Pasadena ISD Position 7

Vickie Morgan

Email: vickiem1@comcast.net
Phone: 713-854-5359
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FriendsofPasadenaISD
Website: www.friendsofpisd.com

 

 

Why are you running for a position on the Board of Trustees? Is there a particular passion that motivates you to serve?

One of my greatest passions, throughout my adult years, has been and continues to be, working with and for students, preparing them for their future, thus ensuring the continued success of our communities. I want to assure you that every deliberation, decision and action I take, reflects the best interests of each student and staff member I have the privilege of serving. All three of my daughters are proud PISD graduates and my two grandsons are currently middle and high school students in PISD. I take great pride in seeing the successes of many, who have “grown up” in in our incredible district! Pasadena is a wonderful district and I believe that I can help continue its current focus for success and continue “Soaring to New Heights”. 

What qualifications, work experiences or volunteer efforts prepare you to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees?

* 37 yr. Member of the Board of Trustees, currently serving as President
* Pasadena Education Foundation Director
* Parent Teacher Association - President of Teague Elementary and ParkView Intermediate for several years, Organized PTA at ParkView Intermediate, Organizer of Founder’s Day Galas, President of Pasadena Council of PTAs - received 2 Texas Life Memberships, a National Life Membership and an Extended Life Membership
* San Jacinto Girl Scouts - Organizer and Leader of 3 troops, Cookie Chairman, Neighborhood Vice Chairman -Named Leader of the Year
* San Jacinto College - Committee Member for Office of Continuing Education
* Sam Rayburn H.S. Project Graduation - Organizer, Treasurer, Chairman
* South Main Baptist Church - Vacation Bible School Director

What accomplishment are you most proud of for Pasadena ISD?

There is much to be proud of in PISD. The past 6 years, we experienced major challenges - Hurricane Harvey, COVID, and this year, a devastating tornado. Instead of slowing down, our district and community rose above these challenges. Grants were written and money raised to take care of basic needs of our families, including food and clothing. The Board approved support with additional counselors, parent coordinators, and social workers. Work continued toward goals of our strategic plan, including accessibility of full-day PK, opening, and growing our Early College High Schools, where hundreds of students earned Associate degrees, days before graduating from high school. Additionally, our dual credit program continued to grow, with hundreds of students graduating with over 9 hours of college credit. CTE programs also grew, with thousands of students earning workforce ready certificates, prior to graduation. Our graduation rate rose to over 90%. While many districts struggled to survive during this time, Pasadena thrived! Our demographics include 86% qualifying for free and reduced lunch, over 90% of our students are minorities, and 33% have a first language other than English. Pasadena sees our resilient students as our strength and love to watch their successes when they leave us! 

What challenges and opportunities for change do you think exist currently?

The pandemic led to a decrease in math skills in districts across the state and nation, as seen on standardized test scores. While PISD continues to receive some of the highest scores in the state on Algebra I exams,our 4th - 8th grade scores have declined,compared to pre-pandemic scores. Our Superintendent has led the way,insuring our schools have the necessary curriculum and materials to support teachers as they work with students that are behind. Our Board approved an additional math intervention specialist and teachers to help all students be successful. Dr. Powell serves on an advisory committee with the Commissioner and legislators, providing input on needs of our schools. Federal money is allotted to secure mathematics tutors for students before, during and after school and on some Saturdays. We believe our students are capable and we have continued to provide result-based support each child needs to meet their potential. A challenge hindering the ability to plan and support students is timing of the legislative session, as the state budget is often not approved until late July. Our superintendent and board are communicating needs to our legislators, asking them to continue providing funds, imperative for our future successes. 

Our community is facing significant workforce challenges, how would you work to collaborate with other stakeholders and partners to address this issue?

I am incredibly proud of our district and the business partnerships we have developed as part of our strategic plan. The Board has always encouraged that we actively partner with the City of Pasadena, the area Chambers of Commerce and industry leaders throughout our school communities. Our CTE program has advisory groups for many areas of employment which include business owners and CEOs or their representatives. These industry leaders help ensure that our curriculum is relevant and that certifications our students receive through their CTE classes are what is required and are essential for varied types of employment. Our students earn thousands of workforce certifications and are sought after by many of our area employers. Our partners frequently give feedback on the quality work our students demonstrate. Employers are impressed, not just with their academic abilities and industry skills, but also their ability to think critically, clearly communicate, get along with others, are creative, show initiative and are dependable. These qualities embody the Pasadena portrait of a graduate which was developed through our strategic plan. Pasadena ISD is directly providing a prepared workforce mitigating many workforce challenges. I could not be more proud of this work. 

