Candidates running for Place 1, and for Place 2 on the Rockwall Independent School District board of trustees were given a set of questions on Tuesday by the Rockwall County Herald-Banner, and they each responded by Wednesday.

The election is tomorrow, Saturday May 7.

Chris Cuny and Tony Fisk are seeking Place 1; Russ Childers, Norman Quintero and Earl Milner are seeking Place 2.

Incumbent Craig Zurek is the lone candidate for Place 3, and was not included in the question and answers.

Questions

1) Why are you running for trustee? What motivates you, specifically, or generally?

2) What past or present efforts/philosophy/direction of RISD is significant to you, specifically? and generally?

3) What is the role of a school board trustee?

4) To what extent should boards follow public opinion, or lead public opinion?

5) What are three or two critical issues facing the district today?

Please pick one of the following:

6) Educating the whole child — a stated mission of RISD. Agree or disagree with that and what does that mean to you?

7) Trustees make decisions approving or disapproving recommendations of committees and staffers, and sometimes might initiate a “look-see”. What baseline/philosophy/or background or training will help you make these decisions?

Answers

Chris Cuny seeking Place 1

1) I want to serve the students, teachers and taxpayers of the district. Brad Lamberth asked me to consider running for school board last fall since he had decided to step down. I believe the district has made significant progress but still can improve. My motivation is simple; God has blessed me and my family beyond measure. My success in life is largely attributed to the education I received from RISD (I graduated from Rockwall in ’78) and to support from this community during my time as Mayor of Heath and as a small business owner in Rockwall. I want to give back to our community and I can’t think of a better way to make a direct impact than to serve on the school board.

2) I believe the past efforts of the school board to bring the reserve fund balance to 30% of the district’s annual budget were exemplary. Given current economic conditions and the slow down in the districts growth, this will prove to be a huge step in ensuring financial stability of the district. I believe the district’s efforts in the Power of One are to be lauded and continued. The establishment of the RISD education foundation with its sole purpose to provide innovative teaching grants to our teachers with use of private donations and not taxes is a great program to increase the learning opportunities for our kids and provide motivation for our teachers.

3) The primary role of a school board member is to select and monitor the district’s superintendent. It is also the role of a school board member to represent the citizens of the district (students, teacher, and taxpayers) by becoming aware of and prepared to deal with the issues that affect the district. Awareness comes from attending various events, meeting with teachers, principals, parents and administrators. School board trustees should constantly monitor progress and address deficiencies of the district and ensure financial responsibility.

4) Public opinion is an important factor when making decisions (boards are elected representatives of the district after all); however, I have found that the best decisions are made based on analyzing the facts and that often, public opinion is based on inaccurate information. Therefore, if a district is going to make a decision that doesn’t follow public opinion, it is in everyone’s interest to inform the public as to how a decision was based.

5) Critical issues:

• Ensuring that our district continues to improve. A quality school district is directly tied to a quality community. A district with a great reputation is one of the best ways to ensure a community continues to grow in a positive manner and attract quality teachers, residents and businesses, therefore increasing tax base and keeping properties values steady and taxes low.

• The third high school type. Discussions regarding a potential arts and technology high school (magnet/academy) versus a traditional high school are ongoing. My first analysis is that this is a good idea to give opportunities to those students who: 1) don’t want to go to college but desire a technical skill to be prepared to enter today’s job market, or 2) those students who want a more concentrated education in math, science, art where a special talent may exist.

6) Educating the whole child:

I agree. To me it means that education is more than reading, writing and arithmetic. Extracurricular activities such as band, theater, athletics, academic clubs and organizations can be a vital part of a student’s learning experience and growth as an individual. I believe many of these activities can help prepare our students to be more productive citizens by giving them additional experiences and social interaction beyond the classroom. These activities cannot and should not overshadow our basic responsibility to educate the student to prepare them for life after public school.

