The Election of School District Trustees—What Should I Look For In Candidates?

Here in Rockwall, Texas, I have participated in local, statewide, and national elections since 1987. My family moved here in late 1986.

The elections for the School Board and City Council were “non-partisan.” The elections featured no candidates with radical worldviews. There were no alarming perspectives among them. None of the candidates’ views alarmed me. I was content to vote for School Board Trustees generally well-known and liked.

What changed me? The last Rockwall ISD Bond Election. Thankfully, we defeated most of it. You may be content with your school property taxes; I am not. Our local school district commands 65% of my total property tax bill.

What are the duties of the Rockwall ISD Trustees? The Texas Education Code defines the role of a school district trustee. They oversee the management of the district.

What makes a good ISD Trustee?

Some candidates proffer their past experiences with classroom teaching as a qualification. Others claim to support public education. Still others cite their love for children. None of these qualities match the requirements of a trustee.

It’s helpful to understand the meaning of the word district. Districts in the State of Texas are departments of state government. These include Municipal Utility Districts, Public School Districts, Hospital Districts, and Community College Districts, etc. In summary, an Independent School District is a government entity, a department of the Texas State government.

Being a certified teacher is not only helpful; it is mandated. We have many wonderful vocational teachers who have skillfully taught us. Beloved members of my family are certified teachers with college degrees. Great teachers get that way by pursuing their calling.

The state of Texas mandates a non-education skill set to be a trustee. School Trustees are responsible for expenditures and for preparing budgets. This is the daily activity of business owners.

School trustees serve under the authority of the laws of the State of Texas. They must oversee the management and control of their respective districts. Trustees are not teachers, neither are they school principles. They oversee the business of the school districts. At least, this is what they are supposed to do. They are not cheerleaders for the school administration.

I see a wonderful trend across America. Businessmen and businesswomen, business owners, running for government offices and winning. At the top is businessman Donald J. Trump.

Question your choices of candidates. You can do this in public forums, directly via email, or via telephone. Ask what a candidate’s experience is with managing businesses and planning budgets.

As a business owner and now retired, I can attest to a simple fact. A business can’t survive when long term indebtedness exceeds revenue.

A parting thought: Texas ranks 38^th nationally.

John White
Rockwall, Texas