ELD 2023 Voters Guide

DeSoto City Council

DeSoto ISD School Board

Candidate Questionaire

PRESENTED BY: THE EMERGING LEADERS OF DESOTO

Allcandidateresponses areprintedassubmitted. If viewing in PDF, all website information is hyperlinked and can be accessed by clicking the site name.

The purpose of the questionnaire is to establish an issue-based dialog between candidates and the residents of DeSoto. This questionnaire is for informational purposes only. Emerging Leaders of DeSoto does not endorse individual candidates.

DeSoto City Councilmembers and Mayor are elected at-large and not by district. This means you can vote for every_candidate for City Council listed on the ballot if you are a resident of DeSoto. The "Place" of the candidate is only of importance regarding where their primary residency is. It is not relevant to WHO can vote for the candidate.

PLACE 2

Why are you running for City Council? If you are an incumbent, what do you wish to pursue through continued service? If you are a new candidate, what do you hope to accomplish as a Councilmember?

As a working father of five sons. I am not running for any other reason. Desoto is my home; this is where I have chosen to lay my roots. I am running because I feel that Desoto is at a critical juncture with all of the plans being put forth. I have three main goals I want to focus on when I get into office. Number one: I want to ensure that the new Hampton Rd project has something in it for all three phases of life. New public buildings/retail should have something for young/older families, young to mid-single, and something for senior citizens.

Number two: make sure all future plans for the city have families in mind and at the forefront. Number three: my grand plan is to partner with the state to bring Desoto residents free solar panels and backup batteries. The state of Texas has pledged over a billion dollars for solar, and I believe I can make it happen. The people will get a reduction in monthly bills, and in return, the city will get the overages capital produced by the solar system. That money can then be used to pay the city's costs/bills.

I believe in my soul I can do this, and that is the reason I am running .I am in this race for more than just myself. I want to help families because I feel that same pressure. I want to help relieve it.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a Councilmember?

I have spent my adult life as a professional problem solver all the way up until now. With my current profession, I am an integrated solutions manager, and my job is to find solutions. My job also takes me all over the city, where I get to personally and intimately talk with residents and constituents. That alone is valuable to the city and the council to hear in real time how residents feel about what we’re doing. I believe that with my expert problem-solving skills, my out-of-the-box thinking, and my genuine belief in people, I can propel the council to new heights. Yes, I am a dreamer, but I feel that it’s time to bring dreamers back to the forefront of our society.

List any current or past civic or community engagement. Please include the year/time frame of stated engagement.

I have been a member of CPAC for almost 2 years now.

What does accountability and transparency from elected officials look like to you?

I believe that as council members, we are beholden to the people, so we have to make ourselves available to the people, be accountable to the people, and meet them where they are, whether that’s on social media, at town hall meetings, or at resident HOA meetings. We have to be available so that we can hear and listen to the people as we go about our jobs and make decisions as a council member. That is the only way to stay transparent, and that is to be active with the people, listen to them, and have them feel that they are being heard.

How important is it that City Councilmembers engage with the residents? How do you plan on engaging with the community and keeping them informed?

I believe that in today’s age, social media is by far the most efficient way to reach out to residents. Now, I am aware that not all residents engage in social media, especially our older residents, so we can still rely on community messaging, whether it’s flyers and magazines or advertising on bills, but the vast majority of new and existing residents should be engaged on social media, updated, and informed, and let them engage on their own time. I believe more should and can be done to improve Desoto's social media output.

The DeSoto City Council adopts goals for their business plan annually. Select your top 3 priorities from the 2023 business plan by how you view them as priorities for the community.

Goal #2 Develop an Overlay Zoning District for Hampton Road for a Vibrant Pedestrian- and BusinessFriendly Downtown Environment

Goal #3 Update the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Goal #6 Establish a Competitive Compensation and Benefits Target Philosophy for the City of DeSoto to Attract and Retain Top Talent

Any additional information you'd like to share?

Desoto is my home, which is why I want to do whatever is possible and necessary to watch it grow and thrive. I want to create my own solar community initiative and take my solar initiative to the state government to see if we can get all residents free or low-cost solar panels. The average person pays $400 a month between electricity and gas. I want to alleviate that debt and put more into our economy, especially in De Soto. We can make the most beautiful downtown atmosphere we can think of, but if the people don’t have money to indulge, I truly believe it would just be a waste.

Why are you running for City Council? If you are an incumbent, what do you wish to pursue through continued service? If you are a new candidate, what do you hope to accomplish as a Councilmember?

My long term mission is to effectively collaborate with the residents and elected officials of Desoto to ensure a safer, healthier, more attractive, and prosperous tomorrow for our city. As a young African American man, it is my civic duty to fully participate in the matters that affect our city. I want to utilize my profound people’s skill to unite our city for the betterment of all residents. Identifying the challenges in our city is not enough, I aspire to be part of the solution and be a vehicle for the changes we desire to witness.

I will work tirelessly to ensure our city adopts an effective and sustainable development plan that will successfully entertain Desoto’s growth. I will advocate for environmentally conscious ambitious developmental plans that are progressive in nature. Our residents should be an integral part of the process as stakeholders and I will make opportunities available for their participation. One of my primary focuses will be in bridging the gap between the community and the law enforcement bodies. I will accomplish this by establishing robust community policing that will address most issues before the need for 911 is initiated. In addition, I will bring back our youth Explorer program that allows for young residents between ages of 12 - 17 to work hand in hand with our police department. I will also create effective collaboration with the department to hold community engagement events that will foster and cultivate healthy relationships between the groups. It is no secret that small businesses are pillars of our community as their contribution ranges from economic prosperity to elevating the overall well-being of a society. I will put plans in place to assist the growth of small businesses in our city. I will create a conducive environment for existing businesses to flourish and allow for conditions to attract more strong small businesses to our city. I will collaborate with owners to create programs for our Desoto ISD students to allow them to be educated about business ownership and function.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a Councilmember?

