As has been the case in recent years, managing growth and providing continuity in the Katy Independent School District are top issues among candidates in this year’s school board election.
The May 8 race includes Position 1 incumbent Joe Adams, 57, and his challenger Henry Dibrell, 42, a minister who has lived in Katy ISD about four years.
Position 2 incumbent Trustee Rebecca Fox, 52, is running unopposed. She said it is gratifying not to have opposition but she is not taking the vote of confidence from the public for granted.
“Katy is growing like crazy,” said Dibrell, who serves as the executive director of Lifehouse in Houston, a residential facility that provides support for young women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. “I believe I can bring fresh and innovative ideas from a diverse background that will help meet the challenges the school district will face in the future.”
Adams, who is a business owner and resident of the Nottingham Country subdivision, was elected to the board in 1989 when the district had about 18,000 pupils. Enrollment is projected to be at the 60,000-pupil mark in 2010-11, he said.
“We have seen explosive growth and many people have moved here because of the excellent quality of the Katy school system,” Adams said.
He touted his experience working on the board and within the district as the ability to “bring a lot to the table” with his insight into facility needs and funding challenges given the limited resources provided by the state.
But Dibrell said he would bring a fresh perspective and improve the way the district conducts business.
“We need to use more Push technology such as Facebook and Twitter to help provide information on issues that affect people greatly such as the recent rezoning,” he said.
Fox, who was elected to the board in 2004, said she sees value in providing continued leadership on the board because she faced a steep learning curve as a new trustee. Fox, who is a motivational speaker and resident of the Arbor at Willow Fork, said she had a wealth of experience serving on PTAs and district committees.
“But the board must also deal with complicated issues such as setting policies and procedures, purchasing land, hiring the superintendent and meeting state guidelines,” she said.
Dibrell has worked for nonprofit organizations for the last 15 years. He lives in the Heritage Square subdivision with his wife Delia, who is a design consultant at Katy Blinds and Shutters.
Dibrell has four children who attend Katy ISD schools. His daughter Hollie, 8, and his son Joshua, 9, are in second grade at Cimarron Elementary. His son Jacob, 13, is an eighth-grader at West Memorial Junior High and his daughter Hope, 14, is a freshman at Katy High School.
Adams has two grown children who graduated from Katy ISD schools. He has lived in the district 36 years.
Fox has lived in Katy ISD for 12 years and her daughter Micaela, 18, is a senior at Seven Lakes High School. She also has a grown son who attends Texas A&M University.
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Comments
Just Wondering.....
Is Mr. Dibrell currently employed? This article says he's a minister and that he has worked for nonprofit organizations for 15 years. It also mentions that he is the Executive Director of Lifehouse, but according to their website, he serves on the Board. Becky Turner is listed as the Executive Director. Perhaps the website hasn't been updated? I also saw on that website that he is a member of Believers Outreach Church, but it doesn't say that he is a minister there.
When I vote, I want as much information about the candidates as possible, so this is just clarification for me. I'm not questioning his qualifications or his reason for running. I'm just beginning my research.
I'm Not Julie
I wish any of them would talk about cost reduction. These new
I wish any of them would talk about cost reduction. These new high schools are pretty ornate, much nicer than any university I have attended. We're being taxed to pay for all this.
School finances should be at the top of the list. The Board is
School finances should be at the top of the list. The Board is rumored to be working on a bond presentation which some say may top $700 million dollars and might drift as far south as $350 million.
The district is a BIG business and we need to have a more business like approach as it relates to its operation. Teachers should teach and we need to keep the lights turned on and the bills paid.
I don't know if any of the three is up to the job, one because we just don't know, the other two because they have not shown themselves to be good stewards of our tax dollars. We should insist on more accountability and a clear understanding of cost and reward in all capital items going forward.
Let's start with Wolfe and find out how much it takes to build a school to service the incredibility low student population over there, and compare that with what it will take to build and operate an IB program on the same location. When I mention "operate" I am taking about any and all expenses, up front and on going, which the IB program will cost vs. normal elementary school operation. Then please tell us what we as taxpayers get for this investment beyond another one of those famous, "keeping up with the Jones" feather for Alton's cap.
Has anyone stopped to ask about the Live Action Media Board
Has anyone stopped to ask about the Live Action Media Board being installed at Rhodes Stadium? It's a lot of money for a scoreboard...
