Responding to the third question in InstantNewsKaty’s online candidate forum, Katy ISD Board of Trustees candidates Ross Raymond and Stacy Edwards-Tomdio reacted to the school board’s controversial decision to install artificial turf at all six high school campuses.
During a recent work study session, trustees voted 6-0 to pay $5.2 million to replace the natural grass surface on the schools’ competition football fields with artificial turf.
Raymond is challenging incumbent Robert Shaw for the Position 6 seat. Edwards-Tomdio is running against Neal Howard for Position 7.
Howard declined to take part in the forum.
Shaw initially agreed to participate, but then withdrew saying he would answer questions only if all school board candidates took part. With Howard refusing to participate, Shaw said he also would also not respond to questions.
Today’s question, as submitted by InstantNewsKaty readers, was:
“Given the community reaction to the school board’s recent decision to spend over $5 million on artificial turf at football fields at the six district high schools, do you think the decision on that expenditure should be reconsidered? Should the board have first considered other alternatives and received public input before making such a decision?”
These are the candidate’s unedited responses in the order they were received:
Ross Raymond –
“If ever there was an example of poor communication between the Board of Trustees and Katy ISD stakeholders (parents, students, taxpayers, teachers and staff) the manner in which this issue was pushed through would be its poster child.
“Let me be clear. I neither support nor reject artificial turf as I am still in the process of collecting information. However I now feel there is sufficient reason to reopen this issue for ‘cause’ as well as ‘procedure.’
“This was a huge decision and I believe the Board overstepped itself. I also believe there was a breakdown in communication to the Board which needs to be sorted out.
“The Board did not receive public comment. The item was not approved in any bond election when much lesser dollar items were so included. The Board did not fully consider viable options. I do not believe as some have claimed, there was dishonesty involved. Just a bad case of, ‘I want it and I’m going to get it now!’ was at work here.
“After rezoning problems which turned ugly resulted in parents being barred from a Board meeting and the reception this issue has received we need to take a hard look in the mirror and ask, ‘Is there a better way to do things?’ I believe there is.
“If elected I will ask for a reconsideration vote and need other Trustees to join me.
“The public should express their feelings directly to Board members at: http://katyisd.org/departments/board/members.htm.
“More information can be found at: www.katyvote.com.”
Stacy Edwards-Tomdio –
“I hope the Board did look at alternatives before voting so many millions of dollars on an item many people think we can do without.
I have followed this closely and believe Mr. Raymond is correct and I join him in calling for reconsideration. I hope the Board will take this up and do so in a very calm and organized manner with public comment allowed.
“I disagree with my opponent as he has no problem with how this $5.2 million project was brought before the board or with the action taken. I would not have voted to spend millions of dollars under these circumstances.
“I am sorry so many families are upset by the Board’s action. Earlier today I read about Wolfe elementary school and the major repairs it needs.
“I have also been asked why we do not improve the playgrounds for our elementary students before we turf high school football fields. I have also been asked about the ninth grade center at Katy HS. I believe all are good questions and I wonder if the Board considered those items less important than turf? Sitting on the Board one must establish priorities and from what I can tell, I disagree with the call on this one.”
Neal Howard –
Declined to take part in the forum.
Robert Shaw –
Declined to take part in the forum because Howard was not participating.
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.
Mr. Raymond and Ms. Edwards-Tomdio,
This is an issue that has a lot of folks upset. Stop what you’re doing, go knock on doors and tell people this is happening and that you would vote against this senseless waste of taxpayer money. Then tell them to go to the polls and vote for you. It’s the only chance you have to defeat your opponents.
Fred Hink
Katy
Fred,
I appreciate your suggestion and have taken it to heart. I also encourage others who feel the same as you to knock on a door, call someone, send an email, but more importantly make sure a vote is cast. The polls are open THIS Saturday for early voting which ends on May 5. General election on Saturday, May 9th.
It has been lonely out here and any help is most appreciated. I think it has been 15 years since an incumbent lost an election and with our anticipated 5% voter turnout, every vote is very powerful. Good intentions are nice but only votes are counted!
R. Raymond
http://www.katyvote.com