My conversations with various stakeholders including Desoto city manager, council members, and residents revealed that one of the main challenges to the function of our city is communication. Fortunately, communication is one of my strongest soft skills and I will utilize it to facilitate the flow of information between residents, council members, and the staff. I will facilitate and foster effective, inclusive, transpart public information and engagement. The residents of Desoto deserve to be fully included in the affairs of their city. I will use verbal and written materials via all appropriate communication platforms to communicate and connect with the people I am elected to serve. Effective, two way and closed loop communication will be an integral part of my office. Residents of Desoto will learn first hand from me all new planned developmental projects and business initiatives and their input will be considered when exploring such opportunities. I will be consciously responsive, hold myself accountable to the residents of Desoto and conduct myself with utmost professionalism: All residents of Desoto will have full access to my office and I will eliminate all obstacles and red tapes that hinder this open door policy. I will utilize creative ways to collect feedback from the public and stay engaged at all times.

I bring a strong background in development projects as I have led commercial and multi-family projects for many years across our nation from coast to coast, Seattle to New Jersey. I believe such projects are some of the major items that our city needs and is attempting to attract. My deep understanding of this specific business combined with my leadership and communication skills will allow me to wisly negotiate on behalf of our city. I will be the bridge between the developers, the city staff, our residents, and the council members. I can play a key role in understanding the various options available and making better and informed decisions for our city.

I have a track record of distinguished problem solving acumen that I have been recognized for and awarded by fortune 500 company Lennar, the number one single and multi-family home builder in the country. I tend to think outside the box to identify Innovative approaches to problem solving. I will utilize all resources at my disposal to provide creative solutions to all challenges facing our city.

List any current or past civic or community engagement. Please include the year/time frame of stated engagement.

Acts of service is a value that has been instilled in me since a very young age. In addition, the satisfaction from fulfilling my social responsibility and giving back to my community is second to none. I started my service in the church where I was part of any and all programs that are committed to serving our community. As a teenage young man, I was also part of the explorer program with a police department learning to be a productive member of our society. below is a partial list of my civic community engagements for the last five years

2021-Current: I have been the only owner on the HOA board of a new development (Summit Park II) in Desoto. I am committed to serving my current and future neighbors by staying engaged and effectively communicating with them to address concerns and find viable solutions. I am a firm believer that cultivating our young people is the number one priority if we desire a better tomorrow. When I am elected as a city council member, I will make youth enrichment and engagement one of my priorities. Some of my civic engagements are reflections of that belief. 2018-2020: I mentored the youth in the Dallas Big Brothers Big Sisters program providing guidance. 2018-Current: I have been working with juniors and seniors at the Boys & Girls Club of DFW to add to their skill set and become better young adults. 2020Current: Teaching single mothers and senior students the importance of credit and providing free credit repair. Last but not least, 2022- Current: Educating via webinars interested individuals how to invest in land/properties through Tax Deed Auctions in the state of Texas.

What does accountability and transparency from elected officials look like to you?

Simple, it looks like the golden rule we were all taught- Teach people the way you want to be treated. While I am not an elected official I desire to be told the truth and the truth to be broken down for me to understand. I desire to be able to ask questions when I have them.Transparency and accountability go hand in hand. If either is lacking, the people of Desoto are affected the most. Elected officials have to understand that we, the people, have entrusted them to be our light in the dark. They enter doors that we don’t. Therefore, when the door shuts behind them we need to feel like we were present too. As residents of Desoto we want to be seen, our voices heard, and our city thriving. because as long as they are we know we will get the information, reasoning, and our voices will be heard. Remain available and vocal.

How important is it that City Councilmembers engage with the residents? How do you plan on engaging with the community and keeping them informed?

Extremely important- as the residents gave them the seat. It’s like ignoring your waitress until you need to order? It’s someone you’ll need to speak with at some point rather it’s when you are ready to order or when it is a problem- it’s better to start off right and stay on the right commutative route with residents NOT just when it’s time for re-election or you need something.

I plan to sit in the seat but continue to live in the city- truly live in the city just like I do today. Speaking to everyone, hearing their concerns, giving advice and solutions, and ensuring that the voters feel like they are represented and heard.

The DeSoto City Council adopts goals for their business plan annually. Select your top 3 priorities from the 2023 business plan by how you view them as priorities for the community.

Goal #1 Enhance the Effectiveness of the DeSoto Police Department’s Community Engagement through the Use of Non-Sworn Community Service Officers

Goal #2 Develop an Overlay Zoning District for Hampton Road for a Vibrant Pedestrian- and BusinessFriendly Downtown Environment

Goal #3 Update the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Any additional information you'd like to share? We must ReUnite, and in order to so we need U.

PLACE 2

Why are you running for City Council? If you are an incumbent, what do you wish to pursue through continued service? If you are a new candidate, what do you hope to accomplish as a Councilmember?

I want to BE a part of the change that I seek in the City I believe that how things are done(process) in the city is extremely vital to what the city attracts both people and businesses. My desire is that the city provides a clearer picture not only to the businesses but most importantly to the residents and future residents. Much of what Desoto does is not as transparent as it could be and I will work diligently on this focus area. Many residents have no clue WHY things are done the way they are done. In my opinion, the "not knowing" or "not understanding", causes distress and a lack of engagement. I am a process-driven person and believe that you can use what you have to build better but you must have processes in place and those processes need to be clear and available to all involved. This kind of knowledge helps with engagement because when you know what you are getting or what to expect it increases engagement. This type of clarity helps foster transparency and integrity.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a Councilmember?

