Valerie Jones - ISD Board Candidate Place 4.
Valerie was first elected in 2006, was reelected in 2009, and looks forward to continuing her service to the students, parents and teachers of the Irving ISD.
During her six years of service, Valerie has served as Board President, Vice-President and Secretary, and as a member of the Finance, Policy, Executive, Curriculum & Instruction and Human Resources Committees.
Valerie has lived in Irving for the majority of her life and brings a parent’s perspective to the School Board. Her six years of experience will enable Valerie to bring needed leadership to the board in the coming years.
Valerie and her husband, Kerry, are both MacArthur High School graduates and have been married 28 years. Three of their four children are also MacArthur High School graduates. Their youngest son is currently a student at MacArthur High School.
1. What are your qualifications and experience that will make you an effective member of the School Board?
As a product of the Irving ISD, I have a unique devotion to this district. My children are Irving ISD graduates or students. Six years of School Board experience, with both State and National training, give me the knowledge needed to make the right decisions for taxpayers, teachers,
families and, most importantly, the students. I bring a parent’s perspective to the Board. My experience will enable me to bring needed leadership in the future.
2. What policies will you initiate and support to decrease the dropout rates in your school district?
Keeping students engaged and connected is a great way to prevent dropouts. Extra-curricular activities, including both Fine Arts and Athletics, make positive impacts in the lives of our students. The new Signature Studies Programs at the comprehensive high schools will also be impactful. Teachers who make a connection with students are the best way to keep our students in school. The entire District must make reducing dropouts a priority by keeping students engaged.
3. What priorities in spending will you support in light of the reduced funding experienced by all Texas school districts?
When funding for local school districts is challenging, it is important to operate the finances conservatively, with an eye to the future. It is my desire to keep the tax rate low. Reducing expenses is a challenge but can be done by thinking creatively. The most important money spent
by a school district is the money spent directly in the classroom. Financial cuts in this area should be made as a last resort.
4. What initiatives will you support to ensure that teacher morale and working conditions are good?
Teachers are my true heroes. They make a difference daily in the lives of the students they teach. When a great teacher makes a connection with a student, true learning occurs and the student’s future is impacted. Teachers must be given all the tools and support needed to successfully lead their classrooms. Less paperwork and the freedom to teach are important. Maintaining competitive teacher pay must also be a focus.
5. What initiatives will you support to meet the needs of many students for vocational training?
Cardwell Career Preparatory Academy has much to offer students in preparing them educationally and vocationally. Additionally, the Signature Studies Programs at the comprehensive high schools and Singley Academy should be a focus for growth. Increased marketing, focused at the middle and early high school students, needs to be implemented to encourage more students to take advantage of being better prepared for life after graduation. The business community is needed for partnerships and funding.
6. What do you see as the top two pressing issues for your School District and what are your solutions or recommendations?
Preparing the students of Irving ISD to be college and career ready must be a priority. The achievement gap must be closed, student achievement should increase and the dropout rate must be decreased. Managing district resources efficiently, and assuring the State pays its fair share for educating our kids, allows the learning to happen. Budget priorities must reflect keeping class sizes small and teachers on the job, with the tools and support they need.
