NameLYDIA ORTEGA
What office are you running for?Plano ISD Board of Trustees - Place 4
County, District/TownshipPlano
Address3424 Michael Dr
Plano, Texas 75023
Map It
Phone(408) 316-4313
EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Are you currently the officeholder and seeking re-election?no
Is this your first time running for office?No
Election Date05/06/2023
WebsiteLydiaOrtega4Plano.com
Social Media Handles

Facebook - LydiaOrtega4Plano.com
Linked-IN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/LydiaOrtegaPhd/

KEY ISSUES
1. Provide the top 2 reasons why you want to run for school board?

1. Must assert the Board's fiduciary responsibility to the Parents and Residents - our employers. 2. Must establish policies. Without Board developed and approved policies there is no actionable violation. Hence ignoring Board directions amounts to a slap on the hand. 3. In 2024 DO NOT renew/accept federal funding for SEL online assessments -- this is creating an electronic social credit system that will follow the child from K through life.

2. Name the top 2 issues with your current school board or district and how you will address each issue.

1. Current school board surrenders its function as an independent entity when it includes the superintendent as the "8th" member of the Board. The Board hires the superintendent, hence they cannot be a Team of 8. Board policies and a Board independent counsel will help establish the functions and boundaries. Expected declining enrollments, increasing competition from charter schools, and increasing numbers of ESL students means we have to start NOW to be proactive in making strategic resource investments and reallocations.

3. Do you support school choice? Why or why not?

I definitely support school choice. One-size-fits-all schooling model DOES NOT fit ALL. I always wondered why my sister hated school so much. Now I know that each day was like wearing a pair of shoes that were two sizes too small. I love competition. I am trained as a Classical liberal economist and as Chair of the Dept. of Economics, I established the only Free Market Dept. of Economics on the West Coast. Free markets are essential for innovation and growth. I didn't know how much public and private school differed until I put my son in Discovery Charter School for 6th to 8th grade. I had to work at the school 2 hrs per week and chaperone field trips. They had an amazing program. Public schools should embrace the competition and become better.

4. Who do you think is the ultimate authority in a child’s education and wellbeing?

It has to be the parent. Some people will argue it is the community but that makes a child's education a public good. Public goods suffer because no single person is accountable for investing in and sustaining a resource. Only the parent has the short and long term goals and emotional attachment to make education decisions in the best interest of the child. Parents have a vested interest.

5. Do you agree with the statement “America is inherently racist”? Why or why not?

The phrase "America is inherently racist" is either used as a political means to an end or is a product of selective perception bias. If you put your attention on "how racist America is" that is all you will see - guaranteed. However, by the same token If you put your attention on "how integrated America is" you will see examples all around showing integration. America is an amazing country for the ability to diminish racism overtime. It evolves through human interaction. Quick example: "IRISH NEED NOT APPLY." In the early days of Irish immigration, one could i.d. an Irishman a block away because of their behavior, language, and drunkenness. Over time those markers decreased and we eventually elected a President of Irish descent.

6. What are your thoughts on “Comprehensive Sex Education”, “Diversity Equity and Inclusion”, and “Social Emotional Learning”? Should these be a part of our public education curriculum or supplemental learning materials or left to parents to teach and why?

Teachers are overly burdened with compliance, documentation, changes to curriculum requirements etc. Less of their time is on the rudiments of teaching: being creative, inspiring, encourage to students struggling in math, reading etc. We can resolve this misallocation of teacher skills by letting teachers stay in their lane -- teach traditional core subjects, and letting parents handle their lane. Parents are better suited to facilitating social activities and growth knowing, being attuned and responsive to emotional development, and knowing when a child is ready for a values discussion of sexual intercourse. As an economist I know where there is a benefit their is an opportunity cost. DEI has a tremendous overlooked cost. When DEI promotes people based on the color of their skin or gender, it eviscerates a sense of agency, of accomplishment, and of self worth. After all the DEI recipient did NOTHING to be born a certain color or gender, but, for example, they get a DEI appointment to be Dean of a University. Now what do they do? I imagine there is an increase in the number of people suffering from the imposter syndrome.

7. With declining academic achievement in reading, writing, math, and science in schools across the nation, how would you address these issues if elected?

Interesting question. We all use the word "education" and even specify subject areas but I don't think we would agree on what constitutes a great education. We measure education by Scantron test scores. By 4th grade students realize there are no incentives for asking questions, like Why? Really? What if? or Then What?. Their friends will groan if a question delays recess; the teacher may sigh if the question delays a much needed coffee break; even parents may need a break not a question. So students, memorize, regurgitate, and forget. THIS IS NOT EDUCATION. Students are responding to the lack of incentives by "turning-off" their questioning mind. The results are disastrous in college or in work. Students need more engagement - questioning, disagreeing, challenging, etc. They need more feedback and encouragement based on what they think. We have to find new ways of assessing this type of learning. I have a few ideas in mind.

8. Safety is a major concern for most families, how would you support and encourage safety measures for girls in their private spaces, if elected?

The most vulnerable place for girls is the public bathroom. So much trouble goes on in Bathrooms for boys and girls. Bathrooms must be supervised by staff or parents, particularly during lunch and transitions between classes. Supervision demonstrates to students that their safety matters.

9. Do you believe Title IX is in jeopardy in our public education system today?

Yes Title IX is in jeopardy and I would even go so far as to say that female or womanhood itself is in jeopardy as it is mocked by the trans and drag show community. Remember that many good women fought for Title IX rights. But legislated rights can be given and what is given can be taken away when it is expedient for political purposes to transfer those rights to another group.

10. Do you have any other endorsements? If so, please list them.

Collin County GOP, Plano Citizen's Coalition, Collin County Conservative Republicans, Charter Schools Now PAC. Waiting to hear from Texas Values and two more groups.