If elected to the Board of Trustees, what do you think your primary responsibility would be in leading as a trustee and what is your personal leadership style?

My number one responsibility as a Board of Trustee member is to be a part of developing the mission, vision, and goals that are articulated through our strategic plan. The Board approves district policies which create a framework within which the Superintendent and other district staff can conduct their plans and assigned duties. The Board supports our Superintendent as she plans for and carries out the work of our district. Additionally, I consider myself a community cheerleader for the many successes of our great district. I also consider myself as a thought partner for our superintendent as we face challenges, with the Board approving appropriate resources and solutions. As a leader, I stay true to my beliefs, work collaboratively with other Trustees while keeping the needs of students and staff as the number one criteria when making decisions. I remain positive in the middle of storms, trusting that the Lord will guide me and any decision that I must make. 

Jeff Snover

*Mr. Snover was invited to participate in the questionnaire portion of Meet the Candidates, but declined the invitation to participate.

Irene Tamayo

Email: irenetamayorn@gmail.com
Phone: 832-208-0678
Facebook: N/A
Website: N/A

 

 

Why are you running for a position on the Board of Trustees? Is there a particular passion that motivates you to serve?

I AM  RUNNING FOR A POSITION ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WITH THE INTEREST OF REPRESENTING STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT, AND WOULD LIKE TO FOCUS ON AREAS IN WHICH THERE ARE SPECIAL CONCERNS REGARDING SAFETY  AND THE  CONCERN OF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF EDUCATORS.

What qualifications, work experiences or volunteer efforts prepare you to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees?

I  AM FROM THE CITY OF SOUTH HOUSTON WHICH IS KNOWN TO HAVE THE HIGH SCHOOL WHICH HAS SAFETY ISSUES.  IT IS THE SCHOOL IN WHICH MANY EDUCATORS ARE KNOWN TO DISLIKE TO WORK AT.  FOCUS ON PROBLEM SCHOOLS SHOULD  HAVE SPECIAL ATTENTION NOT ONLY TO HELP THE STUDENTS BUT TO RETAIN GOOD TEACHERS.

I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING THE PTA, VOLUNTEER AT THE SOUTH HOUSTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NURSE'S OFFICE, THE BRIGHTER BITES FOOD PROGRAM AT MATTHYS ELEMENTARY, AND I HAVE SERVED ON  THE CITY COUNCIL,   I AM A RETIRED NURSE.

What accomplishment are you most proud of for Pasadena ISD?

I BELIEVE WE HAVE THE BEST EDUCATION TO BE OFFERED IN OUR COMMUNITY AND AM PROUD TO HAVE ATTENDED PISD SCHOOLS FROM ELEMENTARY TO GRADUATION FROM SOUTH HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL.   I  GRADUATED FROM THE SAN JACINTO COLLEGE SCHOOL OF NURSING.

What challenges and opportunities for change do you think exist currently?

THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.  I WOULD LIKE TO SEE  MORE EMPHASIS IN THE ARTS PROGRAMS,  STEM, AND THE RETENTION OF EDUCATORS WITH MORE INPUT FROM EDUCATORS THAT DEAL DIRECTLY WITH STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.`

STUDENTS  AND EDUCATORS NEED A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.    

Our community is facing significant workforce challenges, how would you work to collaborate with other stakeholders and partners to address this issue?

IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET INPUT FROM EDUCATORS ON THE PROBLEMS THEY ARE FACING. COMPENSATION IS A MAJOR FACTOR, ALONG WITH JOB SECURITY.  FUNDING IS THE BOTTOM LINE.  

FINDING OUT WHERE MOST OF THE FUNDING IS GOING,  AND POSSIBLY CUTTING FROM THE TOP TO ALLOCATE  FOR WHERE THE NEED IS GREATER IS  AN OPTION.  

ALL PERSONNEL ARE  ESSENTIAL, BUT PRIORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  ARE TO BE CONSIDERED.

If elected to the Board of Trustees, what do you think your primary responsibility would be in leading as a trustee and what is your personal leadership style?

PRIMARY  RESPONSIBILITES OF A TRUSTEE ARE TO OVERSEE BUDGET AND FINANCE, AND HOPEFULLY IMPACT PROGRAMS THROUGH POLICIES THAT SERVE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE STUDENTS.