as a therapist, I want to try and find the symptom of why people are leaving ROISD for charter and private schools. Why? Understanding the needs of the parents and children, ROISD, community, PTA, etc. Is a different need being met in charter or private schools?
• Question #2: In the face of declining resources, what projects do you see for the future bond elections and projects?
Dr. Gregory: Eventually, you have to plan for your future. There will have to be a second high school. It's not if, but when. You have to plan for that now.
Melanie: I agree with Dr. Kimble that our community is steadily growing and will need more schools at some point. But, right now, The biggest concern is the middle school, which is the most crowded. Look for building a new one or renovating. Also, renovating and expanding at elementary locations for projected growth.
• Question #3: What's your position regarding self-esteem in self worth education programs?
Melanie: I think it's very important for that aspect to go along with education. They might not hear that any other time of day.
Dr. Gregory: I agree that self image, identity, and self-esteem are important. You have to put in certain programs and it has to be put in the curriculum.
• Question #4: How important are athletics, fine arts, and other extra curricular activities important to an overall education? How should they be funded?
Dr. Gregory: Through the district budget. It brings out our community and school pride. Also, we need the academics that go with it too. Scholar athletes.
Melanie: I think that fine arts and other activities are important in overall development of students. It should be funded through the general fund, because we're molding the whole child. Academics should be priority but funding should go to extracurriculars.
• Closing statements: Candidates are given 2 minutes to why we should vote for each particular candidate.
Michelle: Thank you to school board and candidates. I'm running again because one year term became a 6 month term because of covid-19. I'm running for a 3 year term now. My child is in elementary. I am also proud to say that I'm the first African American elected onto the school board.
Ernie: Thank you to school board, PTA, and chamber of Commerce. I was a middle school teacher in Red Oak. And thanks to friends and family.
Melanie: Loves ROISD and community. It held on to its values while rising up with new technology. "Hawks United" is our motto for the year; we stick together.
Dr. Gregory: I'm a preacher, I love children, and I am passionate about young people. My theme is "together we can achieve" diversity, inclusion, and I am delighted to serve.
Clint Woodward: Elections shape our community and our future. Thank you for being here tonight.
Here's a link to watch the live version:
