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!
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. 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 complywith 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 troublewith 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.