001We're so fancy. Okay, guys. Hi. I would like to welcome all of you. My name is Den Payne. I'm the chairman for the education foundation board. And we put this together because there have never been that we know of 10 people running for the school board or three places especially. And if you're like us, we really want to get to know all of these individuals that are here. So, um, thank you everybody for being here. This is taking time out of your evening and away from families or events and we appreciate that. And we really want to start by thanking the candidates guys. This is a huge time commitment and running for the school board. It takes energy, a commitment to community service and a passion for all of the kids and all of the
002people that you will serve. So, we appreciate you stepping forward. We also want to thank all of the community members. If you filled out that survey, thank you so much. This is where all of the questions that are coming tonight, they will come directly from that survey. We could not ask nearly the numbers I was explaining to the candidates. I had nine pages of questions that were submitted by 62 respondents. So, out of the entire voting community, we had 62 responses and there were nine pages once I took that one little column from the Excel spreadsheet and printed it out. And so, um, in case you're wondering, these candidates have not seen the questions before tonight. They've not heard the questions. And in fact, on our small committee, I'm the only person who's seen all
003of the survey data. It's anonymous. We don't know what you said unless you told us your name or your child's name or something like that. So, anyway, we carefully reviewed everything and we started noticing some patterns in the data. We started realizing that there were some common themes. And so from that, that's how we came up with the questions for tonight. I'd like to go over the format so that everyone knows what to expect. Um, each candidate is going to have the opportunity for opening remarks. They get two minutes to introduce themselves because most of you may not know each of the candidates and you'll get to know them. Then we will move on to the question section and Amanda Talbert is our moderator tonight. She'll be giving the questions and each candidate has 90
004seconds to answer. And again, they've never seen the questions. They don't know what's coming at them. Um, but all candidates are going to see or hear all five questions, but they will not be said in the same order. So, you're not going to hear the same answer 10 times in a row. Okay. um to keep the discussion uh respectful and focused. We've already talked with the candidates, but we've asked them not to address each other now that they're on stage, not to bring up another candidates's u maybe something that was posted on social media or one of their perspectives. We want them to keep everything based on their thoughts and opinions. Okay. Um candidates, we have said you'll be redirected once by Corey Verle. He's our mic manager over here. And if you do choose
005to respond to someone else or comment, we're probably um going to stop you right there and we won't ask you any more questions the rest of the evening. So just respect that for us. Thank you. Okay. We've asked the candidates no cell phones, no smartwatches, no devices on on the stage. And um with that, I think we're ready to get started. Okay. Okay. We are going to start with the opening remarks and you each have two minutes. I'm going to introduce first Julie Daniel running for place one. Good evening and thank you uh for taking time to be here tonight. Uh my name is Julie Daniel and I'm running for China Springs School Board because I care about our students, our staff, and our community. As a former teacher, I've seen firsthand how board decisions
006show up in the classroom, shaping the culture and support that teachers experience and the experience students have each day. That understanding has shaped how I approach this role. Every decision should come back to one question. How does this affect students in the classroom? My top priorities are simple. I want to ensure that our classrooms have the support that they need. Strong teachers, adequate staffing, and the resources for students to be successful. And second, I believe we must be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars by prioritizing spending that directly impacts our students. And finally, I'm committed to improving transparency and communication so that families and staff feel informed, heard, and respected. China Spring is a strong community and has a lot to be proud of, but there's always room to improve. I'm running to bring a thoughtful
007classroom centered perspective to the board and to help ensure that decisions are made with students not systems as the priority and I would be honored to earn your support. Thank you. >> Thank you, Julie. Next, we have Holly Dunham also running for place one. >> Good evening. My name is Holly Dunham and I just want to say thank you to the education foundation for hosting this evening and thank you to Delin and Amanda and the whole team that that helped put this together tonight. Um I just want to share a little bit about myself as we get started tonight. My husband and I moved to China 19 years ago specifically for the schools. We have three children that were raised in China ISD and are all graduates from China Spring. And um it's been a
008really great experience for our family. So, you know, I have that experience that's been beneficial for me as a board member. I have a master's degree in education, um, specifically in curriculum and instruction and 19 or 14 years working in my family's automobile business, um, managing a big budget. So, those two things work really well when you're working on a school board. Just that experience has been beneficial for me in this role. I've served the district and the community in a number of ways over the last 19 years that we've been in China. um whether it was writing a grant for the playground at the intermediate school that we we won. Um several more grants that I've written that we have been awarded to China spring or serving on the district CAT team or the
009SHA team or any other other variety of things that I've done done for China Springs. So those experiences all play into helping me make good decisions for students. Um my husband and I are both retired, but we are foster parents. I have a baby at my house right now that's 12 days old. So, if I'm a little off tonight, I've I've lost sleep in the last five days since we've had her. Um, but foster care is near and dear to my heart. My first foster baby is actually a student in China ISD. So, I'm still really invested in what happens in our in our district. Um, even though my students have graduated. So, um, I just want to share that that I care about kids, that my experience matters as we move forward as in
010the next couple of years. We're going to have a lot of transition new board members this year. Dr. Faulner will be retiring in the next couple of years, potential for new board members in the future. So, that experience matters. Thank you, Holly. Next, we have Brad Minik running for place one. Good evening, uh, members of the board, educators, parents, and community members. Appreciate the opportunity to speak this evening. My name is Brad Medics. I'm a father of three and a husband. Uh, and we've been involved in this community for the past four years. I'm running for place one. And I'm here because I care deeply for this community, this school, and the future we are building for our current and future students. Public education is is more than just test scores, policies, or budgets. It's
011about that student who might need a little extra support to succeed. It's about that teacher that goes beyond the the classroom to inspire. It's about us as families who place faith and trust into this system to prepare or to prepare our children for the future. I believe most of us are in this room in this room share a common goal. A high quality education for every single student. The way we achieve that goal goes much deeper than just numbers on a paper or data provided by a spreadsheet. This this requires thoughtful leadership, transparency, and a willingness to listen. As a candidate for school board, my sights and goals would be to prioritize decisions that are student centered, evidence-based, and grounded in in the long-term impact of our school district. Our community deserves clarity, accountability, and
012a positive collaboration. When we work together with purpose and respect, we create schools that truly serve every child. Thank you. >> Thank you, Brad. Next, we are moving on to place two and starting the candidates with Conor Elliot. >> Good evening and thank you everybody for being here. Your presence here definitely shows how much you care about uh this event itself and the future of of our school district. Uh my name is Connor Elliot, running place 2. I am a 2010 graduate of China Spring. Uh grew up here my whole life, all 33 years. My family goes back six decades. Uh starting their roots here. And we they have seen what this town has grown into what it is today. My wife and I have two daughters, one in first grade and another one to
013be in kindergarten in two years. So I look forward to having my children here for uh the next 14 years in the school district. I've been a local business owner for roughly 12 years now and also the superintendent at Lake Waco Golf Club and want nothing more than to help uh people choosing help keeping this school the choice of schools in Mlin County for families and people moving here to that want their children to grow in and learn in funding for all public schools is something that is and will always be uh an issue uh for schools. Uh the state's been pretty firm on there's no new money that they want or will give us. Uh so finding new ways potentially uh to create more revenue for the district is something I hope to be
014able to give. This position that all of us are doing and running for of volunteering our time does come with it scrutiny but also its ways of satisfaction and seeing our students succeed and our student teachers succeed in the classroom, outside the classroom, and in the world after graduating. This is what makes everything worth it. With your vote, hard work and dedication is what you'll be choosing. >> Thank you, Connor. Next in place two, we have Frank Mlen. Good evening. I'm Frank Mcclullen running from place to you. We moved here a little over a year ago. I don't call pepper. It's me, my wife, my two kids. I have two older kids from my first marriage. So, my kids stretch anywhere from 28, 24, 14, and seven. Of course, the 14year-old is an eighth grade
015here. Very active in sports, honors society, uh takes all honors classes. My daughter, seven-year-old, at the primary school, uh, play softball. She's very active. Dance, tumble, everything that involves a young girl. I'm very family oriented. The only reason I put my name in this hat is to give all of you a choice. Okay? I'm a nurse. My wife's a nurse. My wife works at China Springs ISD. She heads up the CCMAC program. I work at Pilgrim's Pride Mountain. I'm occupational health. I started out as an ER nurse. I've already told you about my kids. We came here because we love this district. We moved here from Worthing. We looked around. We had friends here. We had friends in the marina. We said wherever our perfect house comes up, that's where we're going. We came here.
