Sheryl English and Barbara Burns, school board candidates steering the future direction of student learning
Vicki Baker
There are more than 90,000 school board members serving America’s 51.5 million K-12 students in over 17,000 regular and charter school districts across the country. School board members comprise the nation’s largest body of elected officials. They are guardians of the public trust, and their primary focus is academic excellence for all students.
Denton ISD’s current Board of Trustees has been named one of the top five school boards in the state by the Texas Association of School Administrators. School board incumbents Sheryl English, representing Place 2, and Barbara Burns, in Place 1, addressed the Robson Ranch Democratic Club at its April membership meeting. Both candidates seek to maintain their leadership roles in one of the fastest-growing school districts in the state, serving over 32,000 students attending schools in 18 communities across 40 campuses where more than 50 languages are spoken.
From the start of our education, we are taught the ABCs, which lay the foundation of our learning. Likewise, the success of our schools depends to a great extent on how well our school board focuses on its own set of ABCs. During their tenures, English and Burns, both experienced and knowledgeable, have consistently met these ABCs: “A” representing Administration (maintain a quality staff including the superintendent), “B” for Budgets (ensure revenues are generated and used appropriately), and “C” for Curriculum (set policy that includes a well-defined curriculum).
Perhaps more importantly, these candidates come with an open mind, are eager to learn and grow, are ready to accept new ideas, and are respectful of others. In truth, the ABCs may additionally stand for Attitude, Balance, and Compassion.
The task of educating students is unrelated to politics. Of course, that’s changed in recent years, with partisan battles increasingly playing out in school board races. This recent politicization reveals why it is important to know our school board candidates, because school boards should be focused on students, not the controversies of the day. To learn more about Barbara Burns and her experience, accomplishments, and goals, visit barbarakburns.com. For more information on Sheryl English and her priorities for Denton ISD, visit www.dentonisd.org/Page/102965.
We must be unified in our work to build better public schools and a stronger Texas. Come join the Robson Ranch Democratic Club on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the clubhouse. To find out more, visit our website, www.rrdemocraticclub.com, follow us on Facebook, or contact [email protected].