2021 Position 4 Candidates

Al Bledsoe

Email: educatorsforpisd@gmail.com
Social Media: Facebook.com/educatorsforpisd

CLICK HERE to view candidate video

 

 

 

Why are you running for Pasadena ISD School Board? Is there a particular passion that motivates you to serve?
I am running to address the urgent needs for Special Education students
·      Expand current programs and opportunities
·      Prepare students for jobs post-graduation and roles that contribute back to our community.
·      Ensure students receive quality  education in a safe environment.
·      Work towards funding equity across Pasadena ISD
 

What qualifications, work experiences or volunteer efforts prepare you to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pasadena ISD?
My passion to make an impact on students is evident in 16 years of service for Pasadena ISD.  I served as a Special Education and Outcome-based Measures Educating Growing Adults (OMEGA) employee. My mission is to help students reach their highest potential in life. 
 

The chamber has partnered with PISD on many initiatives, and one of the most successful has been the development of an internship program aimed at preparing our future workforce for local businesses. What accomplishment are you most proud of for Pasadena ISD?
I am most proud of the fact that Pasadena ISD partners with businesses around the area to give our Special Ed students work place experience that they can use on future job applications.
 

Through the numerous unprecedented crises our community has faced, the chamber, like PISD, has had to innovate quickly and remain flexible in meeting the needs of the community. What challenges and opportunities for growth exist for PISD currently?
The continuing  growth of virtual learning for future emergencies as would be necessary, however, face to face learning should be the most ideal situation that the district is working to achieve.
 

As a result of the 2019 PEDC strategic plan, the Chamber implemented IMPACT Pasadena, a leadership program to develop future leaders for our community. What is your personal leadership style? If elected to the Board of Trustees, what do you think your primary responsibility would be in leading as a trustee and how would you want to be remembered as a leader for PISD?
My personal leadership  qualities consist of leading with  integrity, positive attitude and gratitude.  I would like to be remember as a person who was posiive and tried to bring out the best in every situation as it relates to students, faculty, community and the Pasadena Independent School District.
 

“If you have alignment from the mayor, the civic societies, the nonprofits, and business, you can get a lot done. If not, you are just wasting money.” Jamie Dimon, CEO, JP Morgan Chase. The Chamber’s focus is connecting our community, and we believe collaboration is the key to community success. PISD’s current strategic plan drives the vision for the district and is based on educator, parent, administration, business partner, and community input. How would you work to collaborate with the other PISD Board Members, the Superintendent, and stakeholders to accomplish the mission of PISD?
I would suggest having open sessions for discussions via special virtual zoom meetings  and face to face as conditions would allow.

Casey Phelan

Email: c.phelan@att.net
Social Media: Facebook.com/pisdcontinuethesuccess

CLICK HERE to view candidate video

 

 

 

Why are you running for Pasadena ISD School Board? Is there a particular passion that motivates you to serve?
I attended Pasadena ISD schools from start to finish, graduating in 1992.  I am a product of this school district and have benefited and seen first-hand the hard work and achievements of the students, staff and employees.  I have a vested interest and intend to see the successes continue.  My passion is helping create a better community for all of our citizens.  I am running for Pasadena ISD school board because I believe in this district’s potential and accomplishments.  I have spent my entire adult life for the purpose of service and sacrifice.  Service in the uniform of my country’s military and protection with service to my birthplace as a police officer.  I’m motivated and extremely excited to serve in a completely new and challenging way to the school district that gave me so much and helped me to become the person that I am today.     
 