016We've never regretted that till this day. I stand on the firm belief of let's do this together. Okay? It's not my voice. If I get your vote, it's because you want me to represent you. Not only myself, but you. So, I promise you, my phone's always on. My email's always on cuz I'm on call for pilgrims 24 hours a day so I can be on call for you, too. Okay, let's try to do this together. I love this district. I don't have any problems with it. I want to keep it great and moving forward. >> Thank you, Frank. Finally, in place two, we have Ashley Peacock. Hi, good evening. Um, for those of you that don't know me, I'm Ashley Peacock. I am a China Spring graduate. Um, I am a wife, a mother of
017four. I have 15 around 15 years in education. That kind of says my age. Um, but I definitely have a background in the education world. Actually, I could probably say longer than that. My mom was a teacher as well and so really my whole life uh has been in education but my mom um actually taught prek at China and then ironically enough my father my sister and myself have worked here so we're definitely um believe China spring ISD is a great school district. My background in education is that I started out as a substitute teacher in China and then I became a teacher and um taught at a couple different districts depending on where my husband's career took us. Um and then came back home and was an assistant principal at the elementary before the
018campuses split. And then when they split, I became the principal at the primary. Last year, I did have to take a step back because, well, guys, I have four kids and with kids come a lot of time and commitment also. And so, I just did not have enough time in my day to run children around starting at 4:00 um and be able to do that and hold a full-time position where I needed to stay later than 4:00. So, for my family's sake, I did take a step back. But in saying that, I still want to be a part of the community that raised me and helped shape me into who I am today. And so, um, instead of getting paid to work for the district, I want to volunteer. My husband's still trying to figure
019that one out, but, um, I want to make sure that I'm giving back to the community and that we are carrying on our legacy at China. >> Thank you, Ashley. We will start the candidates. We have four candidates for place two. So, for or for place three. Place one and two book have three. And then our final place has four. So, the first candidate is Anthony Collier. Hey everyone. First off, I just want to say thanks so much to Amanda and the Education Foundation for hosting this tonight. Uh my name is Anthony Cawer and my family and I are proud to call China Spring home. Um just to give you a little introduction of who my family is, my wife Megan has been in education for well over a decade. Um many of those years
020she served right here at China Springs ISD. In fact, she's probably taught some of your kiddos. She was an absolute rockstar math teacher at the high school. Uh we've got kids that attend multiple campuses. Couldn't be more proud of them. Um to tell you a little bit about myself, I've been involved in this community for years now. Uh it started I coached youth sports. I served on the board for the China Spring Youth Athletic Association uh as treasurer in past years. I'm currently on the board for the education foundation where I get to co-chair the scholarship committee. I sit on the sitebased committee at the intermediate school. So I get to have a dad's view, a parents view and being involved in that campus. And I've even been lucky enough I yes I'm going to
021say lucky enough I've been a substitute teacher um as well in the district. So my focus honestly is really simple. And before I even say that, I want to say this. Because I've been a substitute teacher and because I've been involved in all that stuff, I can tell you firsthand, it is the people of China Spring that make this place so great. It's you. Y'all are what make China Spring great. And my focus is I want to make sure that we support and retain some really great teachers. I want to make sure that students are at the center of every decision that we make as a board. And then lastly, we know China Springs is a great school, but what can we do to make it even better? Uh, I'm not running on an agenda.
022I'm here to simply listen. I want to serve and I want to make thoughtful decisions that reflect our community's values. I'd appreciate your vote. Thanks so much. >> Thank you, Anthony. Next, we have Jesse Gaston, also in place three. >> Thank you for having us tonight. Um, my name is Jesse Gaston. I've been a resident in China Springs since 2013. My wife and I moved here from Waco. We have two kids that currently attend China Spring ISD. We have one in the primary and one in the intermediate school. Um I'd like to share a little bit of my background professionally and with nonprofits just to give you um a take on my experience and why I think I'd be a good candidate for the for the board. Um I got my bachelor's degree from Charleton
023State many many moons ago. Um, I have an NBA from the Texas&M system and uh I was in banking for almost 20 years. I helped different uh uh places there and credit and lending and uh I've been a business owner for the last 10 years. So I have a lot of experience in budgeting uh forecasting unfortunately expense cutting things like that to make sure that we're able to take care of our people, our employees. um you know the 401ks are still being masked, providing insurance, things of that nature. So I'm very um wellversed in those kind of things. Um I've served previously on the Conley Education Foundation. Um I was an executive member for CASA, Mlennon, and Hill counties and I currently serve on the heart of Texas Behavioral Network Foundation. Um I got about
02430 seconds left. So um these things have uh helped me, kind of shaped me and guided me to understand a lot of the issues that we have that we're going to be facing in the next three to five years. The state's not giving us more funding. Um and we've got to figure out alternative sources. Hopefully, we can talk about some of that tonight. I have some good ideas I'd like to share. Um I'd like to finish with telling you what I'm for and what I'm against so all of you know exactly who you're getting if you vote for me. Um, I'm for alternative funding solutions, uh, without raising our local taxes, strong financial oversight, full. >> Thank you, Jessie. >> Okay, next we have Joseph. Joseph Hopkins in place three. Good evening and thank you
025for the education foundation for the opportunity to be here. My name is Joseph Hopkins. I'm a former educator, a parent, and an active member of this district. I'm running for the school board for one simple reason. That's to continue to serve China Spring ISD. I've also served the state of Texas as a civil servant for over 20 years, and that experience has taught me one thing, and it's very important. Strong institutions don't run on policies alone. They are built, sustained, and strengthened by people. My connection to this district is personal. My spouse is a counselor here. My oldest son is a teacher and a coach. And I have three other children that are students. At one point, all four of my children were at four different campuses across the district. I've supported this I've supported
026this district as a band roie, a football and a soccer booster, working concession stands, setting up reserved parking spaces, volunteering numerous district events. I've seen firsthand how decisions impact students, families, and staff. I want to be clear about something. I'm not here to grow a business or gain clients or for financial benefit. I'm here to serve, plain and simple. As a former educator, I understand the challenges our schools face. I will listen, ask questions, and make thoughtful decisions. Students are the goal, but teachers and staff are how we get there. They're not just part of the system. They are the system. Strong schools start strong schools start with strong people. And my focus is simple. Student success, teacher support, accountability, and a strong district. My family loves China Spring, and my interests are fully aligned
027because this is where my family lives, learns, and works. This is home. Thank you. >> Thank you, Joseph. And finally, we have Noi Meza as our final candidate in place three. >> Thank you. Uh thank you everyone for attending tonight. I know it's a church night. Uh so hopefully our Lord and Savior will forgive you for being here and not being at church. So um I am an 18-year resident of China Spring and a proud parent of two children who currently attend China Spring High School. One's a freshman and one's a junior. I bring more than 20 years of experience in education, having served as an athletic director, a member in administrative team in public relations, and I'm currently a classroom teacher. I'm also the union rep for ATP on my campus. ATP is an
028association of Texas Professional Educators. In in addition to my work in education, I have served on many boards. I'm a former board of directors for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I am currently a member of LUAC as well as an OD member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. I have extens experience with budgeting and securing grants for funding. I believe in responsible spending by reducing unnecessary costs. My goal is to support increased teacher pay raises while providing options for teacher retention bonuses. Thank you. >> Thank you, Nelly. Okay, at this time we are going to switch gears just a moment and Amanda will be coming up here to start moderating the questions. Candidates, if you guys need more water, just let us know. We've got many back and we've already told them. We know
029it's a long time. So, if you see one of them, get up and go back to the corner. We are having resting breaks if needed, so they're not just leaving. Sorry. Okay, Amanda. Okay. Like a news anchor. Okay. Are y'all ready? Okay. I've been practicing. So, we're going to start with you, Julie. While we're all here for the kids, why are you running for the school board now? And what is your priority? >> Um, the last 18 months I have attended board meetings and listened and learned some of the inner workings of the district. And so I just um there were two open positions. And so I decided that now was the time that I wanted to step up and continue to serve in our community. So, um, yeah, that's why I'm serving. I just
030want to continue to support our teachers and our students. Um, and this just felt like the next right step. So, thank you, Julie. Okay, Holly. How do you currently support the students and educators of CSISD today before deciding to run for the school board? What are you doing to give back to the district? >> Thank you, Amanda. So, I decided to run for school board 12 years ago. So, thinking about what I was doing before I decided to run is kind of hard, but um I was working as a PTA president at that time and writing grants for the playground at the intermediate school and serving on the strategic planning committee that wrote the mission and vision for the district. So those things led me to feel like board work was the next thing that
031made sense in my journey in China and that it because I wanted to help make decisions that made the most lasting impact for kids and teachers in our district. So that's what I was thinking about 12 years ago. What I'm thinking about today is totally different. Um after being on the board for 12 years, what I'm thinking about is that we are facing a lot of change in the next several years. I started to talk about that a minute ago and kind of ran out of time, but we will have at least two new board members this year. There's a possibility for more new board members over the next couple of years. Like I said, Dr. Faulner is probably going to be retiring in the next year or two if you didn't know that, surprise.