I have been involved in the affairs of the city for a long time and care about Desoto. I bring over 20 years of technology processes and systems knowledge that can aid in simplifying the processes that hinder everyday needs. I am a Certified Manager of Community Associations where she works to protect community self-governance (primarily HOAs) and promote civility in all neighborhoods (HOA and NonHOA)

List any current or past civic or community engagement. Please include the year/time frame of stated engagement.

Member of Concord Church for 14 years(2009-Present)

Children's/Youth Ministry

Scholarship Ministry

Mass Wedding Volunteer

Meals on Wheels Volunteer

City of DeSoto Parks Advisory Board, currently Board Chair 2019-present

City of Desoto Civic Academy 2021

Board Member of the Community Outreach Board for the Community Association Institute (CAI) (2021present)

The City of Dallas Employee Advisory Committee(Chair) for the Information Technology Department (2017-2019)

Work throughout my own neighborhood and hold HOA Board positions (Ongoing)

Stays engaged and informed by researching, attending, and contributing to various City Council/ Boards and Mayor 360s (Ongoing)

Member of These are They Community Church 9 years prior to Concord Church (2003 -2009)

What does accountability and transparency from elected officials look like to you?

My top three focus areas are PROCESSES | TRANSPARENCY| INTEGRITY

I plan to dig into processes to assess what currently is working, not working, or is non-existent that could help Desoto residents and those that come in and through the City. It is my belief that when processes are clearly defined and communicated many of the issues arise regarding lack of fiduciary duty, integrity shortfalls, and little or no transparency can be lessened or eradicated. I practice and encourage more fiduciary duty by example as well as encourage proactive communication with citizens, and consistent town hall meetings as a means of increasing civic engagement and more connected citizens and community.

How important is it that City Councilmembers engage with the residents? How do you plan on engaging with the community and keeping them informed?

Community Engagement is extremely important and vital to keep the Councilmember abreast of what the community needs and knows and vice versa to keep Community members informed and in the know. I also believe regular engagement with the community helps to foster a more connected city. District Town Halls should be more commonplace. The City's website should include a section for all City Council members to provide information/events to the constituents on a regular basis to make sure all areas are informed. I would also like to engage in a way that will help the community know what Desoto has to offer especially at various locations in District 2

The DeSoto City Council adopts goals for their business plan annually. Select your top 3 priorities from the 2023 business plan by how you view them as priorities for the community.

Goal #7 Construct a High Quality Aquatic and Recreation Center at McCowan Park

Goal #8 Create an Active Adult-Use Area in a City Park

Goal #10 Develop Zoning Requirements that Require Greenspace as Partof Residential and Commercial Developments

Any additional information you'd like to share?

PLACE 4

Why are you running for City Council? If you are an incumbent, what do you wish to pursue through continued service? If you are a new candidate, what do you hope to accomplish as a Councilmember?

I am hoping to finish the work that I have started as a councilman. The city is now in position to attract the quality of life amenities that the citizens have desired.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a Councilmember?

I believe my years of management, budgeting and decision making in corporate America is beneficial. I also believe that my compassion and discernment as a pastor helps me relate to people of all ages and demographics.

List any current or past civic or community engagement. Please include the year/time frame of stated engagement.

Liaison for Economic Development 4 years

Member of the Audit and Finance Committee - Desoto 4 years

Liaison on Citizen Police Advisory Council 1 year

Coronavirus Recovery Task Force – Desoto

Member of the Ad-Hoc Committee for Desoto Women and Minority Owned Business Enterprises (W/MBE)

Liaison on the Keep Desoto Beautiful initiative currently Executive Board of Directors for Leadership Southwest currently

Member of the Texas Municipal League 4 years to currently Pastoral Advisory Board for Baylor Scott & White 6 years to current NAACP Lifetime Membership

Member of Black Academy of Arts & Letters -2 years to current Texas Association of Black City Council Member -3 years to current

What does accountability and transparency from elected officials look like to you?

Accountability and transparency is what builds trust and confidence with the community. For me, that simply means being able to express why and how you made your decision. It means following the rules and sometimes going beyond the stated process to explain. It also means considering what’s best for DeSoto as a whole.

How important is it that City Councilmembers engage with the residents? How do you plan on engaging with the community and keeping them informed?

I believe that it is very important to be accessible to the citizens. I have and will continue to sponsor Coffee with Councilman Byrd, and to attend events that give opportunities for engagement.

The DeSoto City Council adopts goals for their business plan annually. Select your top 3 priorities from the 2023 business plan by how you view them as priorities for the community.

Goal #1 Enhance the Effectiveness of the DeSoto Police Department’s Community Engagement through the Use of Non-Sworn Community Service Officers

Goal #3 Update the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Goal #4 Develop Incentive Programs to Attract Anchor Developments on Hampton Road

Any additional information you'd like to share?

I am very humbled to have the opportunity to serve this great city. I have been a resident for over 22 years and still believe that DeSoto is the best place to live in the metroplex.

PLACE 4

Why are you running for City Council? If you are an incumbent, what do you wish to pursue through continued service? If you are a new candidate, what do you hope to accomplish as a Councilmember?

I am running because as a community advocate, I saw a desperate need for community advocacy for my neighbors, myself and the entire community of Desoto.

As a Community Advocate and over my community's Senior Living Association I am currently working on several cases from citizens. Alone with getting those case resolved, I hope to accomplish:

Community Crime Prevention Intervention Community Entrepreneurs Growth

Community Engagement with Desoto Comphensive Business and more...

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a Councilmember?

I have been a Community Advocate and Grassroot Organizer for over 20 years Volunteering in Dallas County. I started my career as a classroom instructor with Dallas County Schools District in 1994 up until my retirement from teaching in 2022.

