Three places on the Garland ISD board of trustees are up for reelection in 2022. The race for the Place 1 seat is between Larry Glick and Bob Duckworth. In addition, Trustees Linda Griffin and Johnny Beach, who hold Places 2 and 3, are running unopposed.
Early voting begins April 25 and ends May 3. Election Day is May 7. Click here for early voting locations.
Larry Glick – incumbent – candidate for Place 1 Garland ISD board of trustees – www.larryglick.vote
Questions
- Why do you want to serve on the Garland ISD board of trustees?
- What experience/background do you have that qualifies you for the position?
- What will your top few priorities be?
- What do you feel are GISD’s main four or five strengths?
- What are the district’s main weaknesses that need to be addressed?
- National newscasts continue to air stories that indicate students are behind because of remote learning during the pandemic. What would you do to address getting them caught up?
Answers
#!-I am completing my 15th year on the Board. We have just experienced a period that no one expected or was truly prepared for. During my time as Board President I set lofty, but reachable goals. Primarily, I want/expect Garland ISD to be the best large urban district in the United States. Formerly, the Broad Prize was awarded to that district meeting the criteria set forth. Although the prize no longer exists, the standards are still in place. We can achieve those standards. Ensuring an excellent education for all students while significantly and most importantly, measurably closing achievement gaps is the key. We have approached that goal in the past as noted by the Broad judges. We will achieve that goal.
#2- I have been Board President 3 times and Vice President 3 times. I helped design or existing board goal that places emphasis on student achievement. I previously served as Chair of Rowlett’s Planning and Zoning Commission for 11 years. Chaired 2 Rowlett Comprehensive Plan Commissions (and served on 4 over a period of 25 years)., Chaired the President George Bush Turnpike Extension Committee which served our cities of Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse. In this capacity I met with the Mayors of each city as well as the County Judge and Commissioners. I Chaired the Garland Economic Development Partnership. My law, tax, and finance backgrounds are vital to understanding issues that come before the Board. After the devastating tornado that struck Garland and Rowlett on December 26,2015, I was asked by Rowlett’s mayor to represent the citizens on “Rebuild Rowlett”. I am one of the few trustees in the State of Texas that carries the title of Master Trustee.
#5-We are a district of choice and have been a model for other districts to emulate. One issue that has arisen is the lengthy waiting list for our magnet campuses. Recently, with Board President Johnny Beach, I was asked to make a presentation to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) on their System of Great Schools program. We were successful and have now been awarded a grant to reconfigure six existing campuses to new magnet campuses, 4 at the elementary level and 2 at the middle school level. A successful implementation of this grant will ensure that our model remains the preeminent school choice program in the state.
#4a-Garland ISD is the leading district in Dallas County for CCMR (College Career and Military Readiness. Each of our 7 high schools would score an A based on our success in preparing students for life after high school. Whether it is AP results, TSI criteria such as SAT and ACT, dual credit, earning an associates degree on the college side, or earning an industry-based certification, or completing coursework aligned with a certification. We also pay for all college ready tests, as well as industry certifying tests.
#4b-Our Gilbreath-Reed Tech Center is a state-of-the-art facility that is expandable to meet the needs of future generations.
#4c-The growth of our College For All program has exceeded expectations. Originally we had the amazing IB (international baccalaureate) program at Garland High and numerous AP and dual credit courses. The Collegiate Academy at Lakeview Centennial has now been joined by Naaman Forest. We have Early College High Schools (ECHS) and Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (PTECHS) at each of our high schools. Each of these magnet programs offer students the opportunity to earn up to 60 semester credit hours.
#4d-We are one of the leading districts in the United States for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Just last week North Garland High School had its National AVID demonstration status revalidated for another 3 years. With additional National Demonstration campuses at Sellers Middle School and O’Banion Middle School, we are one of only 5 districts in Texas with such a trio.
#6- We have instituted several measures already. Our academic acceleration plan is functioning as projected. We have double-blocked (60 minutes previously-120 minutes now) for both math and reading to increase both literacy and numeracy. Our Executive Leadership teams now include immediate access to team members in the areas of sheltered instruction and behavioral instruction. We have enhanced our small group instruction by using our master teachers to accelerate remediation for our struggling students. We are a data-driven district and use our capacity to drill down to the single student’s strengths and weaknesses.