Cuny was asked one extra question, which was not given the others, because his wife is an employee of the district. It concerned whether that fact is a conflict of interest issue. He responded:

Before I declared my candidacy for school board I contacted the RISD administration and they contacted the legal department of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). TASB policy states that a spouse must be employed by the district for a minimum of six months prior to a potential candidate’s election. In my case, my wife Janice has been working for RISD for more than four years. If any specific issue regarding my wife’s position, performance, compensation, were to be discussed at the school board level, I would be required to recuse myself from discussion or voting.

Tony Fisk seeking Place 1

1) I am running to ensure financial accountability to taxpayers and for continued superb educational opportunities for all students. Rockwall ISD is a high growth district and approximately only 1/3 of the way to a projected build out of 44,000 students. Now is the time for accountability, leadership, and vision.

I am motivated by a sense of opportunity and fairness with the right balance between personal accountability and nurturing.

2) I have been moved by the administration’s embracing of Rachel’s Challenge. I was present at the school board meeting when it was first presented and have seen it take a life of its own. Having three young children in school and just now beginning to learn the social behaviors that will carry them for much of their life makes me pause and reflect on the possible potential of the program. The “Power of One” has given me a common language by which I can communicate with my children … and what a powerful message of traditional values — kindness and compassion. This program is a wonderful example of the school district educating the whole child.

3) From the 2009 Guide for School Board Candidates published by the Texas Association of School Boards — a summarization of the board’s powers and duties includes:

— lead in setting educational goals for the school district

— adopt policies that provide standards and boundaries within which the district must operate

— participate in the evaluation and selection of the superintendent

— it is not to over-step bounds by administrating or becoming involved with the day to day operations of the school

— advocate and build public support for better public education.

As well, there are specific duties outlined in pages 6-7 in the Guide.

4) Both, depending on the circumstances. On one hand, boards have an opportunity to collaborate with education professionals to be thought leaders. So, I guess in this sense it could be said the board would be leading in the formation of public opinion. On the other hand, it is absolutely the board’s responsibility to listen to the public and acknowledge its opinion. Whether or not to follow the opinion would depend on each circumstance; however, remaining communicative with the public as to the decisions it faces and the reasons behind the decisions is essential to proper stakeholder management.

5) Critical issues:

• Growth.

• Stagnant tax base.

• Continuous improvement.

RISD is a destination district, let’s continue to challenge ourselves to keep it that way. It starts with this challenge of ourselves.

7) Making decisions:

I have an underlying philosophy of getting into action to make a difference. One small action on my part may not change the world, but it will change my perspective of myself and others around me. Professionally, I have 15 years experience in large scale enterprise wide software implementations. In this environment of change, every project I led, managed, or directed was placed in an intense spotlight and held up to ROI principles. This background coupled with my experience as a CPA, gives me the vision to lead balanced change in large organizations.

Russ Childers seeking Place 2

1) I love this community. I believe the reason Rockwall County is the best place to live, is because of the schools, churches, service organizations and great people. One of the reasons this is true is because good people step up to leadership positions. I am motivated by the kids. I have two children in Rockwall schools, and I am obviously interested in the future of the district. But I am also interested in the growth of all our children. I am motivated to serve the teachers, coaches and administration who give their professional lives to the future of our community. One can sit back and enjoy the good things, or one can step forward to continue to make Rockwall a better place. I am willing to step up and serve.

2) I am impressed with the complete education our children receive. They receive training in fundamental skills, and also have a broad range of extracurricular activities they can choose from. Also, they are educated to be respected citizens, through programs like Rachel’s Challenge which emphasizes kindness and compassion. When one thinks of a school district, it is easy to focus on buildings and bonds and growth — I will focus on the children and what is best for them. Buildings and bonds are important, but only if they make the learning experience better for our children.

