Valuing Educators

In today’s world, it seems that the value of experience, expertise, and dedication is often overlooked or questioned. I am not someone who doubts the people who work tirelessly for our students. I firmly believe in the importance of trusting and valuing our educators . These teachers, staff, and administrators are the backbone of our school district. These are the professionals who shape the future of our children, and their work is crucial to creating the kind of learning environment that fosters success for every student.

I trust our teachers. I trust their experience in the classroom, their expertise in their subject matter, and their unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education. These educators are not in the profession for personal gain or to push any ideology. They are in it because they care about shaping young minds, nurturing talent, and helping students grow academically and personally. If teachers were truly focused on influence or indoctrination, they would be much more successful at getting students to turn in assignments on time or to study for their tests!

As a board member, I will be a strong advocate and supporter for our teachers and all school staff. It’s essential that we provide the resources, recognition, and support they need to continue doing their jobs with dignity. This support must come not only in the form of actions, but also in how we treat them with our words and public discourse. It’s important that we stand up for the professionals who work every day to make a difference in the lives of our students.

Moreover, we must also ensure that we are compensating our educators fairly and equitably. Competitive salaries and benefits are vital to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our teachers are among the most important assets we have, and their compensation should reflect the value they bring to our children’s futures. While our retention rate for teachers and staff is lower than the state average and our peers in Region 10, we will of course continue working towards a “hire to retire” goal with everyone involved with the district. 

I am committed to creating a culture where teachers, staff, and administrators feel supported, appreciated, and empowered. They deserve not only our trust but also our respect and resources to continue doing the incredible work they do. As a board member, I will work every day to ensure that every member of FISD that supports our students is given the tools they need to succeed.