As a Real Estate Broker I learned about Community Engagement for each client and the needs that they require from the communities they chose to relocate into.

Understanding the community needs is what I do best. Because my needs are the same as my neighbor I understand what is required of a city Councilwoman.

List any current or past civic or community engagement. Please include the year/time frame of stated engagement.

All Present Community Engagements

Senior Living Association

Teens in Crisis Founder, youth programs Pre-Teen Mediation, Teen Entrepreneurship Camp Texas Tenants Union Volunteer 2011-current donor Volunteer Texas Workforce Solutions 2013-2016

What does accountability and transparency from elected officials look like to you?

Answer phone calls and emails from the all concern citizens. If it requires you handling several citizens issues then build a case file. Schedule following up updates and try your best to resolve the issue.

How important is it that City Councilmembers engage with the residents? How do you plan on engaging with the community and keeping them informed?

I currently work in the Community as an advocate. Therefore I will continue to

The DeSoto City Council adopts goals for their business plan annually. Select your top 3 priorities from the 2023 business plan by how you view them as priorities for the community.

Goal #1 Enhance the Effectiveness of the DeSoto Police Department’s Community Engagement through the Use of Non-Sworn Community Service Officers

Goal #4 Develop Incentive Programs to Attract Anchor Developments on Hampton Road

Goal #8 Create an Active Adult-Use Area in a City Park

Any additional information you'd like to share?

Allcandidateresponsesareprintedassubmitted. If viewing in PDF, all website information is hyperlinked and can accessed by clicking the site name.

The purpose of the questionnaire is to establish an issue-based dialog between candidates, the parents of DeSoto ISO, and the residents of DeSoto. This questionnaire is for informational purpqs s only. Emerging Leaders of DeSoto doesnotendorseindividualcandidates. //

Why are you running for office? If elected, what will be your top 3 priorities?

I chose to run for the School Board because I enjoy developing children into the best versions of themselves and helping them have the greatest opportunity to succeed. Having a 6-year-old daughter in DeISD, I am obligated to ensure that she is academically equipped to pursue her dream of being an astronaut veterinarian. Moreover, I also understand that solely investing in my daughter would not truly benefit her if her academic ability to achieve her dreams is also measured against the school district that educated her. As such, I also have that same responsibility to ensure that her peers are equally prepared for a similarly competitive future.

Therefore, running for Trustee Place 3 is how I can use my diverse wherewithal in partner with other Trustees to be part of the solution to rehabilitate DeSoto ISD and elevate the caliber of all of our students in our schools. If elected, I want to champion policies and initiatives that create conditions for (1) all students to learn, achieve, and succeed, (2) faculty to thrive and be supported in their efforts to prepare our students, and (3) parents and community members to regain trust that their tax dollars are used responsibly and effectively toward educating our children.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a School Board member?

Regarding my experience, allow me to start by highlighting who I am. I am a proud product of public education, and my background story and successes personally resonate with many of the DeSoto and Glenn Heights families and students in our district. Personally, I lived in both low- and middle-income areas and attended many public schools in North Dallas. My parents were limited in how they could help me with school, and I found myself trying to master it on my own while working to help with bills. Despite this, I completed my high school curriculum in 3.5 years from a math, science, and technology magnet with honors, earned the highest degree in chemistry, and obtained 20+ academic awards along the way I also was appointed as a NASA Student Ambassador and afforded opportunities to expose other students to programs while advocating for continued scholarship funding and internship programing from major stakeholders. During this time, I was fortunate to gain many mentors who helped me convert my work ethic into tangible successes and become my best self. Professionally, as a scientist, I have been able to publish 45+ manuscripts, develop 2 official industry analytical methods, gain financial support from stakeholders, travel and train internationally, and earn 5 international awards; 2 students that worked with me are included in many of the highlights. Overall, my education and experiences are of tremendous value as a Trustee because I represent the students that DeSoto ISD wants to develop and I am passionate about helping them do that.

My experience as a former educator with underserved, underperforming, and disabled students has given me insight to challenges that school administration, faculty, and students are facing especially about how to teach students and how to minimize the achievement gap. Fifteen years helping students with numeracy and literacy achievement, college readiness, and STEM exposure has taught me how community engagement reinforces positive family outcomes, increases self-confidence, and improves student academic experiences. I have some experience with initiating, reviewing, and critiquing policies at the university level. Now as DeSoto resident, I still invest in children by tutoring and being engaged with other parents by way of Moms on a Mission (M.O.M.S.), PTA, and the Parent Leader Community Recently, I completed the 1st DeISD Aspiring Trustee Academy where I have gained a foundation to on the school board’s governance, roles, and responsibilities.

In summary, active listening, out-of-the-box critical thinking, strong data analysis, and natural problemsolving skills are some ways that I can uphold our district’s accountability and transparency to our community and create opportunities to grow and support the district’s teachers and students if elected as Trustee. As an independent thinker, teammate, and supporter, I welcome the opportunity to contribute my wherewithal, work alongside other trustees to support our DeISD communities, and help restore its academic legacy.

List any current or past civic or community engagement. Please include the year/time frame of stated engagement.

