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Allen Voters Guide 2012: Jason Shepard (Allen ISD Place 3)
Jason Shepard
From staff reports
The Allen American sent identical questionnaires to this year's Allen ISD Board of Trustees candidates to find out where they stand on the most important issues facing the district. Below is Place 3 candidate Jason Shepard's response.
What do you believe to be the three most important issues currently facing the district?
School Finance, State Mandated Testing, Capital Projects.
School Finance: Support the current litigation for school finance reform. Advocate for legislation that gives more control to local communities to secure their own future. Monitor the district's spending in light of the recent TRE.
Accountability Testing: Participate in the efforts of a consortium of North Texas school districts to pilot a more effective accountability system.
Capital Projects: Find a solution to the proposed service center that addresses both the needs of the district and citizen concerns. Elementary School No. 17. Eagle Stadium.
What makes you qualified to perform the duties associated with this position?
During my 13 plus years in Allen I have served frequently and in a variety of positions.
My volunteer experience and equity within the Allen community make me uniquely qualified to continue serving our community on the Allen School Board. Having served on many boards and committees, and having most recently spent the last three years learning the Texas school system intimately; I can add value immediately as we tackle the current issues facing the district.
One of the most highly charged issues in the district right now is the controversial 113,000-square-foot service center project. Do you believe the district should continue its plans to construct the facility? Why or why not?
The citizens of Allen, through community planning such as Project Kids and the Strategic Planning Process, planned to build this service center years ago. AISD built schools first, and when capacity was stretched beyond the limits at the current service center, as well as the Lowery PAC and Eagle Stadium, then turned to building these final important projects to complement the investment already made. The voters approved the bond sales and steps have already been set in motion to complete the service center. As Trustees we have a responsibility to move forward with this project. However, we can and should absolutely work with the citizens of Allen to ensure that this facility is completed in such a way that it does not pose unreasonable safety concerns on nearby residents or diminish property values. AISD has a history of building facilities that complement the surrounding communities and I believe we can find a solution that addresses the concerns of all sides to this issue.
Last year, the Texas Legislature cut funding to public schools by $5 billion. The successful Tax Ratification Election last year allowed the district to bridge the funding gap created by these cuts. Do you believe this was an adequate solution to the problem?
The TRE provided approximately $10 million in funding for the district's operational budget but unfortunately, the planned cuts to education funding by the state will exceed that solution. Thus, this fight is not over. We are in a good financial position at this time, and will be for the next couple of years. However, if a long-term solution is not identified we will likely be back in the same place and forced to make dramatic changes to the educational experience offered in Allen.
What other solutions do you see for the school funding issue?
Many districts are able to support their financial needs through local funding and if they are meeting and exceeding state standards they should be allowed local control. While there may be a back-stop for economically-challenged districts it should in no way inhibit what local communities want to and can provide for their children.
I plan on participating in advocacy with our legislative representatives throughout the next term. It won't be one individual that solves this issue, but rather many committed individuals representing their local districts and communities.
Are there any new initiatives, programs or services you will try to implement if you are elected?
I will continue to support initiatives that allow students to learn at their own pace, and to achieve a truly individual educational experience. Leveraging technology will be key to providing new educational opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting. Any new initiatives should reflect both our community standards as well as our financial realities.
Why should voters elect you to serve on the AISD Board of Trustees?
While experience is not mandated for public service, it is KEY to adding value and impacting change. The last three years serving on the school board have provided me with the education I needed on how our school systems work in Texas, and with the relationships needed to advocate for the change we desperately need. I believe my experience shows that I have the critical skills and abilities to make a difference in the upcoming term.
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