032But, uh, that's a lot of change. Our district has not faced that kind of change since I've been on the board. So, I think that experience matters right now and being here to help usher in the next generation of leaders in our district is important. And I think being able to help mentor those people is important. And to be able to help mentor the next um superintendent as we hire a new superintendent the next year or two is important. So that's that's why I'm doing what I'm doing right now. >> Thank you, Holly. Okay, Brad. Your first question is please explain the role of school board member. uh schoolboard member is somebody that's here to listen um to provide information to the community. Uh somebody that's here to listen to the community. Um and and
033there's somebody that's here to serve. Um and that's that's uh that's something that quite frankly I I enjoy. I enjoy serving the community. I enjoy serving the kids. Uh and I enjoy interacting with the kids. Um I'm a I'm a volunteer coach. my I coach youth sports, whether it's my daughter, uh my two boys, um but but somebody that's here to be engaged and and involved in the community. Um this is not a um a a lord over the community type situation. This is somebody that's here to to help and to serve and and to be a voice for the community. Um it's it's a few people in a room that make decisions that impact so many lives. And so it's it's somebody that will take the time uh to communicate with the community, ask
034questions, be there to serve and answer questions of of community members. And so with that, that's that's what I think a board member is. >> Thanks, Brad. We'll take Connor your first question. Have you had children at CSISD? Do your children currently attend CSISD or do you have children who will attend CSISD when they're of school age? All the above. First grader. Uh our oldest being just I guess will turn seven this summer. Uh to look forward to her being able to go to a new campus next year for second grade. Uh youngest just turned four uh this past month. So look forward to her starting kindergarten. I guess roughly 18 months, 16 months or so. Um, but I've been able to take a few tours of of some of the campuses and been able
035to see the great things that each campus has done and is doing with our with our kids and it just makes me very excited to see what my kids will be able to be a part of. >> Thank you, Connor. Okay, Frank, your first question. One of the biggest decisions made by the school board in recent years was the transition to the 4-day school week. Data has shown that this has had a positive impact on test scores, student attendance, teacher retention, and new hires. If you were elected to the school board, how would you determine the benefits and effectiveness of the 4-day school week? Well, the four day school week was another I guess decision that we had to come here. Uh I do believe it gives the kids a new a break from what
036they're doing. Five days a week I you know everybody in this room probably all of us we was 5 days a week. Okay, we understand that four days a week it gives the kids time to reset, rethink things. Uh I know in my own home we went from a five to a four. My eighth my e my eighth grader struggled in Worland to even maintain a B average. We came to China Spring. He asked to be put in honors. He got in honors here and he's a straight A student now. That reflects what China Spring does for their children here as far as teaching wise. That is something that I want to keep in place and keep growing more. U you know sports is important. Very very sportsminded family. I I teach I coach my
037daughter's softball team. I've supported the RBI club. I've helped with the educational foundation, too. Uh I'm I'm very invested in China Spring. And that's what I want to keep because our test scores, if we show up, the star testing, as much as a lot of us hate it, understand that. U it shows what we're doing. It shows that our teachers are quality and they're giving a quality education to our kids. And that's all that matters to me because education comes before sports or anything else in my house and I hope it does in yours too. >> Thank you, Frank. Okay, Ashley, your first question. While we're all here for the kids, why are you running for the school board now? And what is your priority? >> Okay, why am I running for the school board?
038Well, I kind of touched on this earlier. Um, I graduated from here. I um this community helped shape me and make me who I am today. In saying that, I also have a lot of different views that I am able to provide if I am on the school board. I have been a student in this district. I have been an educator in this district, a parent, and a community member. And so looking at situations or um decisions that have to be made through all of these different lenses is a unique perspective that is beneficial when thinking about making decisions for everyone. Um I think it's very important to talk to the community and get their input when making those decisions. Um and just looking at it from everyone's point of views. Okay. I remember that
039you said Amanda, repeat it one more time. >> Okay. While we're all here for the kids, why are you running for the school board now? And what is your priority? >> Okay, thank you. So, short-term memory sometimes, but um my priorities are kids, always kids. Um being in the education system, I can tell you firsthand that any decision that we make, I am going to ask questions and I am going to always think about what is best for kids. In saying that, teachers and staff are right there with them because guess what? If teacher and staff are happy, so are the kids. Thank you, Ashley. Okay, Anthony, your first question. Have you had children in CSISD? Do your children currently attend CSISD or do you have children who will attend CSISD when they are school
040age? >> The answer to that is yes, yes, no. Uh yes, I do have kids in the ISTD. I've got kids that attend four out of the five campuses right now. Don't have one in primary, but all the other campuses they are in. Um absolutely killing it. They're thriving. Uh so yeah, I do have kids in all the ISTDs and love it. >> Thank you, Anthony. >> Okay, Jesse, your first question. Please explain the role of the school board member. So, I think the role of a school board member first and foremost is to um provide access to the community on what's going on, what what's being talked about internally. Um continuing to stay involved in the community, whether that's going to games, um you know, showing up at events that some of the other
041um foundations are growing, things like that. and um really focusing on things that we're going to need to do in the future for the m for the most part. Um but being here, being attentive, listening to what our community is saying, if people in the community feel like they have not been heard, um that we make sure that we're giving them a voice. And that's that's exactly one of the reasons I'm running today is because of that very thing. So um that's my answer. >> Thank you, Jesse. Okay, Joseph, your first question. One of the biggest decisions made by the school board in recent years was the transition to the 4-day school week. Data has shown that this has had a positive impact on test scores. Okay, I was like, that's not me. Um, student
042attendance, teacher retention, and new hires. If you were elected to the school board, how would you determine the benefits and effectiveness of the 4-day school week? Thank you for that. Um I I think the better question to answer is or to ask is is should we change what we've done? Like this is a policy that's in place. Um so the question is do we keep it? Is there something better out there? I have I have a sign in my office and it's and it's a quote by Thomas Edison and it says uh if there's a better solution, find it. Um is there a better solution to that? I I I don't I think probably not. Again, I think that decision's already been made. Um, I've not seen any evidence um to suggest changing that. Um,
043maybe there is, maybe there's not. I've not seen it. Um, so I'm I'm I'm supportive of where we're at. Um, I don't see that changing and I don't really see um a means or a need to do that at this point. >> Thank you, Joseph. Okay. And last but not least, first question for Mr. Noi. How do you currently support the students and educators of CSISD today before deciding to run for the school board? What are you doing to give back to the district? >> Excuse me. Sorry about the phone. My shooters a little high. Uh how do I give back to the district? Well, first of all, by supporting our students currently, like I said earlier, I have a junior and a freshman. uh by supporting them, of course, by fundraising and by attending
044all the different UI activities and also by uh being part of the band booster which my my daughter who's a junior I'm sorry who's a freshman um I believe that we uh as a community as you can see as you as you go to football games we're very very active and supportive of our our football team our band but we also need to support our when plays and other extracurricular activities As for me, if I run for school board, I win. I want to be that person who's wanted to listen. I tell my students at school for you when you turn I say the word listen, turn that word around and become silent. So, you have to be silent. You have to be able to listen and listen to what the community has to say
045and then from there you uh support whatever uh organization that are out there and do your very best. And that's what I tell my kids. do the do the very best that you can and just keep going. Don't give up. Just keep pick yourself up and keep going. >> Thank you, Noie. Okay, starting over. All right, Miss Julie, second question. One of the biggest decisions made by the school board in recent years, which was the transition to the 4-day school week. Data has shown that this has had a positive impact on test scores, student attendance, teacher retention, and new hires. If you were elected to the school board, how would you determine the benefits and effectiveness of the 4day school week? >> Um, I think this is something that we need to continue to monitor.
046I think there's many different factors. Um, you mentioned teacher retention and so I think that turnover and retention rates are something that we continue to monitor. I also think that we um continue to look at student achievement and that can be many different things, not just star test scores. Um it can be um other things too. And then also I think it's important to continue to listen to our teachers and campus administrators. They're on the front line and they um see the things and hear the things. And so I think that those are all factors as we continue to measure the success of our 4day school week. >> Okay. Thank you, Kaylee. Okay, Holly, while we're all here for the kids, why are you running for the school board now? And what is your priority?