2021 to current

Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy, Eagle Academy Speaker (March 22, 2023)

Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy, Open House Parent Testimony and Q&A Panelist (March 8, 2023)

Moms on a Mission (M.O.M.S.), Volunteer (2023-current)

Desoto Community Tutor (2022-current)

Parent Teacher Association, Member (2022-current)

Parent Leader Community, Member (2022-current)

Teacher Helper/Liaison (2021-current)

Grambling State University Advisory Board (2021-2023)

2016 - 2020

STEM Grambling Professional Volunteer, Grambling, LA (2020)

Louisiana Tech University Senate; College of Engineering and Science Representative (2018-2020)

American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Chapter Advisor (ended 2020)

Centers for the Mathematical Advancement in Science and Technology (CMAST) Invited Speaker, Grambling State University (2007- 2021)

Ouachita Valley American Chemical Society Section – General Member (2017-2019)

USDA Advances in Sugar Crop Processing and Conversion Conference – Webmaster, Registration and Media/Advertising Chairs, and Conference Planning Committee

Office of Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (OWISE; 2017-2020)

2010 -2015

National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)

Executive Board member and Southwest Regional Chair (2013 – 2019)

Student Chapter President (2007-2009)

General member (2003 – current)

STEM NOLA Curriculum Development Program Volunteer, New Orleans, LA (2012-2016)

Science Fair Judge - Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair, Baton Rouge High School Science Fair, Triple Ex (Excite, Explore, Experiment) Annual Conference for Undergraduate Research (2010-2018)

Upward Bound and SAT Prep Volunteer (2008 – 2011)

High Ability Summer Program Preparation/Helper (2005-2007)

Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (2005 to current)

What role should the community play in the district and how do you expect them to hold you and the rest of the board of trustees accountable?

The community should essentially be the judge and jury of the school district. Since the community is paying for an educational service to be provided by the school district and have elected trustees to lead on their behalf, they should play an active role in tracking the impact of their taxpayer and voting investment. To hold all the trustees accountable, I welcome the community to not only attend the Board Meetings and take note of the districts’ progress, but also schedule meetings to check in with the Trustees commitment to the community. If the trustee is not acting in the best interests of the community or being effective managers of the school district’s budget, then the community has the right to not re-elect them or petition the courts for their removal from leadership.

Please share a concrete idea for supporting each of the following groups: 1) district teachers and employees, 2) district students, and 3) district families.

For each of these populations, I would recommend establishing ways for them all to become more engaged and have a voice included in the actions of our district’s leadership and trustees. This requires communitybased research be done for all three populations to gather intel on how we can collectively strengthen our district and propel our communities forward. In the context of our teachers and employees, we have the difficult task of recruiting and retaining teachers. Although we can work hard to continuously recruit, we also need to gather information about why teachers are not being retained. The best way to do this is for the Board to have authentic conversations with former and current employees and learn about their experiences with DeISD. This way, these concerns can be included in how we make DeISD the ideal place to teach students. In this effort, a educator’s leadership program for current teachers could be created to gain their candid feedback on how new or existing policies affect them and learn what recommendations the district can do to make the policies more amenable to their teaching needs. Since teachers are fundamental to our district’s success, we should find ways to include them because their reviews also affect whether we are able to recruit more teachers. We should similarly create opportunities for students to provide candid feedback about their experiences. Rarely are students ever included when districts make decisions that directly affect them. In the context of the national concern of student learning and achievement, the best approach to identifying how we can better serve our students is by giving the opportunity to receive first-hand feedback. In addition to performing school walkthroughs, the district could create student trustees from our schools that can work in concert with board trustees to collect intel on the student experience. In this way, we are able to recognize the best way to currently teach our children and help them to learn better rather than relying on outdated approaches or ideas that don’t actually describe our district. Lastly, we need to engage district families more effectively and get them more actively involved. Our families are our students’ other teachers because they police the completion of assignments from home. They are equally as responsible for sustaining the school district as our teachers and employees; and therefore, it is vital that our families also remain included in all district discussions. The challenge becomes how do we engage our families? I believe our district should use a more active approach to engage and communicate with our families rather than the less authentic, passive methods like emailing or sending newsletters home. If we meet families where they are and conduct community-based research, we can find ways to recruit them as leaders and identify more opportunities for parent engagement. Essentially, I believe that the voices of our teachers and employees, students, and families are critical to making sure that our district is serving their needs and not a vessel to execute state-required agendas. This is also how we fortify the community-district-student relationship and realign our district’s missions and values with those of our students and families.

What is your view of school board/administration’s relationships as they relate to the management of school?

My view on this is limited considering that I have not personally witnessed many interactions with our new administration and school principals. However, I have seen several school managers attend board meetings and stay the entire duration. To me, this is one indication that the superintendent is supported by her colleagues and subordinates. This also shows that the school managers' opinions are valued and their engagement is welcomed. From what I can deduce, I think that the superintendent's ability to lead and the direction she is taking the district, is trusted by the school management and school board as there has been a concerted effort from all schools and leaders to improve their share in the district’s accountability rating.

Why are you running for office? If elected, what will be your top 3 priorities?

I am running because I am a strong advocate for academic achievement for ALL students, and I believe that ALL students deserve the opportunity to attain the highest level of individual success possible. As a long-term resident/taxpayer, I want to see our tax dollars utilized to ensure that quality instruction facilitates the level of academic achievement our students deserve. I hope to promote a community embraced model of service where stakeholders are empowered by having an elected official who will build trust and foster transparency in the areas of student success, fiscal health, and district operations. If elected, my top priorities will be ensuring transparency and trust regarding academic achievement as it relates to high quality instruction and student outcomes. Additionally, I will prioritize ensuring transparency and trust regarding details related to the fiscal health of our district, as it relates to the spending of our tax dollars. Another priority will be ensuring transparency and trust about the operations of DeSoto ISD regarding push and pull factors affecting retention and/or loss of students and staff.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a School Board member?

My instructional skills, data analysis skills, communication skills, coaching skills, leadership skills, administrative skills, and people skills will make me a beneficial school board member My experiences have positioned me to have relevant insight into the operations of school districts, which positions me to offer on-point and actionable advice that will aid in attaining positive academic achievement for ALL students.

