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Diversity Group Forum Questions Denise Wallace Spooner, BISD School Board At-Large Candidate 1, Why do you want to serve? |, Denise Wallace Spooner want to serve as BISD School Board Trustee, At- Large because of the love and passion | have for the profession, which includes the administration, teachers, students, and parents that send their most precious assets to us for a brighter future. It is also my desire with teamwork to unify our district, community, and city to achieve excellence together. My background of 30+ years as an educator has prepared me for this appointed time. As we know this is a pivotal time in education for not only BISD, but for many neighboring districts. We must make the right decisions / choices in all facets of education. | can make a difference as a Trustee At-Large as we move forward via district transformation! x . What experience, in your opinion is relevant to serving on the school board? The experience that is relevant to serving on the school board would encompass the following, but not mandatory: Experience in creating vision and setting goals with a team, previous board experience, networked with the community, hands on experience in creating /adopting policy, experience with hiring / evaluating individuals (Board hires Superintendent), budgeting experience, and analyzing educational data for the purpose of student achievement. 3. What other community service do you have? 4 " I serve the community through programs / activities in the following local and national / international organizations: Beaumont ISD active volunteer on various campuses, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Omega Omega Beaumont Chapter, EYL — Emerging Young Leaders (AKA), ASCEND ~ Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking, and Development Skills; Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Top Teens of America, NCNW — National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Jefferson County Volunteer Deputy Registrar, and National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Kudos / Xinos Youth Club, What is your vision for BISD? My vision for BISD starts with taking ownership of the many needs our district has at the present time. | see myself with a dynamic team working together collaboratively for the betterment of our schools and city growth, focusing on becoming a model district for transformation. Unity is a very viable part of my vision, together we can change the district’s image to a positive one by establishing a successful accreditation rating, and maintaining financial stability. As a board member | want to lead by example via inspiring and facilitating the support of programs, internships, etc. that will prepare ALL students for lifelong success. Providing an exemplary education in a safe learning environment will be the key that opens the door to success in my vision of moving BISD forward! . How will you react to changes in legislation in education on the federal level? My ini reaction to changes in legislation in education on the federal level would be to obey the law. School Board members have to uphold state and federal laws, and most importantly stay aware and informed of what the law provides followed by taking the necessary steps to comply with the law. Cooperation is key, the federal government has supported education through dollars, research and encouragement through the years and for that we are thankful. 6. What is your knowledge of ESL programs? My knowledge of the ESL program comes from being a Curriculum Coordinator at a predominately Hispanic BISD campus. The instructional program is for students whose dominate language is not English. The program increases English language proficiency of eligible students. It also helps the student achieve content mastery and success. Some of the features of ESL are: Student centered instruction grades K — 12, and adjustment to the American culture. ESL students are afforded the opportunity to attend math, science, social studies, and other general education classes. 7. What is your experience with cultures different than yours? How does that impact education? The experience | have with cultures different than mine come from my years of experience as an educator having taught all ethnic groups of children from elementary to college. The various experiences have allowed me to build good relationships with families and communities. Learning about the different cultures, customs, food (which unifies all people), and celebrations have been very rewarding. The impact of cultural sensitivity and diversity have on education is priceless due to the value of learning from each other. | have a deep appreciation for the differences and uniqueness of ALL cultures. We quickly learn, it is a small world! 8, What are the first three things you will want to pursue as a Trustee? My main priority will be to move the district forward in the area of academic achievement. Research indicates high functioning school boards focus on academics. This priority will be coupled with restructuring discipline procedures that are currently in place district wide, creating new measures that will allow teachers to implement instruction at the highest levels. Being proactive in this area will affect change in the current ith a cross- concerns of teachers, parents, and community. | will work section of community / school leaders to create a strategic vision for graduating students to be prepared for college and career readiness via vocational programs, Lamar Institute of Technology, and Lamar University. | will revisit local policy in various areas and support services that enhance each school’s ability to achieve its vision. Additional priorities include being responsible Trustee in allocating funds, especially to high quality professional development for principals, staff, and teachers. It is also important to give my support in the continuation of ‘ongoing data analysis in reference to student failure and dropout. Lastly, focus on engaging parents and the larger community in ongoing dialogue about the changes needed to prepare students for success, and continue the belief as an educator that through academics students need to see a connection between their studies and their future. What is your opinion of state- mandated testing? My opinion of state-mandated testing falls under the umbrella of reformation, it is time for change based on achievement results. State- mandated student assessments have caused education to become much to regulated. In my education era, subject area tests were only required to be completed and passed for graduation, this mandate did not hinder my academic growth, university acceptance, or future success. State- mandated testing has in many ways forced teachers to abandon their own teaching styles, instructional pacing, and choice of content to teach. Many excellent students, high achievers, and scholarship recipients have trouble with standardized testing, therefore its time to look at educational options in mandated testing on the local, federal, and state levels. 10. How would you respond to a situation similar to this: You are at the grocery store, and someone stops you with a complaint about a teacher. How would you respond? | would respond to the situ ion by listening to the individual followed by thoroughly explaining the district’s chain of command. Concluding by directing the individual to the appropriate staff person that can listen and begin the resolution process. 11. What is your opinion of the length of teacher contracts? My opinion of the length of teacher contracts in reference to beginning / first year teacher to the district should be a one to two year probationary contract. Teachers that exemplify quality in the profession will acquire contract renewal which will eventually become a continuing contract. 12. What steps are you taking to prepare for a Trustee position? The steps | have taken to prepare for a trustee position include Region V School Board Training, ongoing community service / leadership development, served on varied executive boards, and membership in several organizations. | have studied our district in an effort to better understand BISD’s vision, goals, policies, and current successes. | also stay abreast of local news and articles that spotlight challenges and opportunities we face as a district. 13. What can you do to promote unity and healing in the community? | will help promote unity and healing in the community by first being a role model for all ethnic groups, via leadership bringing ALL communities together for common causes, long and short term goals we will face. | will personally take ownership for the need to revitalize unity and healing within our school district and city. Being confident about life and purpose | believe there is still good in the world and most people want what is best for the common good of others. In knowing the latter, I will continue to work to make education the best it can be, empowering neighborhoods, and communities to achieve great things through unification once the healing process has been completed.

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