A.D. Jenkins - ISD Board Candidate Place 3.
"As a former trustee, I understand both the strengths and challenges of our District. I understand the values that must be the foundation of a successful school board. I understand the changes that have affected our District. You know me. You know my commitment, my hard work, my willingness to tackle hard issues, and my respect for our parents and our teachers. I have been consistent in my advocacy for excellence in education and in putting the needs of students at the forefront. Leadership is essential."
"I have resided in this district for 25 years and diligently worked to instill high morals, ethical standards, and responsibility in our youth. I have served on the District Improvement Committee, Campus Improvement Committee for Stipes Elementary and IISD Citizen Assessment Bond Task Force Committee. Currently, I serve on the Executive Board for YMCA in Irving, Programs Committee Chair for Lady Bird Johnson Middle School and Founder/President of B.I.G. D.O.G.S. Youth Organization. My oldest son is a graduate of Nimitz High and my youngest son attends Lady Bird Middle School."
(The following is from The League of Women's Voters of Irving)
1. What are your qualifications and experience that will make you an effective member of the School Board?
As a former IISD board member, I have experience working with a large school organization with high standards. I’ve served on the Finance and Policy Committee and made tough but wise decisions for our district. I have attended state and national conventions which provide ideas and strategies that were implemented within IISD. I truly believe in focusing on what really matters; all children. I will bring trust and integrity that will enhance our school board.
2. What policies will you initiate and support to decrease the dropout rates in your school district?
It has been proven that providing after-school programs for students is a great way to keep them engaged and involved. Supervised after-school programs are effective strategies to building selfesteem. Another way is to encourage students to participate in extra-curricular activities because it gives them a sense of belonging. Statistics show that this group of students not only stays in school and graduate but also makes better grades because you must have passing grades to participate.
3. What priorities in spending will you support in light of the reduced funding experienced by all Texas school districts?
I pledge to continue to put the needs of the students first and work toward improving the performance of all students while maximizing the use of tax dollars. I will support the need to spend funds to remain on the cutting edge with emerging technologies. Allocating funds to provide professional development and leadership training for teachers is extremely important. Taking a look at low performing programs is a way to cut expenses.
4. What initiatives will you support to ensure that teacher morale and working conditions are good?
I strongly feel that involving teachers in major decision making challenges by engaging them in the planning and resolving process. I will support ongoing professional development, leadership training and coaching as it relates directly to academic progress. This gives the teachers a sense of reward for their professional achievements. Implementing incentives for small accomplishments will go a long way by awarding teachers monthly for reaching specific teaching goals. Our teachers deserve to feel appreciated!
5. What initiatives will you support to meet the needs of many students for vocational training?
I’m proud that IISD offers vocational training. It’s a direct connection from our high schools and the working world. I feel establishing relationships with employers in our area can result in potential high-paying job opportunities for a specific skill or trade immediately. Also, it encourages students to enter postsecondary vocational schools because it was a major part of their studies while in high school. It’s working well now and I fully support it.
6. What do you see as the top two pressing issues for your School District and what are your solutions or recommendations?
Parental involvement - The more a parent is engaged; the better a student will perform. We must educate parents on the many opportunities to get/stay involved to improve grades and overall district performance.
Culture sensitivity - I feel that working with people of different cultures will help people become cross-culturally aware. I proposed to improve our current Cultural Advisory Committee by nominating community leaders to work together to ways to improve cultural concerns.