047>> All right. Thank you, Amanda. Um, I am running for school board, like I said, because I want to help with the transition as we usher in a new era of leadership. Um, I also am running for school board again because there are things that people just don't necessarily understand about how the school board works. And so, um, I want to be a voice to help people understand. Um, many people up here have said they're here for the community. I think we all agree that we're here for the community. And I'm available if you have questions after this forum. Please come talk to me. I'm happy to answer questions. I've actually sat down with several community members over the last couple of weeks to answer questions and help people understand how budgets work in a
048school district, how accountability ratings work in a school district, all those all those things that are nuanced and complicated in schools. So, um I just I just want to be here to continue to help with that as we um move forward. Thank you, Ollie. Okay, Brad, have you had children at CSISD? Do your children currently attend CSISD or do you have children who will attend CSISD when they are school age? >> I do. I have a sophomore. Um I have a sixth grader and a fourth grader. Um and there are no more children coming. >> I hear that. >> So yes, uh Landre is involved in in athletics. Uh he is uh in honors classes as well. Um my daughter is a uh sixth grader. Um we made a decision four years ago to move
049our kids from my neighboring school district to China Spring uh for the educational purposes. Uh my daughter uh tested out and the the program was offered here at China were were something that we felt would would serve our children better. So we we made the decision uh when Landry was going into seventh grade to make the move over to China. Um, and then we have the wild, rambunctious one that I'm sure everybody knows because he's never met a stranger. And so, and he's a fourth grader and he's just a ball of energy and the teachers handle him very well. So, yes, we we are very involved in the school districts here. >> Thank you, Brad. Okay, Connor, how do you currently support the students and educators of CIS CSISD today before deciding to run for
050the school board? What are you doing to give back to the district? >> Can you repeat the question? >> Absolutely. I kind of stumbled over it anyway. Did you hear that? Okay. How do you currently support the students and educators of CSISD today before deciding to run for the school board? What are you doing to give back to the district? >> Couple of ways that for me personally that um I kind of touched on it for a minute ago in my previous answer. Uh taking a few tours of this of the campuses. Uh there are so many great things that our teachers and admin are doing for our kids. things that when I was in fourth grade or third grade or sixth grade either a wasn't a thought in anybody's mind that I would ever
051get taught or it was it was just never going to happen. But being able to have our kids exposed uh to these great things uh whether it's robotics in fifth and sixth grade that they're introducing them to. So by the time they get to high school uh they're well they're light years ahead of of start compared to starting how we are now in high school. Um but I think doing these tours and being able to see what the teachers and community uh how how the teachers are doing the different activities and the ways that they have u structured their their days to give the kids the best opportunity uh to succeed and time effort and energy is what I have I don't know about energy or time but that is the goal of the giving
052for me to give and support the most is my time effort energy I don't have many or any degrees outside of a GED even compared to a lot of people up here, but hard work and effort is where I strive and give the most. >> Thank you, Connor. >> Okay, Frank, please explain the role of school board member. >> Thank you. Role of school board member to me is pretty simple. I mean, we're we're a good steward of the school's funds. uh we try to ensure that the decisions that we make are transferred from you to us to the decisions that are heard in the board meetings. Um it's it's a very much of a job that you know there's a lot of people that have run it just because like Craigley said you know
053they try to get up in business or whatever. Um, you know, this is merely a school board member is merely your voice to make sure that your tax money is spent wisely and your children are educated to the highest ability. Uh, that's what's important. A schoolboard member always has to worry about budgeting. You know, we have to look at alternative funding. We also have to worry about retention. You know, we want to keep our good educators. We don't want to move them somewhere else. But then on the other hand we know that separation happens because of many different you know aspects of their life. So we have to be able to you know attract quality applicants to come into us to replace the great ones that we do lose. So that my that in my
054opinion is the main role of the store. >> Thank you Frank. Okay. Ashley, have you had children in CSISD? Do your children currently attend CSISD or do you have children who will attend CSISD when they are school age? Fair question. Um, I do have a man junior currently at China Spring ISD. She'll be a senior next year. Um, but my younger three actually do not go to China Spring right now and it has nothing to do with the school district. We love China Spring. Um, honestly, the reason I made my husband and I made that decision is because when I stepped back from education, it was a huge change for my kids. They needed um some extra support and our very close friends that we raise our children together are currently at Bossville. And so
055we felt like at that time that's what our kids needed. And I think all of us as parents try to make a decision on what's best for our kids at that time. Was it the right move? I can't answer that. Um, we're just trying to make the best decisions as as we know. Um, after praying about it and thinking about it future, they will be back at China Spring. We are very excited about that. We have always been involved in the sports. We're doing all the extracurriculars still with China Spring. Um, the only thing that has changed is they did change schools for this one year. >> I think I answered the question. >> You did. Unless you're gonna have any more children, but I don't think so. >> Negative. >> Four is way enough.
056>> That's great. All right. Thank you, Ashley. >> All right, Anthony. One of the biggest decisions made by the school board in recent years was the transition to the 4-day school week. Data has shown that this has had a positive impact on test scores, student attendance, teacher attention, and new hires. If you were selected to the school board, how would you determine the benefits and effectiveness of the 4-day school week? That's a great question. Um, I'm a supporter of the 4-day school week. Uh, personally, uh, my kids, um, absolutely love it. And, um, the biggest thing for me is it gives my kid, uh, my kids an extra day, you know, at the end of the week, they don't go to school on a Friday. So, that extra day in the weekend, it's it's honestly,
057it's it's done a lot for my kids personally, just having that extra day for that mind rest. They go back Monday fresh. Um, secondly, and for me this is probably a little bit more important, love the kids, love that my son and daughters get to play on a Friday or do whatever, but being married to an educator, uh, when the 4-day school week first hit, it was huge for her. Um, it gave her that extra day with no kids in the classroom to lesson plan, to get her grades done, and to get her job done. So on a Saturday and Sunday, she didn't have to bring that home and beg grading while we're trying to have family time. She's drawn away dealing with other things because she was in class on a Friday. So having
058that extra day has really helped the educators, uh, in my opinion. And as you stated, I mean, the data currently is showing that it's hasn't had a negative impact on our kids. And until that changes, I I feel like I'd still completely support the 4day. >> Thank you, Anthony. All right, Jesse. While we're all here for the kids, why are you running for the school board now? And what is your priority? >> Thank you. Um I'm running for the school board two things. The first one is we um the 4 day week and the recent voter tax that passed. Um I So I I was against both of those. Um, and I'll be able to answer the 4 day later when it comes to when it comes back to me. Um, but you know, around
059half the community is divided on this. We had 47% of people that voted against the Vader. Hundreds of people showed up to ask questions and who were concerned about the 4-day week. Yet, we had a unanimous vote on both both items from our current board. And that was concerning to me. Um, and that's one of the reasons I'm running. Um, the second reason I'm running is that we do have a couple of long-term board members that are uh that that are stepping down um that aren't rerunning and I can I have the ability to step right in and help with the um budgeting with some of the tougher internal things with fiscal responsibility any of that kind of stuff I've got a lot of experience for and um I would like to help spearhead those
060things and and uh help get us to a place to where we don't see deficits. Hopefully, we can even run a surplus in certain years. So, that's the that's the goal. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jesse. Okay, Joseph. How do you currently support the students and educators of CSISD today before deciding to run for the school board? What are you doing to give back to the district? >> Well, if you know anything about me and my family, uh we live John Spring. Um, I've got four kids. My wife's a the counselor, like I mentioned earlier. My son's a coach and a teacher, and my other three kids are all involved in various things. Um, it's pretty much my second job is giving back to China. Um, whether it's a booster club event, an education foundation
061fundraiser event. Um, if it wasn't for a calendar, I don't know how we could keep up um going to different events. Um, so that's how I give back. I I I engage. support. Um whether that's some sort of a a financial, you know, helping out with some sort of an event to raise funds, um being there for my kids, watching them, engaging with the students. Um I talked to the teachers trying to find out what's going on. Um for a couple of reasons. One, it's it's like I said, the family is the center of my world and China Spring is my family. I you know, they all go to school here or they work here, every last one of them. So, um, you know, it's I I call it an alignment of interest. What's good
062for China is good for the Hopkins family. Um, so again, that's that's just my life. That's that's what we do. Um, in my house, um, you'll see us football games, soccer games, um, UIL events, band events, uh, like I said, all the fundraiser events. My wife's a booster club president for football, soccer, cross country. Um, and we do that collaboratively. So that's just who we are. >> Thank you, Joseph. Okay, Noey, your second question. Please explain the role of a school board member. >> Okay, the role of a school board members of course is to listen, drive support to the community and of of course to be the voice of the community, educators and students. Keep our taxpayers knowledgeable of where the spending is going and the need of the want. When I'm saying needed,
063what we want is when we use when we spend money, do we need it because the school or the or or the district needs it or do we want it just to have it? And on the board on these boards that I served on, that was my number one question I was ask, the vice president, is it a need or is it a want? And that's what we need to talk. Uh that's the main thing of being on the schoolboard member. We need to let our community and our taxpayers know where the money's going. It is your money. It's our money and it's going to things that we need to figure out how to cut the spending. >> Thank you, Nelly. Okay, round three. >> Okay, Julie, how do you currently support the students and
064educators of CSISD today before deciding to run for the school board? what are you doing to give back to the district? >> Okay, so eight or nine years ago, I stepped away from education after teaching for eight years and um I miss it all the time, but now I get to kind of itch that by volunteering at the schools. My husband says I just work a job now for free instead of getting a paycheck. So, um, but I love what I get to do. I spend countless hours at our primary and elementary campuses, um, as that's where my kids are at currently. But, um, I help our teachers with different events and, um, just classroom needs as they ask. But and then I also serve on our PTA board um just to help with parent
065involvement and engaging the community in that role. So I love my time on the campuses. It's one of my favorite things that I get to do and that's how I give back. >> Thank you, Julie. Okay, Holly, have you had children in CSISD? Do your children currently attend CSISD or do you have children who will attend CSISD when they are of school age? Yes, I have three children who have attended China Spring ISD. We moved to China Spring when my oldest child was in fourth grade. So, he was a Hoover from fourth grade through 12th grade. Um, I have two children who came to China Spring when they were in kindergarten and went kindergarten through 12th grade. My children obviously have all graduated. Um, but like I mentioned earlier, I'm a foster parent and I
066do have um one of my foster children that lives in China. He's a preker this year. Goks and he'll graduate in I don't know what year that is a long long time from now. But um I'm very very invested in his education and what happens in our district for him as well as all the kids in our district. I spend time on campuses frequently visiting with students, talking with teachers. Recently attended the superintendent coun no not superintendent sorry principal council at the intermediate campus and got to visit with intermediate students which was delightful and fun and hear how things are going for them. So, um, even though my kids are not in the district anymore, I'm still very much in tune with what's happening in the district and and students in our district and what's
067happening with those students. Right. Thank you, Alan. Okay, Brad. One of the biggest decisions made by the school board in recent years was the transition to the 4-day school week. Data has shown that this has had a positive impact on test scores, student attendance, teacher attention, and new hires. If you were elected to the school board, how would you determine the benefits and effectiveness of the 4-day school week? >> Uh, I think the two biggest two two biggest keys are kids and teachers. Um, if if kids scores, test scores are are improving and continue to improve. Um, if it's it's not broke, don't don't mess with it. um teacher retention if if it's attractive to teachers, if teachers are staying, if teachers are interested in in joining the district, um why why would you change?
