Published: May 04, 2008 03:29 pm         

Question & Answer: Cleburne ISD school board

Candidates competing in various city and school elections throughout Johnson County recently answered questions submitted by the Times-Review. Only candidates facing opposition received the questions.

Answers were limited to 150 words or less and edited for spelling and grammar. Attacks on individuals, the cities or school districts were prohibited. The Times-Review has not otherwise altered the content of the candidate’s responses. Answers appear in alphabetical order, according to the candidate’s last name.



1. With the concern raised from the TEA’s preliminary report on CISD spending, what changes would you make to the district’s financial practices?



Place 1

Brad Allen: The TEA reported concerns stemming primarily from federal grants. 47.5 percent of our 6,407 students are classified as economically and socially disadvantaged. Due to the number of socially and economically disadvantaged students in CISD, we are allowed to receive significant federal funds to support their needs. My recommendation would be to hire a full-time employee, responsible for monitoring, record keeping, reporting and administering all federally funded programs.



Wendell Dempsey: New management needs to be in place before anything else. Strict compliance to accepted accounting practices must not only be in place, but training for all employees of the finance department to assure they are carried out. New procedures should be in place with approved purchase orders or other methods that maintain the reliability of the records. Possibly more frequent reviews of transactions may be in order. The district must be able to trust and rely on the financial officer’s ability to operate and report in a straight forward manner. Perhaps an assistant financial officer may be needed for checks and balances. New management would be the primary change.



Cindy Mangrum: I would like the district to hire an assistant for Mr. Mike Bailey. I would also like this individual to be trained in the laws regarding state and federal grants. We should also institute a purchase order system with a policy and procedures manual regarding P.O.’s. We should also institute a two signature policy for P.O.’s before any check is written.



Place 6

MJ (Marijane) Larrison: I am quite sure that CISD has a standard policy and specific steps on applications and spending of state and federal funds. Making changes to simplify that process for all of the district could be a starting place. Routine training to keep teachers, as well as administrators, up to date on requirements and rules. New policies and procedures for audits should certainly be looked at according to state and federal guidelines, as well as expenditures in the district. We are all taking extra caution in today’s economy, and CISD needs to take the same approach with the district’s funds.



Lori Zachary: Since I am a school board “candidate” and not yet a member, I have no more information than any other “average Joe,” but I do have GREAT CONCERN. Until I learn what the district’s specific “financial practices” are, I cannot make a fully informed recommendation of changes. I am glad that TASBO is currently on the job overseeing the details and decision-making following the results of the audit, allowing the board the opportunity to devote energy to the education of the students and support of the teaching staff.



2. The district is considering approving the construction of an indoor practice facility at the Cleburne High School. What’s your take on such a facility?



Place 1

Brad Allen: I support the construction of a multipurpose indoor facility. The facility can be used by the athletic department, the band, the cheerleaders, the dance team, as well as several other groups at CHS. This facility will give our students the opportunity to be competitive in all programs. CISD has been diligent in facility updates, including the library construction and expansion, remodeled band hall and the renovation of the Don Smith Performing Arts Center. The multipurpose indoor facility is the next step in updating our facilities and allowing our students the best advantage to be successful. With the recent sale of the property located around the Guinn Justice Building, this facility can be built without impact to the maintenance and operation budget of the district.



Wendell Dempsey: With the financial situation now facing the district, no new major expenses should be undertaken until all questions and problems are fixed and a clear picture of the condition of CISD finances are known. An indoor practice facility is a luxury, not a necessity — but first things first. The overall condition of the school administration, new procedures in both accountability and financial transactions are more important than spending on new projects.



Cindy Mangrum: I believe that our district needs an indoor practice facility. It’s time for Cleburne to set standards of our own instead of following those of other school districts. I’m a big supporter of Coach [Phil] Young and if he feels that our student body would benefit from one then I say we invest in one. I know that the Golden Pride, the Jacket Dancers and the entire athletic department would benefit from it also. Texas heat in the summer can be very hot, and we need to protect our students at all cost.