#3- Our last bond was in 2014. Most school districts have 3 to 5 year schedules for future bonds. At best, if we propose a bond it will not be until 2023, which is a nine year gap. Our consultants have established two criteria levels- those that need immediate attention and those that can be pushed further out. Unfortunately, since their original study in 2020 more projects have now been pushed into criteria level one. I currently chair our Finance Committee and believe that a reasoned analysis will lead to a decision to proceed. We made major strides in student achievement before the pandemic. Our grade increased to an 88 from the State, nearing the coveted “A“. We are capable of achieving that lofty level, but must ensure that our incredible staff are justly compensated for their efforts. The Finance Committee will soon be reviewing our current salary structure. We have embarked on the state mandated program for full-day PRE-K. All research I have read indicates that this background is integral to success in the following grades. We must continue growing this program.
Bob Duckworth – candidate for Place 1 Garland ISD board of trustees
Why do you want to serve on the Garland ISD board of trustees?
I believe I can make a difference in the district from a transparency perspective as a trustee stated in a board meeting that everyone in the room, which included administration, “Had violated the Open Meetings Act”. I believe that truth and transparency should be the guiding forces behind ever action of the Board and administration.
I will represent the citizens of the district to the best of my ability based on my Christian values, the truth and transparency. The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. turn it loose; it will defend itself.
What experience/background do you have that qualifies you for the position?
I believe that my many years of work experience have equipped me to serve as a trustee of this district. Almost 50 years in the banking industry, with specialization in regulatory and compliance. I have severed on numerous Boards and committees related to church and the city of Garland. I am currently a member of the TIF-3 Board with the City of Garland and have served on two bond committees. I managed a five-year Main Street Garland program that was vital in stopping the downward spiral of the heart of Garland. I have served on numerous boards and committees and raised multiple thousands of dollars for many charities and non-profits.
I currently serve on the Finance Committee, Baptism Committee, Tabulating Committee and a long-range study committee at First Baptist Church Garland. I was a member of the Lions Club for a number of years and currently serve as a member of the LivestockCommittee of Garland which is a support group for the FFA/AG students of Garland ISD. I was one of the original board members of the Hope Clinic.
What will your top few priorities be?
One of the top priorities is getting students back in school and get them back on a learning track for future success. It appears the district is down some 5,000 students from previous highs.
I believe in the future, teaching should concentrate on reading, writing, history and math to enable students to branch of in any direction of education they have an interest in.
The district is short on qualified teachers which is a high priority as well as retaining current teachers. It appears from some of the testimony from teachers in board meetings that salaries are a big part of the retention equation.
I believe discipline and student management is at a concerning level and action must be taken to bring things under control. I am concerned that proper reporting of discipline issues is being reported and tracked.
What do you feel are GISD’s main four or five strengths?
The district is sitting in an economic area that is still growing and tax values are rising.
The district has strong support of the community.
The district has a long history of success, although at this time the district is recovering from the issues of Covid and the online learning that in my opinion was unsuccessful from a district wide standpoint. Many of the students are 1,2, to 3 years behind for their educational level related to age and class grade level.
The district continues to fall further and further behind on quality facilities for teacher and students to work and learn in. One bathroom in an entire school for the teachers would appear to be unacceptable.
What are the district’s main weaknesses that need to be addressed?
I believe the districts main weakness that needs to be addressed is the loss of learning and maturity level of students due to the Covid and teacher shortages. A large number of the student base is considered/classified as, At-Risk or Economically Disadvantaged. I have an idea to work with the district and PTA to get more parents involved.
National newscasts continue to air stories that indicate students are behind because of remote learning during the pandemic. What would you do to address getting them caught up?
For students who have returned to on campus learning, the district should concentrate on the basic subjects every day until every student has been identified and given the help they need to excel.
Dyslexia is another area that the district should continue to concentrate on, as finding students who need assistance early, will provide a more successful and productive educational experience for them.