I want to thank all of the candidates who have found this site worthy enough to purchase advertising space during the elections. The latest addition to that group is James Griffin, WISD School Board Trustee candidate. If you get a moment, click on his ad over there –> and read his message.
Jim Griffin is a WISD School Board Trustee Candidate for the May elections. He took some time out to answer a few questions for the readers of Wylie Today.
How can Wylie ISD be improved?
We have what I believe is a great district and have great teachers and staff. It can be an even greater district if the following were implemented:
1. Better and more open line of communication - This is most likely the greatest concern that I have heard in the community regarding WISD. It is critical that the stakeholders of our district (parents, students, teachers and community) not feel that their voice is ignored or lost in the shuffle. Now that the district student enrollment is over 11,000, it is imperative that the district be mindful of parental and community concerns as they arise and not let situations turn into serious issues like has occurred with the dress code modifications.
2. Provide teachers with better pay and incentives - Our teachers in WISD work hard for our kids but are paid less than teachers in neighboring districts. What is amazing though is many choose to stay with the district despite receiving lower pay as compared to other districts. I want to see WISD continue to recruit and retain quality teachers while providing a salary and incentives on par with neighboring districts.
3. Recognize and understand the importance of diversity within the district - This is an aspect that will continue to have a major impact in the district and is an area where the district must be proactive rather than reactive. I strongly believe that WISD needs to ensure that no student, parent or staff feels uncomfortable or unwelcome in our schools.
What is your experience with the WISD?
I have volunteered for the Wrestling team at Wylie High for the past three years, have been a member of the Wylie Athletic Booster Club, am a season ticket holder (Football) and briefly substitute taught with the district in 2005-06. I have attended many school board meetings and attended all 3 high school forums. I also was a volunteer back in 1986-88 when I previously lived in Wylie.
What makes you an ideal candidate and potential WISD Trustee?
I believe that my degrees in Secondary Education and Urban/Regional Planning uniquely suit me to become an ideal WISD trustee My background would be a valuable asset as the district works towards build out. I also believe that I am knowledgeable about the district and community and can handle making decisions that can be difficult, challenging and crucial to the success of WISD.
I am deeply concerned that we as a school community provide our kids with the best opportunities for academic success and the skills necessary to have productive lives as adults. If given the opportunity to be a WISD Trustee, I will work diligently to see that the district provides the best education possible for our students.
Education Background: I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Indiana University (1991) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban/Regional Planning from Murray State University (1985).
Profession/Experience: Currently working for Lowes Home Improvement in Allen, TX as a customer service associate. Have been with Lowes over 8 years. I also have 3 ½ years experience as a travel agent and 2 years experience as a customer service/inside sales rep for a sportswear marketing company.
Why I want to be a WISD Trustee: I desire to see that the Wylie ISD continue to provide our students with quality programs and instruction and to build and grow additional programs that will properly equip students to meet the challenges of the future. Of great importance to me is the proper planning and management that will be required as the district goes to multiple high schools. I also want to make sure that district resources are appropriately managed while still providing a quality education and to assure district patrons that their school dollars are spent wisely. On a minor note, I would like to honor my late grandfather, George D Chalk, who served on the Sonora ISD Board of Trustees back in the 40’s and 50’s.
Campaign Focal Points: Listed below are points of focus that I will be concentrating on during my campaign.
1. Ensure smooth transition to two 9-12 high schools culminating with the first graduating class of Wylie East in 2012.
2. Require all future bond elections to include requests by line item (no more blank check) as was done for recent City of Wylie bond (2005).
3. Develop better means of communication between WISD and district patrons which include students, parents, teachers and the community.
4. Implementation of AVID Program (Achievement Via Individual Determination) to include Intermediate, Jr High and High School grade levels.
5. Continue development of Dual Language Program.
6. Work to implement magnet style programs that are unique to each high school campus.
7. Develop a “build-out” plan for district facilities to avoid having to catch up with growth in the district, build facilities only when needed and start the process for determining what the district student population will be at build-out.
8. Work to build good working relationship with the municipalities that make up our district - Wylie, Sachse, Murphy, St Paul, Lucas and possibly Rockwall should they annex into Collin County. Each of these communities have an impact on student population.
9. Explore opportunities to partner with Collin College (or other area colleges) to offer college level courses for students at each high school.
Look for a Q&A with Jim Griffin next week on Wylie Today.
James R. Griffin has filed as a candidate for WISD Trustee Place 2 in the May 2008 election. He will run his campaign against incumbent Ralph E. James. Mr. Griffin, who filed his paperwork yesterday, currently serves on the Library Board. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to speak with him last night about his vision or plan. I’m sure I’ll get that information emailed to me soon, though.
The deadline to file was yesterday, March 10th. There will be no uncontested races in the WISD election this year. Place 1 features Barbara Goss and incumbent Ronni Fetzer to round out the General Election. Candidate Lance Goff will run against Baron Cook in the Special Election for Place 4.