Place 6

MJ (Marijane) Larrison: All the information I have read up to this point seems that it is a facility that certainly will be used for the needs stated. I hope all the groups mentioned will benefit (band, drill team, soccer and etc.) and actually get to share it as promised along with the football team. Any improvements are always welcome as long as they are financially sound and improve CISD facilities. I would like to see all the research as well as funding before making a decision.



Lori Zachary: Anything we can do to enhance the environment of learning and child development should be a high priority in any school district. However, in light of the financial concerns currently plaguing our school district, I would hope that undertaking such a costly endeavor would be carefully researched. Expenditures such as these need an extra measure of scrutiny by those left accountable. That being said, however, I do see the benefits that such a facility would have for all of the CHS students, the majority of which are involved in some type of physical extracurricular activity. It is my understanding that this facility would be available for a wide variety of activities ... band, baseball, cheerleading, dance team, football, soccer, soft ball and track to name a few.



3. With the February fire at Yellow Jacket Stadium, how far should the district go toward renovating the burned press box? Should an entirely new stadium be constructed?



Place 1

Brad Allen: At this time, I do not believe that a new stadium should be constructed. CISD has facilities in which day-to-day, student usage should be addressed. I believe that improvements to the Cooke, Coleman and Gerard elementaries should take precedence over consideration of building a new football stadium. I would also like to see CISD apply for grants from the state of Texas and historical foundations for the renovation and remodeling of the previous Irving, Santa Fe and the current Long campuses. I believe Irving and Santa Fe campuses could be used for math and science academies as well as other specialty learning facilities.



Wendell Dempsey: The press box should have been covered to minimize any further damage. This press box is part of the school tradition and should be maintained for use. The school district has many more pressing obligations than to consider a new stadium at this time. Financial accountability with new leaders should be in place as the No. 1 goal of CISD.



Cindy Mangrum: I think the press box should be repaired. We should also install a new sound system so everyone in the stadium can hear the play-by-play announcements. To save money, maybe we could use some of our in-house maintenance staff for repairs. Our stadium is a big part of Cleburne’s history and is still a useable stadium. I do feel that a new one needs to be built. Although we love our current stadium, it doesn’t have enough parking or seating. Eventually the owners of the shopping center adjacent to the stadium may stop all parking. A new state-of-the-art stadium could bring revenue into the city, and we would be able to host band contests and other activities. Are taxpayers willing to vote for a tax increase to erect one? I guess that would be up to voters. I however, would like to see one.



Place 6

MJ (Marijane) Larrison: I think the district should replace the press box back to the needs necessary and what is in line with the insurance replacement costs. All safety and codes should be met, and if new improvements can be worked in the budget that will be plus.

After serving on the Facility Committee that oversaw the new schools, I feel an intensive look into a long range plan for the high school and athletic facilities as well as curriculum needs should be addressed. If all elementary and middle school campuses are at a secure point for growth, then to look at a bond proposal for the entire high school and athletics facilities would be warranted at that time.



Lori Zachary: I heard the matter of the press box addressed at a recent board meeting, and I believe it was stated that insurance proceeds will cover the majority of the costs. It is my hope, and the hope of the entire graduating class of 2008, I hear, that The Rock be made presentable for graduation, on Friday May 30, 2008. There will come a time when our community will be forced to address whether this historic stadium, built by the hands of WPA workers during the heart of the depression, meets our needs or warrants replacement. I truly believe that the future of The Rock lies solely in the hands of the community.



4. If you could improve one thing in the district, regardless of cost, what would it be and why?



Place 1

Brad Allen: There are many things I would like to improve in the district, and it is difficult to select just one area. There are several challenges in public education today, which include diversity in the student population, uncertainty in state school financing, ever-changing accountability standards and violence in the school setting. One of the biggest challenges facing the district is reaching to meet the needs of all of our students. With a diverse community and the ever-changing expectations, finding new ways to reach the greatest potential of each student becomes more difficult.



Wendell Dempsey: The most needed improvements can be achieved without a lot of cost. A new attitude toward managing the district, a fresh look at teacher-principle-administration relations, with strict compliance required. The district needs to work in harmony with the teachers and foster a joint working relationship that offers the most for the students. There is more to education than just the dollar amount the district spends.



