A full house of the Robson Ranch Democratic Club was treated to several enlightening and excellent speakers at the March general meeting. Much of the speakers’ talks centered on how to address issues on a non-partisan basis.
First, Stephanie Neuharth, candidate for City Council District 4, intertwined her military history and work history with her reasons for running. She has been an account manager, and adult liaison with 15 years in the insurance industry. She feels that her membership on the City Council is a way she can help by providing growth, reducing the tax burden, neighborhood safety, and other concerns. She spoke of the growth Denton is experiencing and appreciates it but, at the same time, she feels it should be controlled so it remains the beautiful city in which she has chosen to raise her children (www.stephaniefordenton.com).
Lori Tays, candidate for Denton Independent School Board, Place 6, spoke quite strongly on the issue of the school board being non-partisan. She is an experienced pediatric ER nurse and has two children in Denton ISD schools. She would like to continue her advocacy of children via the school board. She expressed concern about Senate Bill 8, which would take $8,000 per student out of public schools, while the state only allocates $6,000. School choice is already allowed by the state via transfers (www.facebook.com/search/top?q=lori%20tays%20for%20denton%20isd%20place%206).
Sheryl English discussed the role of a School Board Trustee. She is currently a member of the Denton ISD Board of Trustees, Place 2. Board members are elected to their positions and are not compensated for this work. Board members are mainly involved in setting policy for the district, consistent with the law and with directives from the State Board of Education, the Texas Education Agency, and the U.S. Department of Education. They must develop a good working relationship with the superintendent and each other in order to effectively address the issues affecting students, teachers, staff, parents, and community members to ensure a well-functioning organization and student achievement.
Thanks to Stan Brein for inviting Julie Zwahr, Chief Communications Officer of Denton ISD, and Deron Robinson, General Counsel, Denton ISD, to speak and explain the three propositions of the upcoming Bond issue vote in May. There has been great growth in DISD—sixth fastest growing county in America. There will be three propositions: A, B, and C. Within these three propositions, $30.5 million will go to safety and security, $119.1 million to technology, $401.1 million to student opportunity, and $859.2 million to growth. Denton ISD will fund all the projects with the current tax rate. For more information, go to www.dentonisd.org/2023bond.
The Robson Ranch Democratic Club will have an open house social on May 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. Please watch for notices in the HOA announcements, as well as emails from the club. Check us out on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/rrdemocraticclub.public or subscribe to our newsletter at www.rrdemocraticclub.com.