What qualifications, work experiences or volunteer efforts prepare you to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pasadena ISD?
I am a police officer for the city of Pasadena since 1999.  I have worked numerous department divisions.  My most rewarding assignments were in the crimes against children unit and my current assignment in the family violence unit.  Those experiences and the training, as well as years of contact with our community taught me valuable lessons and understandings.  I know the needs of our community.  I’ve also built lifelong relationships and formed friendships with the school district, the city of Pasadena, local businesses and most importantly, our community. I teach 9th grade Sunday school at South Main Baptist Church and provide security at different events throughout the year.  I have been a guest speaker at schools for career days and special events.  I volunteered at school functions, dances, field trips and Get Fit Jog for years.  I served on booster clubs at Memorial High School.  I volunteered at PISD graduation ceremonies to ensure a positive experience despite COVID.  I’ve attended every School Board meeting since 2019.  I’ve volunteered with the Education Foundation’s Dancing with the Principals events and annual Golf Tournaments.  I have volunteered at School Board and Bond elections.  I serve on a campus improvement team in PISD.  

The chamber has partnered with PISD on many initiatives, and one of the most successful has been the development of an internship program aimed at preparing our future workforce for local businesses. What accomplishment are you most proud of for Pasadena ISD?
I'm most proud of our district and the accomplishments in the areas of academics, graduation rates, fine arts, college scholarships, and career and technical educational opportunities.  Our district will have graduates with Associates degrees from every high school this year.  We also continue to have students leave high school with certificates to go right into the workforce around the Pasadena area.  I also love that our district supports and prepares students that go right into the military from high school, which is the route I took upon graduation.  
 

Through the numerous unprecedented crises our community has faced, the chamber, like PISD, has had to innovate quickly and remain flexible in meeting the needs of the community. What challenges and opportunities for growth exist for PISD currently?
I think this district has already faced significant challenges and dealt with them decisively and successfully.   Covid-19 and the learning gaps caused by students being out of school are currently the most significant.  Student and staff safety, along with academic success, are two things that will continue to be a priority.  The district will continue to focus on closing the educational gaps for our children caused by recent events.  Pasadena ISD will strive to maintain the successful direction that has been laid out for the district and continue to lead the way in many areas.    

As a result of the 2019 PEDC strategic plan, the Chamber implemented IMPACT Pasadena, a leadership program to develop future leaders for our community. What is your personal leadership style? If elected to the Board of Trustees, what do you think your primary responsibility would be in leading as a trustee and how would you want to be remembered as a leader for PISD?
I believe the servant leadership style is my personal leadership style.  I will be part of a team that puts the needs of students first.  As a Trustee my responsibility will be to be an active member of the team as well as my community.  I’ll listen to all stakeholders as we work together to continue to move the district forward.  As a leader for the district, I would want to be remembered for questioning the recommendations brought before the team and for gathering enough information to make good decisions for all students, staff, parents and our community.             
 

“If you have alignment from the mayor, the civic societies, the nonprofits, and business, you can get a lot done. If not, you are just wasting money.” Jamie Dimon, CEO, JP Morgan Chase. The Chamber’s focus is connecting our community, and we believe collaboration is the key to community success. PISD’s current strategic plan drives the vision for the district and is based on educator, parent, administration, business partner, and community input. How would you work to collaborate with the other PISD Board Members, the Superintendent, and stakeholders to accomplish the mission of PISD?
The Board must work as a cohesive team to support the work of the district.  As a part of the team, the Board must work well with the Superintendent.  It is vital to ask questions, understand the Strategic Plan, and set high expectations for the district. Board members must communicate with the Superintendent, each other and listen to concerns expressed by the community.  A thriving school district like ours requires open lines of communication with all stakeholders.  When the relationships between the Trustees, Superintendent and Stakeholders work cohesively, you can expect great things to happen, which is what you see now.  As a new team member in this role, I will ask questions and observe our district.  I will continue to be active in the community by participating in various events.  This Board has worked together well for years, and I hope to add to that through my willingness to learn and to advocate for all students.  I intend to continue the great relationships between the Trustees, the Superintendent and the community. I am excited by the opportunity to serve differently, as I look forward to supporting all students, staff, parents and community members through this role.   

Areef Bhuyan is also listed as a candidate on the ballot; however, despite multiple attempts via voicemail, email and social media to make contact, no response was provided confirming their intent to seek election or participate in the virtual forum.