Facebook @VoteCherylFBISD

1. Children are precious, and they are the future. That is why the battle for their hearts and minds is so intense. As a Christian, I'm challenged by the Lord's instructions to the Israelites in Jeremiah 29:7: "Seek the welfare of the city to which I have sent you...."
2. I have extensive background in education, education policy, and advocacy and I feel compelled to use my experience for the benefit of Fort Bend students and families.

1. Schools are settling for mediocrity in their primary mission to educate students - academic standards aren't as rigorous as they should be, we continue to fail at-risk, minority students (when there are evidence-based solutions that work - even in traditional public schools), and we are not teaching civics or civil discourse.

As a board member, I would start by setting the tone that Fort Bend ISD must upgrade its academic standards and not accept mediocrity—we are currently a B rated school district. Since board members are several steps removed from what happens in buildings and classrooms, I would visit schools and get to know the principals to build on what is working well, but tackle problems head-on. I would also look for ways to engage the community to tutor and mentor at-risk students.

There is exciting research demonstrating significant learning gains when traditional public schools adopted practices followed by the most successful charter schools. I would seek to authorize teacher and administrator training to explore how Fort Bend ISD can improve learning outcomes for students using these best practices. I also welcome an environment that makes available more school choice options that may better serve students currently left behind.

2. Discipline is selective, so classrooms are not as conducive to learning as they should be and teacher morale is low. The current Board of Trustees revised the Student Code of Conduct and put sound policies in place. Again, I would talk with building principals, teachers, and parents to see what is working and where/how we need to make improvements. Further, the Board must begin reviewing metrics when Principals seek a new position in the District. Low suspension rates may hide selective application of the Code of Conduct. If that is in fact the case, we need different metrics.

Yes, I support school choice. Parents have the primary responsibility to raise and educate their children. Right now, wealthier families who are unhappy with their public school can pay tuition for private schools, but lower-income families are stuck in public schools even if they are dangerous or failing.

Parents

No, I do not believe America is inherently racist. Our Declaration of Independence begins with, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Of course, we need to teach history fully and not shy away from our failures (even the most egregious ones) to live up to this ideal. Telling the whole story of our history also includes heroic efforts to "create a more perfect union." To dwell on failures and victim-hood is divisive and hurts the very people it is supposed to help. I've been very inspired by the scholars that Bob Woodson has assembled in his 1776 Unites project and am grateful for the curriculum they have developed to inspire young people and bring the nation together.

Unfortunately, the progressive-left has developed curriculum around these terms that far too often camouflages a world view that is destructive to students. Instead, I think that—to the extent public schools discuss sexuality—it would be helpful to use the Success Sequence as the framework. Ian Rowe developed the "Pathways to Power" unit for Public Prep, a successful charter school network he led in the South Bronx. Moreover, I would redirect any Social Emotional Learning to helping students practice civil discourse and learn to listen to others' points of view respectfully.

My top priority would be to insist on fostering a culture of high expectations and academic rigor. However, there is not a "one size fits all" strategy to implement this ideal across a diverse student body. We need to build on success (wherever we find it), but also not be afraid to ask hard questions to address obstacles to our students' success.

I would find alternatives for biological boys that identify as girls and not allow them in girls private spaces.

Yes

I do not have any other endorsements yet. I'm looking forward to talking with Jackie Besinger on Monday at 10:30.