WISD Trustee Candidate: Shannon Moyers

WISD Trustee Candidate Shannon Moyers

WAXAHACHIE — Shannon Moyers and six other candidates are vying for a place on the Waxahachie Independent School District Board of Trustees. Voters will take to the polls on May 9 to cast a ballot for their preferred choices to fill three of seven seats that are up for election.

Shannon Moyers

1) What personal background information would you like to share with voters, such as your family, hobbies, personality, etc?

Currently, I am the practice administrator for Pinnacle Pain Medicine, and have been employed by them for ten years. I've been a licensed vocational nurse for 7 years. I'm responsible for the daily operations of this busy practice that cares for chronic pain patients. When not working, the majority of my time is devoted to my two sons, Connor and Spencer.

2) What professional experience, community service and other qualifications do you have that would make you an effective trustee?

First and foremost, I'm a mother. Every parent wants what is best for their child; to give them opportunities that may not have been afforded to themselves. I will diligently work in ensuring that ALL STUDENTS, ALL NEEDS are met, and nurtured, so that students can be successful in whatever career path they choose.

In addition, being involved in the medical field allows me the empathy necessary when looking at the human part of the equation. Life isn't always black and white. While I fully understand the necessity of standardized testing, a child and/or educator is not defined by their test scores. We must explore ways to ensure that all students reach their full potential. As a medical practice administrator, I'm required to balance budget requirements while still providing impeccable care to patients.

Lastly, I've been in attendance of every school board meeting since the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year. I have also followed the Long Range Planning Committee meetings very closely, so I'm well versed in the issues currently faced by the district.

3) Do you currently have any children attending a WISD school or have you had any children attend a WISD school in the past and how long ago was it?

I'm the very proud mother of two sons who are currently enrolled in WISD. Spencer 16, who attends Global High School, and Connor, 9, who attends Shackleford Elementary.

4) How long have you lived in Waxahachie?

I've happily called Waxahachie home for 17 years. It's the type of town I want to raise my children in.

5) What reasons made you decide to run for the Waxahachie ISD school board?

Honestly, it wasn't until this last year, while attending school board meetings, following the long range planning committee discussions, and numerous open records requests, both with the district and TEA, that it became blatantly apparent that Waxahachie ISD has issues. There is a disproportionate amount of funding spent on non-academic expenditures in comparison to academics. I would like to see more focus put on education. Emphasis placed on preparing our youth for post-secondary education and beyond, so that they have the best chance possible of becoming productive members of society. In addition, I would like for special education programs to be more equitable, and see more emphasis put on supporting those students as other student programs within the district. I also feel that we need more math and reading intervention support at the elementary and junior high level, to assist in closing the achievement gap.

6) What experience do you have with complicated budgets?

As a medical office administrator, budgets are a major part of my daily job duties. It is my responsibility to manage all aspects of the practices revenue and expenditures.

7) In your view, what has the district done well over the last five years? What has the district done poorly that you would change?

I believe the district has done well increasing the options for students, such as the culinary arts program, dual credit and AP opportunities, CTE courses, and an award winning music program that is phenomenal. Also, I'm glad to see that the district has now developed the opportunity for a full day Pre K program, and bilingual education program. In this district, we are blessed with a nationally recognized high school, in Global High School. It is the state model that all other STEM/ECHS schools try to emulate. I'm also happy to see educators get the recognition they so rightfully deserve, with several of our educators winning national awards.

I believe the district could improve on transparency, most definitely. I believe fiscal responsibility is also a big concern for the majority of voters. After past bond referendums for stadium improvements, we are now discussing the possibility of relocating an entire high school population, away from that stadium, requiring additional transportation costs? I also question the necessity of hiring the amount of coaches we have at this time. I would like to see equal recognition of students throughout the district. There is not always the same recognition of accomplishments at all schools within the district, and that needs to change.

8) If elected as a trustee, what do you plan to accomplish while serving the district?

I would like to see improvements on the above issues that I feel us, as a district, could perform better. I'd like to establish an open door policy and allow the community more input on the future of our school district. It has been my experience that transparency has been lacking within the district. Educators, parents, and students should feel comfortable voicing concerns without fear of retribution. In addition, more accountability is needed. As elected officials, it is our responsibility to execute the decisions voted on by the community, and see them to fruition. I'd also like to see more community involvement, and feel that the opportunity for input needs to be more than what has been offered in the past. Committees seem to be comprised of the same individuals, chosen by district officials, over and over again, never allowing other members of the public to voice their opinions. Feedback from our community is essential.

9) What do you feel are the top three issues facing WISD and what will you do as a trustee to address those issues?

Growth is inevitable, both as a community and school district. As a school board trustee, it is imperative that we look and weigh all options for the future of this community. The city is growing, but why are some parents choosing not to utilize the public school system, and sending their children to charter schools or homeschooling, especially at the secondary level? I think offering more options, with greater emphasis placed on academics, and would be the key to retaining some of these students.

In addition, we need to work on transparency and accountability. One of the things I've always been curious about is why are the closed sessions of school board meetings held in the middle of the meeting? I think this discourages citizen participation, having a lengthy span of time in the middle of the meeting.

