When Robert Selders was going through Leadership Garland, there was a day dedicated to learning about Garland Independent School District which ended in attending a board of trustees meeting.
“I remember saying to myself that it would be interesting to be on the board and that I could maybe add value in a different kind of way,” Selders said.
He has three daughters that attend school in the district and he co-chairs the School Health Advisory Council for GISD. Selders said that there are many health related issues that he hears about.
“Thinking through the concept of if we had healthier children, we know healthier and more active children will fare better in class or have the opportunity to fare better. It also helps develop their minds and cognitive skills. Then if they have a really great educational experience and they feel it has been enriched, I think that provides a great opportunity for them to have many options beyond high school,” Selders said. “They can go to college and come back to Garland and start businesses, be a part of manufacturing organizations here or work in corporations, and ultimately be better contributors to the community and local economy.”
Selders, who has lived in Rowlett for 16 years, said qualities that will help him if he is elected include being a good listener, he asks lots of questions even when it makes people uncomfortable and he isn’t afraid to go against the status quo.
“People who say that something has to be a certain way because that is how it has always been done doesn’t fly well with me,” Selders said. “I like to make sure we have evidence to support why we are doing things a certain way. If the things you are doing aren’t working, then changes or adjustments are needed.
He feels that he is doing what he is supposed to be doing right now.
When asked how an MIT educated Engineer becomes a fitness professional and gym owner he says, “God has a plan, so God’s purpose for me became my life’s plan. That’s what I focus on,” Selders said. “That’s why I’m here where I am and that’s why I feel like now is the time for me to pursue being elected to the school board.”
If elected as a new school board trustee, people will wonder if Selders will have any reservations about voicing his opinion during challenging issues or discussions. He said, “I have great respect for all the board members and the work they’ve done. I’m realistic though and I understand that we’re not always going to agree on everything, and I’m totally comfortable sharing my thoughts or standing firm on difficult items.”
As a former high school and collegiate athlete and corporate engineer, Selders understands the value of team work. “At the end of the day, we’re a team and the board has to work together for the common good of the district, educators, and all the students,” he said. “You’ve got to function as a cohesive team but that doesn’t mean you are always going to agree.”
Selders said that he has had numerous questions about fiscal responsibility with the bond funds and making sure the money is used properly and in the right places is very important.
He said that as a father, taxpayer and member of the community he thinks everyone has a “right to know the things they have a right to know.”
“Open communication is key. It is absolutely critical,” he said.
Education:
High School Diploma, Washington-Marion Magnet High School (1988), Class Valedictorian
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (1993), Summa Cum Laude
Master of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts (1996)
Master of Exercise Science (Emphasis: Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention), California University of Pennsylvania (2004)
Post Master Certificate in Exercise and Rehabilitation Science (Emphasis: Functional Rehabilitation and Corrective Exercise Programming), California University of Pennsylvania (2010)
Career: Fitness Business owner, 3Q Fitness CrossFit Garland
Community service:
Leadership Garland
Parent co-chair of GISD School Health Advisory Council
Garland Chamber of Commerce WBe Empowerment Luncheon sponsor
Business supporter of “Vote YES” GISD Bond Campaign
GISD staff development instructor
Business sponsor for GISD Council of PTAs Annual Spring Awards Luncheon
Richland College Management/Business Administration Advisory Committee