068And so I you know, I think those are the two biggest things. Um financially, there's there's got to be a financial benefit to it as well. Um are you spending less on utilities? Are you spending less on transportation? Um, is is it being a good steward with with the community money by going to the 4 day week? Um, I think all of those factors are are big in deciding whether to stay and and keep the 4 day week or or approach something different. >> Thank you, Brad. >> Okay, Connor, while we're all here for the kids, why are you running for the school board now? And what is your priority? >> Figured why not? Uh not uh giving back to the community that has given me so much, me and my family so much the
069last 33 years of me walking this earth. Uh being born and raised here at China Spring Cougar through and through given me so many opportunities uh to succeed, meet so many people. Um priority being kids and teachers. I think everyone up here would say that def definitely different avenues uh in doing that. um many details and things to go to go with it. Um but I've been to the last seven or eight you're welcome for not using the other number. Um seven or eight meetings I think at the school board meetings and I've learned so much uh at these meetings of the process of the school board uh just the meetings itself uh learning so much about the district. I never really paid much attention to it up until now. Um, so having a very
070open mind of how things work or how they don't work, uh, misconceptions, um, just so much more to learn, uh, if getting getting in in the seat and being able to just work hard and give you everything that I have. >> Thank you, Connor. >> Okay, Frank, how do you currently support the students and educators of CSISD today for the school board? What are you doing to give back to the district? Well, you know, I guess supporting the teachers is, you know, the trying to align what we do in our life with their life. Um, you know, to kind of conform with the new ways of teaching. Of course, again, everybody in here, we probably all learned how to do math a separate way than what they're doing nowadays. And we've all probably fought the
071process and by God, that's not how that's done. But you know what? We just conform and we go. So that's what the support is that I believe that we give to the teachers. Um there's and there's a lot more support than just teachers. You know, we have a lot more employees than teachers. We have, you know, we have maintenance crews. We have a police department. We have we have so many different departments for China that we all support here. And that's what everybody on this panel is here for. We want to be able to support all of them and make make them feel that they're wanted, they're needed, and they're doing a great job as we all know they do because our kids come home, at least mine do, with a smile on their face
072and they're proud to be part of China. >> Thank you, Frank. >> Okay, Ashley, how do you currently support the students and educators of CSS CSISD today before deciding to run to the school board? what are you doing to give back to the district? >> So, I will say that I feel like the most important thing is relationships. No matter what you're doing, what you're working on, relationships is key. And with my background working in the district, living side by side, working side by side with our staff um and students and parents, um I feel like my relationships there have been built and are strong and that um people feel like they can come up to me and talk to me and that I'm open-minded. Um that I won't just make a rash decision because
073guess what? I don't know everything. Um, but I'm not scared to ask questions. And so that's one of the reasons that I want to run for school board. Um, and that I want to be a part of it is because of those relationships. Like y'all are my family, the community. I have um all my people are here. And so I just want to make sure that they're represented and that I um continue to live with them side by side, work with them side by side, even if I'm not in the school every day working with them, them still feel like they have an open relationship where we can talk and discuss anything. >> Thank you, Ashley. Anthony, please explain the role of school board member. >> Absolutely. Um, I think a school board member, uh,
074first off has got to have a listening ear in the community. And that is definitely, uh, something I have, uh, I'm friends with a ton of y'all out in this community. Been involved in the community for a really long time. And I just having different conversations with people in the community. I definitely have a pulse of what's going on in the community. Um, being the the husband of an educator with my kids being at four of the five campuses, I have a really good pulse of what's going on at all of those campuses. And I think it's good uh to have a board member um that realizes what's going on both the community and in the at the campus. Um, another big deal is I think as a board member, we've got to know how
075to be fiscally responsible. Uh we've got to make sure that we are being good stewards uh with the limited resources that we have. Um everyone knows that the state uh isn't doing us any favors. So I want to make sure as a board member um that we are fiscally responsible and are good stewards. And obviously as a board member we have oversight over Mark uh as a superintendent. Um, and I think that is a that's a fine line of hey, I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to support Dr. Faulner. Uh, but also, you know, checks and balances. Just checks some balances. So, that's uh another last thing is have a servant's heart. >> Thank you, Anthony. Okay, Jesse. One of the biggest decisions made by the school board in recent
076years was the transition to the 4-day school week. Data has shown that this has had a positive impact on test scores, student attendance, teacher attention, and new hires. If you're elected to the school board, how would you determine the benefits and effectiveness of the 4-day school week? >> Um, so I've read a couple of board reports um about some of these things. So, the first thing is, you know, when we initially went to the 4-day week, it looked like the U leaving the district and and I'm going to guess it's total employees, not teachers, but it was it went from 20% to 10%, which is a great reduction. Um, comparatively in the 24 to 25 school year, uh, 58 employees left. I'm going to guess that's total for the district. If it was just teachers,
077we're looking at like 25%. it was total for the district. We're looking at about 15%. So, or closer to 16%. So, there would be an increase from there. I'd like to know why. You know, I'd like to I'd like to ask those questions. Um u you know, the 4day was put in place. Um I don't think that it's a it's you know, necessarily a terrible thing, but I'd like to give a different perspective. Um my wife and I work, a lot of the families I've talked to have two people working um between sports with our young ones, and when we home at night because they don't get off the bus until 5:15 or 5:30 most days. Um, we're doing homework between 9:30 and 10. Um, and that's tough, especially for the young ones. Now, high
078school, I can see that that might be a benefit for that. Um, but with our young ones, that's that's that's pretty tough. And so, I wanted to share a different perspective on that because we've had a hard time adjusting, not to mention the added daycare expense that we have. Um, but thank you. >> Thank you, Jesse. Okay, Joseph. Have you had children in CSISD? Do your children currently attend CSISD or do you have children who will attend CSISD when they're school age? >> Yeah. So, this is going to be an easy question for me. I could talk about my kids forever. Um, I love my kids. They're they're kind of my world. They're here tonight supporting me. Um, so the answer is yes. Um, we have four four children. Uh, my oldest graduated from China
079in 2019, 2020. It runs together. Um, Anyway, he he went to Texas Tech and he is back at China Spring as a coach and a teacher. Um, so I love love Hayden. He's been great. I've got a senior Cameron. Um, Cameron's been involved in just about everything. China Spring. He does everything. Band, student council, cross country, soccer, track. Um, Weston, my other son, uh, plays football. He's actually had some some ACL trouble the last few years. Plays football, played basketball, plays soccer. My daughter's an eighth grader. Um, so Kesley is involved in everything that the boys are not involved in. So she plays volleyball, basketball, wants to do powerlifting. She's really involved in the FFA. Um, so that's been our life. Um, like I said, I I could talk about my kids forever. Um, I'm
080a family guy. That's that's who that's who we are. Um, that's what I am. That's what I know. Um, and that and that's China. Um, I said, you'll get our calendar. It's almost every night our kids are involved with something um doing something and that's not saying anything about my wife and her counselor duties and what she does up here. So yeah, like I said, I could go on forever. >> Thank you, Joseph. Okay, Noie, while we're all here for the kids, why are you running for the school board now? And what is your priority? Well, I'm running because I've have several co-workers, former co-workers who now currently work here at China Spring. The reason I'm running is for the teachers. I want to have I want to be the voice for our educators here
081at China Spring ISD. I believe they deserve a good pay raise. As I did my homework and those of you that know, Child Spring is the lowest pay raise, lowest paid teachers in our district. And I really truly believe our teachers deserve the best. The best curriculum, the best equipment, the best classroom, and of course, the best in pay. And how do we do that? Through interest and seeking. I also believe that our teachers deserve a retention bonus for coming back. The question was asked, why do teacher leave? Well, we don't know, but I'm sure one of the pay. Um, I don't want to throw out numbers out there right now, but I truly believe our teachers deserve the pay that they deserve. Uh, the district that I came from or that I'm currently in,
082uh, we got a very, very big bonus from the state. And I believe where I'm with the the pay that I got, China Springs should get the same pay. Our teacher deserve the best. We have the best kids. We have the best district. And our teachers are the best. And they they deserve the best. And that's with pay, that's with retention check, and that's with their with all the equipment again in the best curriculum. >> Thank you. No. >> Okay. Dude, please explain the role of a school board member. >> Okay, that's a great question. I think there's some misconception that the school board has all this control and makes unilateral decisions and um that's not the case. the role is um not micromanaging. We have um talented people in positions and we um need
083to trust them. But I do think the board um should set clear expectations and hold leadership accountable to those expectations um while also supporting educators. So um another important part of being a board member would be listening to all the stakeholders. So, community members, teachers and staff, families, parents. Um, yeah, that's what I'm looking for. >> Thank you, Julie. >> Okay, Holly. One of the biggest decisions made by the school board in recent years was the transition to the 4-day school week. Data has shown that this has a positive impact on test scores, student attendance, teacher attention, and new hires. If you were elected to the school board, how would you determine the benefits and effectiveness of the 4-day school week? Okay. Um, I'll be completely honest. When Dr. Faulner came to us and said,
084"We're thinking about going to a 4-day school week. We just don't know what we're going to do to retain teachers and attract new teachers with the budgetary constraints we have. I was very reluctant as an educator. I was concerned about what that would mean academically for our students. Academics obviously is the primary reason we're here. So I really was concerned about that particularly in lower grade levels. I was concerned that students would forget things over the weekend and have to be retaught every week and that that would end up being a curriculum deficit at the end of the year that we wouldn't get through the entire curriculum. So I you want to talk about asking a lot of questions. Dr. Faulner can attest to the probably hours that he spent answering my questions as we
085were heading into a 4-day week. Um, I supported it after talking to him and at this point I completely wholeheartedly support it. It has been beneficial for our students. It has been beneficial for our teachers. Everybody in our district is doing better and thriving on a 4-day week. It talking about sitting with the principal council at the intermediate school. Those kids told me not in so many words, but that their work life balance is better on a 4-day week. That they can focus when they're in the school. They can learn better when they're in school. that things are just easier when they're at school because they have time to rest and recover. >> Thank you, Holly. >> Okay, Brad. While we're all here for the kids, why are you running for the school board now?