Another issue that needs to be examined is student performance. Why are minorities and the socio-economic disadvantaged students in the district performing below state average? How do we close the learning gap?

As a school board trustee I will make sure resources are available where it matters most - IN THE CLASSROOM, so students may benefit.

10) What are the factors on which you will base your decisions as a school board member?

1. Is this decision in the best interest of the students?

2. Is this decision the best use of taxpayers' dollars?

3. Are there other ways to accomplish the goal in a more fiscally conservative manner?

11) If a parent or principal comes to you regarding, for example, a maintenance issue at a particular campus or a situation involving a particular teacher, how do you see your role as a school board member in resolving the issue?

Too many times, individuals jump over the correct person to handle an issue, and go straight to the school board. As a board member, I will not tell personnel what to do. I would redirect the complainant to the correct person to handle the job. It is not my role as a board member to handle these issues. We need to make sure people are going through the proper channels. If the issue is unable to be resolved through the proper channels, then I would ask for the complainant to bring their issue to the board. Then it will have to be handled in the most impartial, diplomatic way for all parties involved.

12) What are your thoughts on the current WISD outstanding debt principal? According to WISD, the district currently has $115,092,535 in outstanding debt principal that represents debts from the 1997 bond issue through 2013 refunding bonds issued. Future repayment obligations through 2037 call for $131,375,577 in interest payments resulting in total payments of $246,468,111.
(Source: http://www.wisd.org/default.aspx?name=BUS_Debt)

Waxahachie is growing and it is important to realize that debt will occur to accommodate growth. Our students deserve updated facilities that will best serve their ability to learn, while being points of pride for the community. However, it is important that we are fiscally responsible and not spending frivolously, as that will hinder the future of our students, not protect it. If we are so strapped with debt that we are not able to provide for the future, that is a problem. I am in agreement that we need a new high school, but I do not support this bond. I do not believe we are making the best use of our existing facilities. The 9th grade academy is too small for a junior high. The Wilemon building is not an ideal elementary location. Global High will not be able to grow large enough to fully utilize the existing high school, without going totally against the STEM/ECHS blueprint, and thus causing its ruination. Why is it necessary to move the entire population of the high school to a new building? That's not addressing growth; it's just shifting it to a new address.

13) Voters approved two bonds in March 2010 totaling $28,120,000 thus resulting in a property tax increase of 6.9 cents per $100 of assessed value.
(Source: http://www.wisd.org/docs/1-Bond%20Brochure%20color.pdf)

13a) What is your opinion of the 2010 Proposition One bond referendum? This bond totaled $22,175,000 and was used to renovate the softball field at WHS, renovations to Richards Park, renovations at the district's baseball complex and renovations and expansions to Lumpkins Stadium. Of the total bond amount, $20,139,780 was for Lumpkins Stadium alone. This resulted in a property tax increase of 4.4 cents per $100 of assessed value. This bond passed with a narrow margin of 78 votes: 1,042 FOR and 964 AGAINST.

There was such a low voter turnout - only 2300 votes. No matter what a person's feelings are about a bond, it is important that voters participate. It is astonishing that 100% of the citizens were saddled with debt that 7% of the population cared enough to vote about. There needs to be a long range master plan for facilities. We have known we need a new high school. Why did we update these facilities just to relocate the population that will utilize them? We have to be better planners, because this is an example of fiscal irresponsibility.

13b) What is your opinion of the 2010 Proposition Two bond referendum? This bond totaled $5,945,000 and was used for campus renovations to 11 of the district's 13 school facilities. The impact on the property tax rate was 2.5 cents. This bond passed by a margin of 750 votes: 1,372 FOR and 622 AGAINST.

I think it shows the priorities of the district that $22,175,000 was asked for athletics, while only $5,945,000 was utilized for schools. More students are NOT in athletics, yet we spend less money to educate the students. Sports and extracurricular activities are important to a well- rounded student, but if we want to call Waxahachie an "educational destination," we must put the focus back on academics. In our quest for a well-rounded student, we have swung the pendulum away from academics.

14) What is your opinion on the $125 million bond referendum the WISD board members recently called that will result in a property tax increase of 12.5 cents per $100 of assessed value if passed by voters? Are you for or against the bond and what are the reasons behind your position?

I'm aware that most candidates are choosing to give the politically correct answer to this question, stating the bond needs to go before the public for a vote. I totally agree that the community needs to educate themselves on the bond measures and vote as they see fit. I will give further detail, in the fact that while I'm all for growth and the necessity of calling a bond referendum, I am AGAINST THIS bond.

Many feel that a vote against this bond is a vote against education and our children's futures. Nothing could be further from the truth. I feel that there are so many options that have not been explored. Is $118 million for a new high school the best utilization of taxpayer's money? The $125 million bond is not organized for greatest effective use of existing facilities. As school board trustees, it is our responsibility to be fiscally responsible with tax dollars while safeguarding our children's educational futures.

15) Is there any additional information that you feel voters should know about you?

I would be honored to have your vote for Waxahachie ISD school board trustee. I pledge that I will serve the community to the best of my ability. I look forward to all that the future holds for our great town of Waxahachie.