List any current or past civic or community engagement. Please include the year/time frame of stated engagement.

I started my civic and community engagement when I was a high-school student, where I was involved in national organizations affiliated with my church. As an adult, I continued in that spirit. When there is a hurricane and evacuees are sent to this area, I volunteer to assist as needed. When I see homeless people on the streets, I gather friends for a blanket drive or similar drive, where we collect blankets and needed items to pass out. I have worked on the campaign of many people. I have walked the neighborhoods, passing out literature and educating the community about the candidate. I worked on Domingo Garcia's campaign, and I was a delegate when Barack Obama ran for his first bid as president. Most of the time I am a Voter Deputy Registrar (just expired in December 2022), and I attend many rock the vote rallies (and other similar events.) I have participated in activism related to educational issues by participating in letter writing campaigns to the State and calling my local legislators to question them about specific policies affecting education. I maintain membership in an educators’ association, and I have occasionally lobbied at the State with fellow educators. Additionally, I have participated in seminars regarding diversity, where the intent of the seminar was to bring about awareness of the differences in others. I have served as a facilitator with the Dallas Dinner Table. I have volunteered at the Martin Luther King,Jr. Parade. As an active member in my sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Inc.), I participate in community service events where we partner with other agencies to feed the homeless hot meals. We pack survival kits of toiletries and nonperishable snacks for people in need.Additionally, we work with the youth, teaching them leadership skills. We have adopted a school in each of our service areas,and we pack monthly food packages for students who suffer food shortages. Those are a few highlights of civic and community engagement that I participate in.

What role should the community play in the district and how do you expect them to hold you and the rest of the board of trustees accountable?

The role that the community plays in the district is one of collaborative partner, along with the home and school. A collaborative partnership will include community members, along with parents, volunteering in the schools, providing that extra layer of support and mentorship that students need. Community members should also make a concerted effort to understand what each candidate brings to the elected position prior to electing them. Once community members elect a candidate to an office, I expect the community to hold us accountable by reminding us of campaign promises and voting us out of office when we fail to deliver!

Please share a concrete idea for supporting each of the following groups: 1) district teachers and employees, 2) district students, and 3) district families.

Board and staff interaction is a “slippery slope” since board members should not be involved in the day-today affairs of the local education agency. Even so, to support teachers and employees, I will work alongside other board members in the governance of the school district, ensuring that there are proper recruitment, training and retention initiatives that best serve this group. Likewise, for district students, I will be mindful of initiatives and programs proposed by the superintendent, with a mindset of analysis for impact on student outcomes. Regarding district families, I will be intentional in serving as a liaison between them and the superintendent, providing them with an ear to hear their concerns and a voice to express them.

What is your view of school board/administration’s relationships as they relate to the management of school?

Ideally, the relationship between the school board and administration should be one of a partnership where each member holds the other in an esteemed manner, fostering an environment of respect where all are focused on the academic and personal success of ALL students.

Why are you running for office? If elected, what will be your top 3 priorities?

The primary reason I am running for School Board Trustee is to provide good leadership, governance adhereance, and accountablity to our school district, whereby we achieve the results set forth by our community for our students.

The top 3 priorities that i feel need to be addressed or continue to be addressed are (in no particular order):

1) Teacher recruitment and retention. Our teachers are the closest people that impact our student learning and therefore we must recruit the best, invest in them professionally, and then be competitive in their compensation and incentive packages.

2) Adopt a realistic budget and maintain its integrity. We must look deep into how funds are being appropriated and ensure that we are "doing what we say we will do" at all times. This is being financailly accountable.

3) We MUST engage our parents and our community/ We have lost so many kids to other school districts and we must find ways to communicate with our parents that we have some successes with various programs that have been implemented. We must have parents that are ambassdors for our District to speak up about these programs and help to engage them.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a School Board member?

My strenght is that I'm a critical thinker, one who analyzes data and information and is able to make strategic and systemic decisions for postive outcomes. As an Engineer and Project Manager, by profession, for over 25 years, I have implemented large scale projects and programs that require attention to detail and solution based decisions. Leadership is also a key strength of mine. Leadership starts with the ability to get others aligned toward obtaining a common goal. Leadership involves making tough decisions in tough times, whle staying focused on the goal. I have had several leadership assignments from managing hourly employees in my early career with Pepsico's company, Frito Lay, to managing managers and other salaried employees. I have held Leadership roles in my fraternity (Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc) where I have been voted 3 times as Omega Man of the Year I was ordained as a Deacon at Friendship West Baptist Church. Finally, I was a basketball coach in the Desoto Community for over 15 years, providing leadership and guidance to youth from ages 5 -17 years old.

List any current or past civic or community engagement. Please include the year/time frame of stated engagement.

I intially got started with Community Sports in Desoto back in 1998 while Coaching the DeSoto Raiders Youth Football Organization. I was part of ta group that started the Community Sports Board with Chris Glover back in 2000. I coached in Desoto for 17 years. I was engaged with the High School when the piloted a SAT Saturday school for 6 weeks. This program was headed up by Mrs Latisha Haynes. I was one of the instructors. I also own an Educational Services business where I tutor kids in math and science. I also prep kids for the ACT/SAT as well as other standardized tests. Many of the Desoto kids have come through my program to help improve their test scores. I am a former teacher (3.5 years) at Kimball High School where I taught math. (Algebra, Math Models, and Pre-Calculus) Finally, I am employed by the City of Dallas as Sr. IT Project Manager for the past 4 years.

What role should the community play in the district and how do you expect them to hold you and the rest of the board of trustees accountable?

We need the community (businesses) tobe advocates for our kids. Where possible the should be engaged in offering our children summer internship and volunteer opportunities for our kids. Our parents need to be engaged in ALL parent programs that cover our 3 As (Academics, Arts, and Athletics.