Cindy Mangrum: My one improvement for the district would be to invest more money into our fine arts curriculum and fine arts extracurricular activities. The Cleburne district has many talented children who would benefit from improvements in all areas of fine arts. Cleburne has prided itself on award-winning bands, drama teams, dance teams and choirs. With more money being allotted to these programs, it could give more children the opportunity to be involved in any one of these areas. Children need to be able to have something do to with their time and talents. I have known many graduates of Cleburne High School that have taken their talents onto the college level and are very successful. I would also like these programs to start earlier than middle school and maybe broaden the scope into other areas of fine arts such as an orchestra and or a ballet program.



Place 6

MJ (Marijane) Larrison: Cost is always a factor. In a perfect situation I would give the teachers, aides and staff the salaries that they so deserve as well as giving all the children the finest curriculum, facilities and campuses, that district money could buy. In the end it is still about educating our children to the best of our ability and what our budget will allow.



Lori Zachary: “Regardless of the cost” makes this an absolute dream! Aside from the overall goal of reducing the student/teacher ratio in classrooms, I would like to see the curriculum expanded to include interactive classroom technology in each of the classrooms of CISD. Studies have shown that students excel in an environment rich with technology such as “Smart Boards.” Teachers use the technology as a tool for teaching and not as a replacement. But with this dream comes the need for a much larger technology support team to support and assist the teachers with any hardware and software woes! This dream would keep our students and our teachers competitive in our ever-evolving technological society.



5. What would you bring to the board if elected?



Place 1

Brad Allen: I would bring a parent of two children currently attending CISD. I bring a strong desire of what every parent wants for their child. I bring a parent who wants the best teachers, the best environment and the best facilities. I bring the desire to have my children in safe campuses. I bring the desire for success beyond public education. I bring a supportive parent involved in their child’s activities. I bring gratitude for the CISD education I received. I bring a person very concerned with the future of Cleburne. I bring a commitment to supporting teachers and administrators. As a third-generation graduate of CHS and a working member of this community, it is my strongest hope to ensure every child has a fair and equal opportunity to succeed. I would be proud to serve Cleburne and CISD as a board trustee.



Wendell Dempsey: A strict business background that would demand honesty and accountability in all areas of finance, employment, administration and operations. Bring common sense to the board room. The ability to unite the district toward the real goal of educating our children, seeking options before decisions are made and promoting a spirit of cooperation, employee value and student interest throughout the system.



Cindy Mangrum: If I were elected to the board I will bring in fresh, new ideas that I believe that students and parents would like. For 11 years I have successfully ran my company with the understanding of how a balanced budget works. I know with this type of experience I can do the same for the CISD. I consider myself to be a very professional woman, and I would bring that type of professionalism to the board. It is now time for the board and school district to put the whole TEA audit behind them and move forward. A board that can work together for the betterment of our children and teachers will be a successful board, and I look forward to the chance of being able to be a part of that.



Place 6

MJ (Marijane) Larrison: I made a commitment to be an involved parent in my children’s education the day each one started kindergarten. My mother graduated form Cleburne as did I and all four of my children. Now three of my children have graduated college, and my last child is a senior in college. I have volunteered on numerous site-based committees, PTA, and have been involved in all my children activities as well as serving on Cleburne Alumni group. I care very much about children in our community. Their education and up to date facilities should always be a priority. I am STILL proud of the school district, and I will work to bring practical, real-life decisions to the board. CISD has a responsibility to give the community and the students the best education that our budget will allow.



Lori Zachary: I am a people person. I like to mingle and get involved with the community. Consequently, I’m “in touch” with many students, parents, teachers, administrators, business people and city officials. While I do like to listen and gain input and insight from people, I am responsible about the decisions I make. I make up my own mind, follow my own instincts, and stick to my own guns. I have a vested interest in CISD. I will be swayed only by what is BEST for the children. With my business background and education, I see that it is possible to repay a $367,000 debt when working with a $48 million budget and STILL find the funds to get teachers what they deserve. Prioritizing will be required, but prioritizing is ALWAYS required. I will bring to the board a strong sense of value, accountability and desire for educational excellence and accomplishment.

     

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