086And what is your priority? Um, my initial thought was why why am I doing this? Um, I I've got enough irons in the fire. So, why throw this this in the fire as well. Um, but to make a difference, quite simply, uh, to to be a difference maker, um, for for community, um, you know, we've we've seen some we've seen a lot of academic improvements. Um, but don't stop. Uh, find find ways to continue to improve. Um, continue to be a voice for the community. Um, decisions I think I said it earlier, decisions are made by a small group of people, six people, seven people, however many people are on the board, um that affect an entire community that in that uh uh affect an entire school system. And so and and then the budgetary
087impacts um that's that's kind of my um that's my forte. That's what I do. Um as an accountant for for a large construction company, um I see finances all day long. And so um you know that the biggest hurdle we face as a district is is that that budgetary um constraint and so uh those those are the three areas that that I see. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Conor please explain the role of school board member. making sound decisions um for the district is definitely I guess one of the biggest roles. Uh many of the things that are set up here tonight can kind of be given to everybody to say the same thing, but being the eyes and ears of the community, listening, uh being good stewards, info is there to be seen
088and to be uh read for for our transparency. Unfortunately, the state making things very um difficult for us in the community to understand what all these different things mean. Um the you can go on the website, school website and read the school board minutes. So many changes that the board constantly has to make uh voting decisions on that whether we like it or not, it's one of those things you just have to do. uh maybe 90% of the of the things that the school board votes for uh state state demanded um but even though certain I have kids in the district uh there may be times that making a decision or choosing something may not benefit my kids personally but if it benefits the whole community and district itself uh definitely be first and foremost
089uh but once again making sound decisions for for our district uh being one of the biggest parts of our rule. >> Thank you, Connor. Okay, Frank, have you had children in CSISD? Your children currently attend CSISD, or do you have children who will attend CSISD when they're of school age? >> As I said earlier, I do have two. I have an eighth grader and a first grader. First grader is very excited about going to the elementary school because of the big playground that's over there. So just let me u Brody which is my eighth grader. He's participated in all sports. He plays everything that can possibly out there. Looking forward to going into high school to possibly be on the fishing team for that. We do a lot of fishing in our off time. Um
090he participated in track. He and his teammates broke a lot of the records for the junior high this year for eighth grade as far as relays and individual events. So, we're very excited about that group of kids coming up. And that means a lot to me because I want to be excited for all the kids coming up. I want to be excited for all the administrators that look down and go, you know, we all did this together. Like I said, my campaign from the very get was let's do this together. I'm not up here running for myself. I'm not up here running for my kids even though they go for China Springs. I'm not up here running for my wife because she works for China. I'm up here running because I want your vote so
091we can do this together to keep China spring great and get even better. >> Thank you, Frank. Okay, Ashley, please explain the role of a school board member. >> Okay. Um, the role of a school board member, the main thing is listening to the community. a schoolboard member is representing the community and so asking questions um getting advice from others. I'm not an expert in every field for sure. I know some about education in that world but when other things come across um the school board for making a decision I need to reach out to my resources. China Spring is a wealth of knowledge. We have so many people in our community with different backgrounds that can um help with research and opinions, everything that goes into making a decision. And so it's important that
092a schoolboard member is out there talking to everyone and making sure that everyone is represented when a vote comes to the board. Transparency is another important thing. Um just making sure that the community knows what's happening and why decisions are made. Why is such an important question. Um if we make a decision, we need to tell everyone why that decision was made and another option wasn't taken. I think that's where a lot of miscommunication comes from. Um is just things not being explained and the why not be being given. And so as a school board member, I think that's very important and to break it down so that everybody understands the reasoning behind it. >> Thank you, Ashley. Okay, Anthony, while we're all here for the kids, why are you running for the school board
093now? And what is your priority? >> Great question. >> Thanks. >> Yeah, you're welcome. Um, at the end of the day, I'm a dad. I'm a dad that has kids in the district and I want to be involved in their education. Um, let's just be honest. Any decision that the board makes has a direct impact on my kids and my family has an impact on your kids and your family. So, that's that's big for me. Um, I deeply care about student success. Uh, I want to make sure that teachers feel valued and I want to make sure also that the community, I mean, we've talked about this a lot tonight, but I want to make sure that the community feels heard. Uh, I want to be that listening ear for them. So, China Spring means
094a ton to my family and I'd be honored to give back by by serving the district. >> Thank you, Anthony. Okay, Jesse. How do you currently support the students and educators of CSISD today before deciding to run for the school board? What are you doing to give back to the district? >> Okay, so since uh I'm the finance guy, uh my taxes number one. Um but uh separate from that, we um you know, I've enjoyed uh my kids playing the CSA um sports league. I've coached my son in a couple of teams. My daughter, on the other hand, I cannot. She's very much like me, so we don't I don't help coach her. Um, but they love that. They um, you know, we love going to the gallas that are thrown for the football team,
095for the baseball team. We try to sponsor what we can to help raise money. So, um, some of these shortfalls that are happening, we're still able to do. Um, so that's how I'm, you know, we try to continue to be involved in the community. I mean, that's something that won't stop. our kids are going to be here for quite some time. Um, I plan on uh continuing to do that with with personally and with my company. I mean, we we like to be a part of something. We like to go to the football games. My son loves going to football games, going to baseball games. Um, it's uh China Spring is where my wife and I graduated from Midway back in way a long time ago. And China Spring today is like what Midway was
096back then and that's why we moved here. That was the whole reason we wanted to raise our family here was so they would have a similar type of experience and school all the way up. Go to kindergarten, graduate in 12th grade, have friends for life. That's that's why we moved here. So, >> Thank you, Jesse. Okay, Joseph, please explain the role of a school board member. >> Uh, so the obvious answer is administrative oversight. Um, but I don't really think that's the focus of a school board member. Um, I believe in servant leadership. I think that's the role, the true role of a school board membership or a schoolboard member. Um, you have to learn to to lead people um, and not manage the things and the policies and the procedures. And that's where the
097school board members rarely come into effect. We have great leadership here at China Spring. Um, obviously there's an oversight component to that. You need to hold those folks accountable for their jobs, but they're good at their jobs. Um, I know a lot of those folks. Um, personally, I see what they do. I feel what they do because what they do affects my kids. It affects my family so much. Um, one of the things that I think China board member needs to needs to needs to hold when it comes to, you know, your role as a as as a board member is to keep in mind that you don't we don't need more budget analysts on the board. I think we have plenty of those and I and I think the guys are doing great for
098there. um teachers, staff, the students, they're more than statistics, they're more than figures, they're more than numbers on a spreadsheet. Um so I think a true school board membership, the reason I'm I'm I'm choosing to run is to try to make that a grounding point for us. Um like I said, it's this is our life. Um this is who we are. Um and it's important to keep that in mind and keep that the goal. So thank you. >> Thank you, Joseph. Okay. No way. One of the biggest decisions made by the school board in recent years was a transition to the 4-day school week. Data has shown this had a positive impact on test scores, student attendance, teacher retention, and new hires. If you're elected to the school board, how would you determine the benefits
099and effectiveness of the 4-day school week? >> Thank you. Coming from a district where we're we have every Friday off, uh I believe a 4-day school week is great. It helps out with mental health. Mental health is a real thing. I know some people believe it is not, but it really is. Uh before I became a teacher, I was healthy. I was athletic. I did many many things. I'm very active with my children. Within the 18 years, I'm on three medications. I I'm not joking. I'm not joking. Uh we need we need that break. Uh, it's good for uh, like I said, it's good for for our students. It's good for our teachers. It helps with planning. It helps with grading. And it helps being with family. Me family is number one to me. My
100church and then my kids. Uh, I love spending time with them. Uh, when I was a coach, I missed out on a lot of things. I was working seven days a week, 24 hours a day. I never I never got to see them grow up and I kind of regret that. But with this 4 day week, uh, I believe is is good for Timer and I wish the whole state of Texas would go four days because as a teacher, we do need that mental break. Um, again uh hopefully u we continue on with this 4 day and u u support our teachers and continue on doing that. >> Thank you. No. Okay, last round guess. I mean, you've heard all the questions a lot of times, but here we go. Okay, Julie, have you had
101children in CSISD? Do your children currently attend CSISD, or do you have children who will attend CSISD when they're of school age? >> I want to hear you say that like five times. >> I mean, you think I have it memorized by now, but I'm still reading it like I'm in the first grade. >> Um, I do have two children that attend China Spring. I have one in third grade at the elementary campus and I have one in kindergarten at the primary campus. So, we're here for the long haul. We moved to Waco and China Spring specifically for the schools in 2022 when our son was starting kindergarten. So, we were excited to be here and um have had a great experience throughout the years so far. >> All right. Thank you. Okay, Holly, go
102ahead. rule. >> Yeah, please explain the rule. School board member. I got you. >> So, I want to echo the sentiment of everybody else up here tonight and just say um we are here to to represent the community. We're here to represent teachers and students when we're making decisions as a schoolboard member. But the the true role of a school board member is governance. It's setting policy. It's adopting the budget, not setting the budget. it's um hiring and firing the superintendent and then delegating responsibility for running the district to him. So, one of the things that a schoolboard member does a lot of is supporting the superintendent. Um we also are responsible for advocating for public schools. I do a lot of advocacy for public schools, whether it's going to Austin to talk to legislators
103several times over the last 12 years, writing letters, making phone calls, specifically advocating for things that are best for our district. obviously all public schools, but really fighting for what's best for China, our students, our teachers, and our communities. So, um, like I said in the beginning, I am always available. I am happy to sit down and talk with people. So, if you have input or ideas or suggestions or questions, please reach out to me. You can find me on Facebook or you can find me on the district website. I have a district email, so you can reach me in that way, too. Um, so anyway, thank you again, Amanda, for hosting tonight. Of course. Thanks, Ollie. Okay, grab. How do you currently support the students and educators of CSISD today before deciding to run