I expect the parents and community to hold the School Board accountabe through their understanding of issues facing our District. Parents and community leaders should either attend board meetings or view them on-line and hold us to account based on our results. Our District have goals that we need to accomplish. These goals were set forth with the Community involvement. In my platform I ask the question .. Who's accountable, and that answer is WE ALL ARE.

Please share a concrete idea for supporting each of the following groups: 1) district teachers and employees, 2) district students, and 3) district families.

For District Teachers and Employees –First would be addressing concerns that directly impact their ability to do their job effectively. This could be having the right tools to teach, all the way to their compensation. So setting policy in place that ensure they are growing in their craft and then addressing compensation annually to help retain our talent.

For District student – Being visible at their campuses and rewarding and recognizing their achievements. Highlighting them in action for doing great things. This is being done now by bringing the students to School Board meetings and acknowledging their accomplishments

For Families: We can support them by inviting them out and having a parent recognition month. Recognize parents who fill out questionnaires of concerns. Recognize parents whose child is excelling in Academics, Arts, and Athletics. Recognize parents who are involved with PTSA and other extra curricula activities. Then we must communicate our successes, LOUDLY Too many times we hear ALL of the bad things that happen, but there is so much good that get overshadowed.

What is your view of school board/administration’s relationships as they relate to the management of school?

Completing the Desoto ISD Aspiring School Board Trustee Academy gave me a humbling view of their role and was really the deciding factor for me running for school board. The role of the school board is very clear: 1) Adopt goals and policies and monitor progress 2) Hire and evaluate the Superintendent 3) Adopt a budget and set a tax rate, and 4) Communicate and Engage the Community What more can you ask for? I think these 4 task encompasses everything that is necessary in order for our District to impact student outcomes. If a Board member has any other agenda beside what is stated as their role, then they probably should not be a Board member This may not have been as clear in the past but it was certainly clear to me during my training session. As it relates to the Superintendent and administration, I believe in the concept of the TEAM of 8. The Board plus the Superintendent make up that Team of 8 and in order for our District to achieve the goals set forth by the community we must ALL work together The Superintendent needs to know that she is supported by the Board. This doesn’t mean that the Board and Superintendent will always agree, however, it does mean that we have a common goal and we are here to help achieve those goals together. Teh Superintendent is responsible for her staff of adminstrators, period. As a Board member, I will stay in my "lane" and allow the Superintendent to do her job.

Any additional information you'd like to share?

I am a person of accountablility A person who is laser focused on getting results and getting results the right way I believe in providing great leadership to achieve long term and sustainable results. My passion for seeing kids be successful is the drivign force for runnign for School Board Trustee. I have lived in Desoto for 28 years and I have seen the highs and lows. I know what the potential is for our District. We have great kids, great families and a great community. My vision is to see Desoto be the best school District in the world. OUr kids deserve great leadership, our kids deserve a person of accountablility, our kids deserve James Durham.

Why are you running for office? If elected, what will be your top 3 priorities?

1)Continue the academic strides made over the last 12 months. 2) Continue building strong Board foundation by communicating effectively 3) continue upward trajectory of school district/community climate and partnership.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a School Board member?

Properly listening to and implementing community concerns into board goals and monitoring. All decisions should have influence based on community interests.

List any current or past civic or community engagement. Please include the year/time frame of stated engagement.

Serving on DeSoto ISD School Board from November 2020- present. working with DeSoto ISD and neighboring districts from 2006 - 2019 as a Church/Cummings Liaison .

What role should the community play in the district and how do you expect them to hold you and the rest of the board of trustees accountable?

The community’s role ignites the district by submits positive input and constructive criticism. Is expect them to follow our board progress as we focus monthly on those goals and the progress that our students make or fall short of.

Please share a concrete idea for supporting each of the following groups: 1) district teachers and employees, 2) district students, and 3) district families.

1)Provide proper resources ma d work environment to reach desired results. 2) Ensure that the school environment is conducive to learning by creating safe environments and quality instruction. 3) Hear their concerns and needs and provide the Superintendent the best support to address those concerns and needs.

What is your view of school board/administration’s relationships as they relate to the management of school?

The School Board’s responsibility is to approve school codes of conduct and support the management based on those established codes. The School Board’s should share any concerns or suggestions to the Superintendent based on those codes.

Any additional information you'd like to share?

Coming onto the DeSoto ISD School Board in the middle of the COVID -19 Pandemic actually allowed me to see the reconstruction of public education. It allowed me to see the weaknesses in the educational construct, which led to a rebuild that in the most effective for students in today’s world. If elected, this next term would be about building on the created educational foundations and towards see each student prosper educationally.

PLACE 5

Why are you running for office? If elected, what will be your top 3 priorities?

My large body of work over the past three decades puts me in a great position to be successful in this role. As I desire to still serve children, I realize that service on the school board will be a natural transition that allows me to continue to advocate on behalf of students and adults.

As a new candidate, I intend to collaborate with the entire team of eight in our quest to continue along a positive trajectory for DeSoto ISD. I intend to strengthen the district’s ability to meet the board goals put in place, while addressing the concerns of the stakeholders. I hope to govern in a way that provides collaborative oversight and management, ensuring we have resources and systems in place that allows the superintendent to be efficient and effective. Adopting a balanced budget and setting a viable tax rate, while providing transparent communication with stakeholders will also be a focus of mine.

Consequently, my top three priorities will be:

Focusing on Student Outcomes by attracting, supporting, and retaining the best teachers that will allow us to Realize the current board goals (1. CCMR, 2. Early Literacy 3. Early Numeracy and 4. Individual Growth) will continue to be a top priority. They were well-established following a difficult period in the district that caused division. Additionally, they were crafted under the watchful eye of a conservative who held the board members to a high standard.