3) I believe the role of a trustee is to be a link between the school administration and community. I have worked hard to have friends of every race, background, economic situation and religion. I have deep friendships in Rockwall, Heath, Fate and McLendon-Chisholm. A good trustee knows the pulse of the community, and brings a broad perspective to the board meetings. He represents the community to the school administration. Then, the trustee works with his fellow board members to help make decisions that are best for the kids. Finally, he represents the district back to the community, so that there can be understanding and knowledge of what the district is doing for our children. I truly believe that I can best represent the entire community to the board, and represent the school district back to the community.

4) I have had many friends who have been kidding me about the slogan, “Get on the Bus, Vote for Russ.” That, however, is a good analogy of what a board member should do. He should know what’s happening on the bus at all times, but also keep his eye on where the bus is going. A school board should fully know and understand public opinion, but also keep their eyes on the future. Growth is hard, and there are hard decisions that are made today, that have a tremendous impact on the future. Frankly, I don't think a board should either follow nor lead public opinion. I will seek to know what the public opinion is, and use it to work with fellow board members to make the best decisions for our children.

5) Critical issues:

• School financing is the toughest issue facing all school districts today, and most of the critical decisions will be made in Austin by the state government. School districts find themselves reacting to the financing acts that come from our capital. Like every other district in the state, Rockwall will have to react to what the legislature does, or doesn’t do. Our school district is not alone in this, but I believe we are in a great position to succeed.

• Community unity is an issue. I believe we are off to a great start, led by initiatives like Honor Before Victory and The Power of 1. This issue, however, continues to be critical to our success. Our district is different. With two high schools and three middle schools, there is lots of room for school pride, but no room for disharmony. It is possible to have a friendly rivalry, and that is what we have and will continue to have. Both high schools are competing both in and outside the classroom at the highest levels, and that’s what we want. I am as proud to cheer for the Yellowjackets as I am the Hawks. I am as proud of what our kids do at Cain as I am for the kids at Williams. We are eager to see the same level of achievement from Utley. I am impressed with the way the principals, the coaches, teachers and parents have embraced this important philosophy, and I intend to further this goal.

6) Educating the whole child:

I wholeheartedly agree with the mission to educate the whole child. It is what makes us great. Our children must be trained mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. While we leave the spiritual training to churches and other great outside programs like Promise Makers and FCA, it is my strong belief that a successful school district must focus on mental, emotional and physical training. We need (and have) the finest teachers in the land, and they understand this balance. It is critical to the long-term success of our community. Someone said, “Our children are 40% of our present, but 100 percent of our future.” They are the future bankers, doctors, bus drivers, chefs, mechanics, mothers and fathers. I believe Rockwall’s future is bright, and I see that future every time I walk down the halls of our various schools.

Norman Quintero seeking Place 2

1) As a father of six children, four of them Rockwall ISD students, I see the need for new ideas that can unleash the power of every child to receive a higher education and achievement of their dreams. This is the time to give back to the community, serving in a board that needs a fresh non-biased voice that can put in order priorities and properly allocate resources, to accomplish the goals for which it was created.

2) Without a doubt, getting the Rockwall ISD out of a major deficit was a huge effort that has been successfully accomplished by the board. However, accountability is a major factor that must be implemented and a revision of priorities and policies must be enacted to guarantee a successful path for years to come.

3) The role of a school board trustee is to provide the vision and ideas that will set the goals and objectives for the school system. A board member must never forget that all decisions will directly affect a student’s outcome. As a board member, it is our responsibility to oversee a comprehensive evaluation system that monitors results of efforts to accomplish goals and objectives, assesses needs and determine district effectiveness and efficiency.

The board has the responsibility to provide boundaries within which the district must operate in, working towards the goals. We are the ones responsible to select and evaluate the superintendent, help build community support and understanding of public education.

Our duties include, govern and oversee the management of the RISD, adopt rules and bylaws, adopt and review policies, levy and collect taxes and issue bonds, employ and compensate a tax assessor or collector, adopt and file a balance and down to earth budget according to real needs for the next succeeding fiscal year, accountability for all funds, publish annual performance report, canvas election, authorized the sale and purchase of real property, sell minerals in land belonging to the district, along with other functions.