104for the school board? What are you doing to give back to the district? >> Uh my we're very involved um with the school. Um whether that's uh my wife coming to me and and the booster club football president saying, "Hey, I need this done." Um, and so you redesign and rebuild a a trailer. Um, if it's uh t-shirts being being made, um, taking over our bedroom, um, if it's, uh, supporting the kids and all of their activities, um, you know, that's that's what we're going to do. Uh, and we're going to continue to do that. Um but to be engaged uh and support volunteer time uh support financially what whatever means it is um we're just going to do it. Um you know our kids spend more time here with with educators than they do
105at home with us especially during the school year. I mean they're up here eight hours a day uh four days a week. Um, and so you guys spend a lot of times with all of our kids and so being engaged and and volunteering and and being involved with the teachers, uh, why why wouldn't you? Because they're spending more time with your kids than than you are. And so that that's a big thing for us, um, to to stay involved with with educators and and coaches, uh, teachers, whoever it may be. >> Yeah. Thank you, Brad. Okay, Connor. One of the biggest decisions made by the school board in recent years was the transition to the 4-day school week. Data has shown that this has had a positive impact on test scores, student attendance, teacher attention,
106and new hires. If you're elected to the school board, how would you determine the benefits and effectiveness of the 4-day school week? >> Since the district adopted the 4-day school week, personally for me, my wife, and our family, it does hasn't affected us personally. Um, but I'm thinking to myself, where was this when I was in school? Um, but the our district rating when our last year of the 5-day school week uh was an 85. The first year of the 4 day was an 86. The second year of the 4 day school uh 4 day school week was 87. And this next year is projected to be a 90. So, grade scores and everything across the board is uh on an uprise and I think that's a very positive uh thing with it. Um, I
107believe there's been a poll either given to the uh teachers and administrators and many people in the community since we've adopted the 4-day week. It's been a pretty high approval rating. That might have been different when they first changed. Uh, but with many things, a lot of changes come with pros and cons, and I think as time goes on, we'll see more positive things uh coming with it from it. um with the Vader and many financial things that have been uh voted on, school board gave you the community to the the option uh the opportunity to say yes or no for it and you chose the Vader. Uh without it, this room here might become a eighth grade science or history class with things that might have to change um with not getting it passed.
108I could go on and on about many other things, but my time's up. >> Thank you, Conor. Okay, Frank. While we're all here for the kids, why are you running for the school board now, and what is your priority? >> As I said when we first started, the only reason I ever put my name in this hat is to give all of you a choice. You know, you read our little Facebook pages, social media, buzz around town. You know, everybody's not ever going to agree with everybody. So, I threw my name in the hat just to say, "Okay, well, here's a choice. Here's a new perspective. Haven't been here long. Been here a little over a year and a half. Love it here. We're not going anywhere. We've already dug our heels in. This is
109where they're going to plant me right here in China Springs." So, y'all are You got me here on the school board or you got me here as a neighbor, but I'm here. Um, like I said again, my priority is for the kids, the administrators, the public, the nurses, the police officers, the janitorials, the coaches. That's what I'm here for. That's my priority. I want to hear. I need feedback. Let's go fight this together and let's improve what is already great. >> Thank you, Greg. Ashley, one of the biggest decisions made by the school board in recent years is the transition to the 4-day school week. Data has shown this has had a positive impact on test scores, student attendance, teacher attention, and new hires. If you're elected to the school board, how would you determine
110the benefits and effectiveness of the 4day school week? Thank you. So, as far as my personal family goes, it's amazing because those Thursday night track meets run really late and so Friday is nice to recover from that. when I was an educator, even as an administrator, I worked on those Fridays, but it gave me time to actually catch up on all of the um little things that needed to be done that I didn't get to do during the week while teachers and kiddos are there. But as a board member, I have to also say, okay, yes, it's great for my family. It it works great for my family, but think about all of the families. And so when this was first proposed um or and even still I wonder about those kiddos who school might
111be their only hot mill um who count on going to school for a safe environment for positive relationships. And so those are the kids that I worry about the most with our 4day school week. Um I think that when making the decisions we continue looking at the data. We continue um asking the community how it's benefiting them, but we need to make sure that we are always rechecking and revisiting to make sure it's still the right decision. >> Thank you, Ashley. >> Okay, Anthony, how do you currently support the students and educators of CSISD today before deciding to run for the school board? What are you doing to give back to the district? >> Another great question. >> Thank you. killing it. Um, for me, the way I give back, I've done a a ton
112of different ways, but being a part of the education foundation is is huge for me. um getting to be the co-chair for the scholarship committee. Uh in fact, we just met and just being able to see kids names come across and giving them scholarships that knowing that hey, they're going to get this money to go on and further their education and just become better people and further their education. And another thing is we have the grants committee on this uh on the education foundation. So again, giving back to those teachers who asked for grants to help them with their their classrooms. Uh and in fact, yesterday in our education foundation meeting, uh Coach Smith came in with his robotics team and put on a show for us and it was absolutely incredible. It was mind-blowing.
113Um and it got me actually super excited for my son. I'm like, "Bro, you need to jump in on robotics this next year." Um, but seeing but seeing that, it was awesome to hear Coach Smith go, "Hey, you know what? The education foundation was our very first investor and that made me feel so good. I've been a sub in the classroom. I'm on the sitebased committee at the intermediate school. I sponsor athletics and I've even been occasionally known to bring some coffee up to the campuses because I know the teachers are like, "Thank you so much because you got to put up with my kiddos." >> Thank you, Anthony. Okay, Jesse, have you had children in CSISD? Do your children currently attend CSISD or do you have children who will attend CSISD when they're at
114school age? >> Yes, I have two that currently attend. Um, we have a a third grader and a sixth grader and um they are full into sports and um make the AB honor roll, thank goodness. and and we're trying to go for perfect attendance this year. So, we'll see. We'll see if we can we can run it out the next month. But, yes, we have two and they're young and they'll be here for till they graduate. >> All right. Thank you, Jesse. Joseph said, "Well, we're all here for the kids. Why are you running for the school board now and what is your priority?" >> So, as I mentioned earlier, I I believe in servant leadership and and that's why I'm here. It's really that simple for me. Um, I I could go on for
115with a more of an answer for that, but that's what it is. I I do want to really briefly talk about some of my my background, my qualifications on how to make that happen or how that how I fit into that role. Um, I was an educator for for a couple of years. Um, I worked for the state of Texas. I was an investigator for over 20 years. Um, so I know how to ask questions. I know how to analyze situations, deal with people, um, to deal with conflict when necessary. Um, so I've done that a long time. I've been a program supervisor. Um, so I manage two different regulatory programs for the entire state of Texas. Um, so I lead a team who leads multiple other teams um, in that regard. Um, so I
116know how to handle budgets. I know how to handle people. Um, like I said, I I I I take that servant leadership approach uh into my professional life as well. And I hope to transition that to to to this role as or potential role within the board. Um, so that's that's just brief uh brief history for me. All right. Thank you, Joseph. Okay, last question of the night, guys. All right, Noey, have you had children in CSISD? Do your children currently attend CSISD, or do you have children who will attend CS CSISD when they're school age? >> Okay. Currently, I have two children that are in China High School. I have a freshman. Uh, at one time, she wanted to be a special education teacher. Uh, she changed her mind. Now, she wants to go
117into communication. I have a son who's a junior. Uh for the longest time he wanted to go to law school. He's preparing to go to law school and he wants to become a politician. Within those 17 years he has been part of the page program in Austin. Uh one time under the state representative Charles Anderson and currently he is he did the page program under state representative Pat Curry. I'm very proud of my two kids for um all their accomplishment. I'm also proud of my wife who decided I'm not going to say her age cuz about say her age. She want me to watch the Ranger game tonight. So, I'm going keep that kind of quiet. But I'm kind of proud of her also because at her age, she decided to go back to school
118and get a bachelor degree in accounting. And in our in our house, we have a model say dream big. And that's what I believe in. I think our our students here at Children High School or I'm sorry, Child, they need to dream big. They can become anything they want to. or they have to put their mind into it. >> Thank you, Noie. Um, I appreciate that you guys have sat here and listened to 10 candidates have to hear you had to hear all five questions twice. So, um, we're going to give you guys like 30 seconds kind of regroup and then we're going to let them do their closing remarks. They each will have one minute to just sum up why they're running for the kids. I know I'm just joking guys. um why they're
119here, why they have earned your vote or why they should earn your vote and then when we complete that um I'll just close it out and we will be having the candidates um go down the side here and then you guys can meet in the comments area and you can have a little time to ask extra questions that we didn't get to. So we will start with Julie for place one for your closing remarks. All right. Thank you again for being here and to the education foundation for hosting and giving all of us an opportunity to speak to the public. Um, at the end of the day, this role is about making decisions that impact students, teachers, and families in our district. I believe those decisions should be grounded in what is best for the
120classroom, guided by transparency, and made with accountability to our community. As a former teacher, an active volunteer in our schools, and a parent, I bring a perspective that understands both the opportunities and the challenges inside our schools today. I'm committed to listening, asking thoughtful questions, and making decisions that will have a positive impact on our students. I'm not running with an agenda. I'm running with a focus. Students first and community trust always. And I would truly appreciate your vote. Thank you, Julie. Um, next we have Holly Dunham. I hope you've heard my heart for children balanced with experience. Tonight, I want to end with this. I am proud to endorse Miss Holly Dunham for the China Spring ISD school board. Over the many years of her service, I have been on the receiving end of
121her unwavering commitment both as a school principal and as a parent. Holly works tirelessly for the cause of what is best for students while also caring deeply for the faculty and staff who serve them each day. She understands that strong schools are built by supporting both learners and educators. Holly takes the time to truly understand the unique needs of each individual campus. Throughout her tenure, this dedication has been evident in countless ways, from securing funding for playground improvements to personally visiting campuses to better understand curricular changes. She does not simply say yes or no to requests. Instead, she thoughtfully seeks to understand the why behind each need before making decisions. Her leadership is both compassionate and intentional. Holly cons consistently shows up attending staff campus events and extracurricular activities in support of students and staff.