Another priority will be to focus on the safety and well-being (both physical and emotional) of students and teachers. The COVID 19 pandemic, coupled with the continued tragedy of school shootings, has shaken our school community to its core. It is going to take an intentional focus and improved practices to help our students and staff feel safe again.

Finally, there has to be a diligent effort to ensure that our district is fiscally sound. Fiduciary accountability for existing funds is a must. Advocacy at the state level to convince legislators to appropriate more dollars into the education system is part of this financial priority.

What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a School Board member?

With over three decades of experience in Texas public schools, including 3 1/2 years as a DeSoto ISD administrator, I have been privy to the evolution of schooling in this great state. After working in small and large school districts at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as at central office, I understand what our students need. I understand what teachers need. And I understand the needs of leadership, as well as the constraints that come with all three. Additionally, I recently completed a two-year fellowship program with the Texas Education Policy Institute (TEPI). TEPI is an organization that prepares educators to advocate for education policy and reform. As a TEPI fellow, I have engaged directly with the chairs of the Public Education Committee within the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate, respectively. Further I have testified before both committees on bills that would ultimately impact children throughout the state. Those interactions gave me a keen insight on how I can best advocate for the needs of my local community at the state level. I am also a graduate of Leadership ISD (LISD). LISD empowers school leaders to create equitable education systems that serves the needs of all children. To that end, there is trustee engagement and coalition building which leads to greater student outcomes. With my vast experience and ongoing professional development and training, I believe I can be an asset to the students, staff, and community of DeSoto ISD.

List any current or past civic or community engagement. Please include the year/time frame of stated engagement.

My past and current civic/community engagement endeavors are outlined below:

-Former Coach, Waller Hoopers Little League Basketball - 2000-2003

-Former Advisory Board Member for United Way, - Grater Houston - 2007-2009

-Former Sponsor, Students Working Against - Tobacco (SWAT) - 2006-2009

-Former Teacher Preparation Advisory Committee, Prairie View A&M University - 2009-2013

-Participant, Search Party (DFW area) for a Missing Person - 2021

-Monthly, Feed the Unhoused with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 2021-Present

-Participant, One DeSoto Justice March - 2021

-Founding Member of Impact DeSoto - 2022

-Fellow, Texas Education Policy Institute (TEPI) - 2023

-Intermittent Tutor/Mentor children from DeSoto/Glenn Heights Community - 2018- Present

What role should the community play in the district and how do you expect them to hold you and the rest of the board of trustees accountable?

The community should participate in school activities and events. When communities and schools come together in a broad range of areas, it makes for a stronger school system, as well as a strong community. Schools are a part of the community. As such there should be a transparent sharing of knowledge and information. Strong schools attract families and business development. Strong communities create stable schools with little turnover of staff and students. The community can hold the board of trustees accountable by participating in meetings and asking questions. Communities can insist on equitable practices. They can ensure there is inclusion of all populations in programs. Communities can also advocate for positive student outcomes as stated in the board goals.

Communities should also do their research and participate in the democratic process of electing members to the schoolboard who demonstrate the expertise, skill set and passion to create policy that will effectively govern the district.

Please share a concrete idea for supporting each of the following groups: 1) district teachers and employees, 2) district students, and 3) district families.

District teachers and employees should be supported by giving them proper training and professional development. It is difficult to implement new systems without the proper training. They can also be given mental health days. We have to understand that the COVID pandemic and school tragedies have an impact on many of their lives as well.

We must support our students by implementing effective acceleration efforts that address the learning loss from the past two years. District students should also be supported in the form of available resources, such as social emotional learning (SEL) to address any concerns that exist as a result of the COVID pandemic and exposure to school trauma. Robust counseling programs and services will be beneficial here.

Making sure they have access to devices and digital infrastructure with enough bandwidth for online learning can support district families. We also can support families by offering parenting classes, as well as being a hub that connects them to community resources.

What is your view of school board/administration’s relationships as they relate to the management of school?

My view is the following:

The school board is responsible for oversight of the district by adopting a budget and setting a tax rate; adopting goals and priorities (and monitor their success) that focus on positive student academic outcomes; adopting policies and review for success; and hiring and evaluating the superintendent.

The superintendent is responsible for managing the operations of the district within the constraints of the policies adopted by the board. The two entities do not function independent of one another The relationship should be one of interdependence.

Even though the board adopts goals and priorities, they do so in collaboration with the superintendent. Board members have constraints also. they should not get involved with the daily management of the district.

The relationship can be enhanced by school board trainings and retreats with the superintendent. Transparent communication with all school board members from the superintendent is also key to a great working relationship.

Any additional information you'd like to share?

Governance of school districts is an awesome undertaking, one of which demands the highest ethical compass. My practice is to operate with guiding principles. One of the principles that will guide my decision-making will be to operate in an ethical and professional manner. Our community and stakeholders deserve to have trustees that operate with the highest standards of integrity. Another guiding principle will be one of collaboration. There is no room for selfish or hidden agendas. My main agenda will be to work cooperatively with my colleagues and other stakeholders.

Another important principle will be to consider what is in the best interest of students. It is important to maintain a culture of student focus within the district. We are in the kid business. Therefore, all decisions must benefit students and remain focused on that paradigm.

In order to support staff in collaborative work with the board and the superintendent, I will advocate for extensive professional development opportunities to be made available to our faculty and staff members so that they are abreast of the latest best practices in education. I would also push for more ways all of our students, without exception, can experience success.

In support of students we have to help them find perspective and purpose in their journey. We can do this by creating a culture of learning where they begin to discover their gifts. I intend to advocate and support that kind of culture.