4) It is time that the school board listens to the residents of Rockwall County and all community components, including and not limited to teachers, administrators, parents and students. It is time to listen to their needs and struggles. It is time to listen to the public before entering policies or enacting procedures that do not represent the general opinion of the community that we have committed to serve. It is time to have a non-biased opinion, without ties to major interests and committed to serve equally to all residents of Rockwall County.

5) Critical issues:

• Growth (student / teacher ratio)

• Resources (provide proper funding to implement all student programs)

6) Educating the whole child:

I strongly believe that we are not educating the whole child. Current policies are extremely limited in programs, resources and ideas to help unleash every child’s potential. RISD mission states: “To be an exemplary educational entity fostering excellence in all areas and focusing on academic success.” I could not agree more with the mission statement. My only concern is that it is the board’s mission to make this statement a true and unquestionable reality for all students and residents of RISD.

Earl Milner seeking Place 2

1) I’m running for the school board in Rockwall, because, number one I have a tremendous passion for education. I’m a former teacher and coach, and I’ve worked with the Rockwall ISD since we moved here 15 years ago. I think its a wonderful group that we have up there and it is time for me to step forward and continue the progress that we’ve done. I have such a passion for education, I just want to be involved in the education process.

2) I think the thing that attracts me to Rockwall ISD and has me wanting to be involved in that system is that throughout everything they do, it is student first. You see students first — with Rachel’s Rally, Rachel’s Challenge, programs that have been built, what has been done when we’ve improved our schools over the last several years, as I’ve gone out and presented bond packages.

These bonds were not presented to make someone at the administration look good, these bonds were presented because it was a desire to make sure our students had what it took to be the best they could be. It is shown in our buildings, the technology improvements we’ve done, the fine arts projects we’re in the middle of right now — all those things were done because our students needed to have them to fulfill their ability to be the best they can be.

3) Exactly that a trustee — someone the citizens and taxpayers can trust with their money, their children, their most valuable resources to make sure they are taken care of, given a safe environment, and supplied and equipped to be the best they can be. A school board trustee is not a micromanager, is not somebody looking over somebody’s shoulder. They have been given a trust and are to make sure that trust is not violated to the citizens.

4) As far as public opinion — it’s a very vital part of making decisions of what’s best for district and therefor students, but decisions have to be what’s best for the entire student body. Sometimes you have to listen very objectively to public opinion, because a special interest group could be very loud, but they may not be in best interest of the entire district.

Part of my platform is that our district needs to continue to work to improve communication between our district and the citizens will help improve the ability to hear the public opinion in an object manner.

5) Critical issues:

• The biggest thing that we’re going to have over the next several years will be funding. It costs money, and in some cases a lot of money to do the best for the students. Rockwall’s economy is projected to have flat growth this year and next year. Although some stimulus coming in, is it enough to make up for that loss from the property tax? The biggest challenge is to be good stewards of our money to make sure we’re supplying the needs and not necessarily the wants, and that we are stretching that dollar as far as it can stretch.

• The second issue, regardless of what kind of economy we’re in, we are still growing in the Rockwall area — major companies encourage their people to look at Rockwall when they are relocating. We are going to continue to grow, just not as fast as we’ve grown in last several years. Our demographic people are still right on the money. There are no fences around Rockwall yet, we’re going to have growth, we’re going to have students, and we have to supply their needs.

6) Educating the whole child:

When you talk about the whole child, you are talking about their mind, their intellect, their body. It is a social, physical, and mental total package. If we only teach a child math, we’d be failing the student. If our only emphasis was to make sure he or she was a great athlete or a great fine arts student, or only great in the classroom, we’ve failed that student.

The educator’s job is to make that student whole. We want to have programs that can provide social skills, extra-curricular, classroom, and encourage service. If you don’t build the whole child, you actually lose things such as character. A straight A student who cannot interact with other students is not a whole student. I want you to be whole and well-rounded in what you do.