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Represent.US 

"We bring together conservatives, progressives, and everyone in between to pass powerful state and local laws that fix our broken elections and stop political bribery. Our strategy is central to dismantling the root causes of inequities in our democracy, and ending political corruption, extremism and gridlock."

League of Women Voters of Tarrant County

"The League of Women Voters of Tarrant County is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to people 16 and older of all gender identities who support the mission and policies of the League."

Liveable Arlington

"Livable Arlington is a grassroots group that advocates for clean air, clean water, and responsible stewardship of our environment for future generations."

Climate Reality Project

”Our mission is to catalyze a global solution to the climate crisis by making urgent action a necessity across every sector of society.”

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense

Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. We pass stronger gun laws and work to close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families.

Planned Parenthood

At Planned Parenthood our mission is to ensure all people have access to the care and resources they need to make informed decisions about their bodies, their lives, and their futures.

Sinsey Johnson

Questions to Candidates

Progressive Women of Arlington

AISD Trustee Candidate Forum

March 6, 2023

1) Teacher retention and training

a. The Texas Education Agency’s Teacher Vacancy Task Force recently issued a report calling for higher pay, expanded training and a high-quality work environment to help retain teachers and other school employees. Teacher turnover is at about 12 percent of the workforce statewide...up from about 10 percent.

b. Arlington ISD has recently granted 4 percent raises to teachers and other school employees AND bumped starting teacher pay to just over $60,000.

c. Do you think salary increases are enough? What are your ideas to retain teachers and other school employees in Arlington?

Yes, and continually give raises due to the cost-of-living increases. Adding more resources is needed to give them the support they need to do their job. Create a better work environment. A better culture environment where teachers, staff, and children feel safe, trusted and respected.  (recruiting.com)

2) Retired teachers have not seen an increase in cost-of-living since the mid-2000s, although they did receive a “13thth check” last year. Still, their compensation is not keeping up. Would you favor another “13th check” or an actual cost-of-living increase in retiree benefits.

a. Additionally, schoolteachers and employees are effectively being priced out of the state’s health insurance program. AISD is proposing that the state increase its monthly contribution to the program from $75 to $300. Do you agree?

Yes. Because the cost of health care increases

3) School Security

a. Arlington ISD’s bond program has included measures to “harden” our schools against mass shooters. 

b. Where do you see areas for improvement in AISD’s school security programs. 

i. More resource officers?

ii. Arming school employees?

Others:

*Studies show that when schools focus on social-emotional development, arrests decrease, and student outcomes improve.

*Schools with strong positive climates, including strong relationships among students, parents, and teachers, have fewer arrests or disciplinary problems.

*School-based mental health providers improve school climate and safety.  (clccrul.org)

4) Budget priorities

a. There is a significant effort underway at the state level to promote private school vouchers. 

b. The Arlington ISD is on the record as opposing these efforts. 

c. Specifically, AISD’s website specifically says that lawmakers should (quote) “Reject legislation that diverts public funds to private institutions that are not accountable to the public for the use of those funds” and instead (quote) “Direct efforts to expand choice in education to public schools that are held accountable for their performance and are transparent in their use of taxpayer dollars.” 

Where do you stand on this issue? 

I agree with these findings. Private schools should charge tuition to fund their schools. However, I do agree with a minimal amount of funding with the exception that they provide transparency. 

5) Book bans

a. There has been a lot of talk about banning books in our schools and several communities in our state and near Arlington are doing so.

b. Where do you stand on book banning in Arlington schools? Please be as specific as time (space) allows – for example, are there books that children of any age should not be allowed to read? Can you cite an example of a book you consider inappropriate in any AISD library.

c. Who should make the decisions about which books are appropriate or inappropriate?

One of my master’s theses was teaching American history age appropriately. I’m afraid I disagree with banning any books, but I agree with allowing age-appropriate books in schools and public libraries. Furthermore, what lawmakers ban in schools sooner than later, our youth will have access to the banned books/materials online. The Texas ISD School Board and the community should decide on age-appropriate books. 

6) Diversity – Hiring

a. There are many attempts at the state level to erase diversity considerations in hiring. Governor Abbott has told state agencies to stop considering diversity in hiring decisions, and some pundits speculate that this order will trickle down to local governments and school districts. If or when it does – in a district that is 18 percent white -- do you agree or disagree that diversity should be a consideration in hiring?

I agree that diversity should be a part of hiring decisions. We live in a diverse world. So long as the individual has the tools to help the youth prepare to live and work in a diverse world, diversity is a suitable means to that end. 

7) Diversity – American History

a. There are attempts in the state legislature and administration to ban so-called “critical race theory” education in our schools. 

b. Since “critical race theory” is a graduate law school course and not part of a K-12 curriculum, we’re curious about your thoughts on 

i. whether “critical race theory” is being taught in our schools and 

ii. whether students should be shielded from education about the history of race relations in the U.S.

As I previously stated, one of my Master’s Theses was implementing Black History in grades K-12 age appropriate. So yes, I agree with teaching all American’s contributions to our history.

8) Diversity - LGBTQ

a. Where do you stand on bills and state officials’ attempts to outlaw gender education in Texas schools – or to prohibit school officials from providing counseling to LGBTQ students without notice to parents?

As I previously stated, one of my Master’s Theses was implementing Black History in grades K-12 age appropriate. So yes, I agree with teaching all American’s contributions to our history. 

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

9) School Superintendent Search

a. AISD’s superintendent is leaving office this year. What qualities or competencies to you consider important in hiring a new superintendent?

A good organizational fit (helps to push the school district agenda in the best direction it should go), strategic thinker, effective listening, and communication skills. 

10) East Arlington

a. East Arlington is a unique area that does not have some of the same educational facilities available in other areas of Arlington do. How would you improve educational opportunities for East Arlington residents?

I would work on getting East Arlington Schools some of the same educational facilities, within the budget, that the other AISD school have.

11) Mental Health

a. Would you favor using part of the states $33 billion surplus to fund more mental health resources for schools?

Yes, I do favor allotting some of the state’s surpluses to fund mental health. The emphasis is specifically on our youth's social and emotional development.