122She is present, engaged, and genuinely invested in our district success. Heather Jenkins, >> thank you, Holly. That was quick. All right, Bradz, I I just simply um would appreciate your vote. Um I'm passionate. Um I I want to make a difference. I want to I want to be there for my kids. I want to be there for your kids. Um I want to be a part of a p a positive impact on this community uh going forward. Um we're not going anywhere. We're going to be here a while. Um Bryson's in fourth grade, so you know, we've we've got eight more years of this stuff. And and we are are super excited and and look forward to serving you as a community in any possible way that we can. Um, and I say we because
123this is, yes, I'm running for the school board, but it impacts my family. Um, my wife will be involved, my kids will be involved. Uh, and and we would appreciate your support moving forward. >> Thank you, Brad. Okay, Connor Elliot, >> stretch the hands a little bit, but everything I've ever done in life, I've given it my all. And my wife was probably sometimes too much. But uh this is something that's dear to our hearts as it is to yours. Things we do now not only affects our current student body but also our future students as well. Looking ahead as the world changes each and every day. Being able to make those sound decisions for our teachers, students, and our community is of utmost importance. The future that we want to see starts with creating
124that foundation for our young ones to step in and be a part of achieving excellence in life during and after school. This foundation molds us into what and who we can become and the sky is the limit. There's so much more to learn about the schoolboard process and the functionality of the school district. But learning is what I will do. dedication, hard work, and pushing for greatness is what your vote says and what your focus going forward. Thank you. >> Thank you, Connor. Okay, next. Frank Mlullen. >> Again, I'm just bringing you a choice is what I'm giving you. I'm bringing you a different perspective. I come from a small town, like I said, Woram. I sit there on city council. I sit there as mayor pro Tim. I sat there as vice president on
125EDC. Well, I got a lot of time. I sat there as vice president on the EDC for eight years. Um, you look at a lot of different fundings, you look at a lot of different budgets. Uh, so I bring that knowledge to China Spring. With your vote, I can give China Spring a different perspective. Maybe look at something a different way that, you know, we haven't. And it's all because it's not because I'm better than anybody else that's sitting up here on this panel or anybody that's currently on the board. Sometimes it's just a different way to look at things that makes everything for your tax dollars, your kids, and our district better. So again, let's do this together. I'm asking for your vote. >> Thank you, Frank. Okay, Ashley Peacock. >> Thank you. Um,
126I just want to say, wow, I'm so glad that so many people have shown up and listening to all of them. They all have the best intention for our kids, our staff, and our community. So, that's great. It sounds like all of us have our hearts in the right place. I believe in a growth mindset and even though I think China spring's amazing, we can always grow, we can always improve, we can always learn, research and um bring different ideas to our students, to our community. And that's what I think is important. I promise that will I will always lead with honesty, um transparency. I will always ask questions. Why? Why? Why? Um, and when making decisions, I will not only think about my personal kiddos, but all of the kiddos in our community. I
127love our kids, and so I just want to give back to them. >> Thank you, Ashley. Okay, finally, the final four for place three. We'll start with Anthony Folure. >> Thank you so much again, Amanda, and the Education Foundation for hosting this tonight. It was awesome. Uh, also thank you so much to the audience uh for showing up. It means a lot. It's important. Um, as I stated earlier, I'm here to to do a few things. I want to make sure I listen to the community. That's big for me. I want to make sure our ser that I serve our students and our educators. Um, and then lastly, I want to make sure that we push China to be the absolute best it can be. At the end of the day, my family loves and
128cares uh for this school uh and the people in our community more than you know. It would be an honor to serve you and this school district, and I sure would appreciate your vote. Go Cougs. >> Thank you, Anthony. Okay, Jesse Gaston is next. >> Thank you. Thanks everybody for being here tonight. Um I'll keep mine pretty short. I mean, I'm I've uh I'm I'm running on, you know, voices in the community that were that have been upset for a little while that we need to get back to where we're cohesive. Um, and that's what I'd like to try to do with the community and with what's what's what has happened over the past couple of years. Um, now that being said, gosh, our kids love Chime Spring. Uh, my two kids, they enjoy their
129teachers, they enjoy the staff. In fact, there's a former staff member that my son talks about all the time. Um, and uh, you know, we love being here. I think there's some things that we can do better. I think that with some of the, uh, tenure leaving the board, there's a chance uh, for those of us that have some of the experience in the budgetary matters that we can hit the ground running and try to make sure that we're uh, we're staying strong financially. And that's what I'm here for. So, I hope to earn your vote. Thank you. Thank you, Jesse. Okay. Anthony Hopkins >> Joseph. >> Are you also an actor? >> When I practice this, I said that like four times. So, I am so sorry. I'll do that. >> All right. So,
130I'm running for China Spring ISTD School Board because this is home. This is where my family's invested. Um, it's where I've chosen to stay engaged and involved. Um, in my professional role, I work through complex issues. I focus on accountability, make decisions based on facts. Um, and that's the same thoughtful approach I'll bring to the board. Um, but just as important, I'm part of this community. I show up, I pay attention, and I care about where schools are headed. Um, I'm not a politician. I'm here to serve. That means listening first, being accessible, and doing what's right for students, teachers, and families. Um, if given the opportunity, I'll bring a practical mindset and a commitment to doing the work the right way. Um, and I'd be honored to earn your support. Thank you. >> Thank
131you, Joseph. And finally, Joey Messa. >> Uh, again, I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight. Uh, a few weeks ago, my students took the STAR test. Before they took it, I told them to think about it, pray about it, and do your very best. In a few weeks, you're going to go to the voting poll and you're going to vote. And I would like for you to do the same thing. I want you to think about it, pray about it, and vote for the best per person you think would represent pledge three. Thank you. >> Thank you, Noie. Okay, guys. Um, first of all, we have some incredible candidates up here and I think everyone has a lot to learn and some really tough decisions to make when it comes time to vote.
132So, on behalf of the China Spring ISD Education Foundation, I want to thank you guys for being here tonight. Having this many community members, sorry, Emily. Um, we had like nine people at those Bader meetings cuz I went to all of them. I was a little concerned. I wasn't sure who was going to show up. So, thank you to everybody who took time out of your evening to come. And it's kind of honored the candidates to show how much you guys care about what they have to say. So, also I want to thank the candidates. you guys, you didn't know what you were going to get into tonight and I sent you emails and we tried to prep them, but we didn't give them any background and you guys prepared really well. Thank you guys
133for taking the time to do this and whether you win or lose, the fact that you want to serve and all the great things you're doing for China ISD, absolutely incredible. So, we hope this has been beneficial for all of you. We hope it'll be beneficial for the people that get to watch it. Emily is recording so that hopefully we can get this uploaded online. Um, you know guys, as a reminder, early voting starts on April 20th. So, do your research, make your decisions, and make your voice heard. Talk to your neighbors, talk to your friends, talk to people that couldn't be here tonight, and tell them what you learned about these incredible individuals. All right, so we are going to let these guys get packed up. We are going to dismiss them to go
134down the side and then we'll turn the lights on and y'all can file out and go into the common area um out where they have like the lunch and stuff and you guys can talk to the candidates. Thank you for being here.