InstantNewsKaty.com

Two candidates for the Katy ISD Board of Trustees have responded to the first question posed by readers in the InstantNewsKaty online candidate forum.

Responses have been received from Position 6 candidate Ross Raymond and Position 7 candidate Stacy Edwards-Tomdio.

Position 6 incumbent Robert Shaw had initially indicated he was willing to respond to questions submitted to the online forum; however, after receiving the first question, he backed out. In an e-mail message, Shaw said he would not participate unless all other candidates took part.

Neal Howard, the other candidate for the Position 7 seat, refused an offer to take part in the forum.

The first question submitted by InstantNewsKaty readers was:

“What do you believe is the single most important issue facing Katy ISD today and what leadership/direction would you provide to address that issue?”

These are the candidate’s unedited responses in the order they were received:

Ross Raymond –

While funding our schools is a serious challenge, we should remember we have had funding problems for 30 years and somehow manage to find a solution.  As a last resort the Board has the power to collect taxes and the last time I looked nobody with that power has shut down.

Given this, I believe the challenge facing Katy ISD is one of vision and direction.  The Board must set the district on a course reflecting our changing economy and global opportunities.  I believe “Education = Opportunity” and how the Board addresses this is paramount to the future success of our children.  The Board must look up and forward, not down and backward if Katy ISD is to flourish as a place where parents will bring their children seeking a world class education.

To that end I propose we:

1. Provide our teachers with additional educational opportunities allowing them to better educate all our children.
2. Provide more learning opportunities at all grade levels including secondary where our children can earn a full year of college credit, or earn career training certification.
3. Address the needs of GT/AP students and others with special needs so that each can flourish to their full potential.
4. Consider the magnet school concept.

The creativity and problem solving skills represented by our community must be accessed via better communication both to and from the board.  We are blessed with talented, articulate, and passionate parents who can help if given the opportunity. 

There is more information at my web site:  www.katyvote.com.

Stacy Edwards-Tomdio –

The single most important issue facing Katy ISD, I believe, is addressing student and teacher needs and asking how they can better be met.

I want to ensure all Katy schools are properly staffed and equipped and can meet the needs of all our students.  With proper support and equipment we can better alleviate some of the cumbersome burdens confronted by our teachers and parents. 

We need to do this in the most cost effective manner possible. Whenever changes are made which will have an impact on classroom instruction it is important the Board continually review and monitor any new processes or initiatives ensuring maximum quality assurance.  

We need to get it “right” because to do otherwise would entail unnecessary spending and/or the wasteful expenditure of our teacher’s precious instructional time. 

One of the critical roles the Board must take upon itself is the oversight of our district and be willing to do what is right and make tough decisions when necessary, but always with an eye towards providing the best possible education for our children and to provide a rewarding work environment for our teachers and staff.

Robert Shaw –

Initially agreed to participate in the forum but withdrew since Howard declined to take part.

Neal Howard –

Declined to take part in the forum.

There is still time for readers to submit questions to the school board candidates. Those questions may be e-mailed to jpape@instantnewskaty.com.

Additional questions and answers will be published in the remaining days leading up to the May 9 election.