Overcrowding, overcrowding, overcrowding.
Once again, I want to find out what is the specific stance of the 2 opposing candidates on on school overcrowding. Specifically, what will be their approach for dealing with the overcrowding at SLHS.
Can they guarantee that the bond package will permanently alleviate the overcrowding there? Will this new high school be one of the items built with the bond funds? How many LUZes (and students) will be moved from SLHS to the new high school? And how long will it take to be built? Will it be completed before the 2013 school year? What cost saving measures will they use, to keep the price of this school in line with other recent schools? Will they use eminent domain, for example, to procure the land for the school?
Again, this school will be running at 125% of capacity by 2015. SLHS has a capcity of 3,000 students, and by 2015, it will be running at a solid 4,000 students. And no, this cannot be alleviated by simply shifting LUZes between schools - because by that point, every HS in this district will be at or over capacity. KHS and MRHS will also have more than 1,000 students beyond their combined capacities.
This, along with Wolfe, needs to be the district's top two priorities. If an IB program is the solution to the overcrowding problem, so be it. However, they'd better build that IB school fast, and get it up and running fast. I don't know if that can realistically be done in 2-3 years.
spartans, what is your profession?
New Board Candidate
There is word being spread that our very own 'Westside Bill' will be running for a school board seat. As a citizen, he seems to have a lot of common sense answers that can be applied to our district.
It will be refreshing to see him in action.
LOL!
That's why they're called "rumors" and not facts. Sorry gang, until there's at least 3-4 "common sense" people willing to run/serve at the same time, I can't see where it's worth the time, effort, cost and possible (likely) retribution against my kids.
Now, if I were to find some running mates in about 3 years, I'd be very interested.....Ross, will you still be around?
Bond Issue
I'd like to see our next school bond to provide funds ONLY for new schools and/or increasing capacity at existing schools. Just a thought...
low population=lame argument
Fact: It's cheaper to rebuild Wolfe than remodel. Period. And, it has already been established that the school needs serious attention. I KNOW some of these commentators, who for years have pushed for the land to be sold, must also think those kids will just "disappear" or be bussed to another school?
Really, which school? Because all the others nearby are at at capacity...
So, just to be CRYSTAL clear, your justification is because of your so-called "incredibly low student population"?
Wolfe students aren't "throw-aways" and those types of comments are insulting AND ignorant!
Fact: the K-5 student population is about the same as some of the other KatyISD elementary schools (like Katy elementary). Schools which, by the way, are NEWER and have gotten millions in remodeling funds while Wolfe got vitually zilch.
I personally think the Wolfe rebuilding project is WAY more important than millions spent on artificial turf... but I'm sure others may disagree.
Also, so that the rest of the readers don't forget, there are groups out there that think NO public money should be spent on schools and that all schools should be private religious schools with a voucher system. Don't be tricked by these people because if they'd had their way, there'd be 60,000 Katy kids crammed into about 20 schools with portables everywhere...cuz they don't want none of them Taj Mahals with that imported tile.
Priority 1, priority 2. And priority 3.
As I stated in a previous thread, I do believe that Wolfe should be rebuilt or remodeled.
Priority 1 for the next bond referendum should be HS #7. The reconstruction of Wolfe (however it will be done) should be priority #2. The seventh high school will cost more than the Wolfe reconstruction, so that is why it should be priority #1. If KISD really is going to request > $300 million on the next referendum, then surely there is enough funds in that request, to cover these 2 priorities.
(I think priority #3 should be a third stadium. Again, with HS #7 on the referendum, and HS #8 planned, then this will eventually be needed.)
I want a firm stance from these 3 candidates on these 3 priorities. Hopefully, they will be asked about this, and will answer truthfully and straighforwardly.
spartans, what is your profession?
Correction: I think priority #3 should be a second stadium. With
Correction:
I think priority #3 should be a second stadium.
With 8 high schools in the eventual plan, a second stadium will have to be built. But this should only be done, after the necessary schools are built - or remodeled.
spartans, what is your profession?
My sources tell me we import students to Wolfe from as far north
My sources tell me we import students to Wolfe from as far north as Bear Creek Elementary in order to get the current population of about 500 students on campus each day. I am further told the resident K-5 population for this school is about 250. If either of these statements turn out to be true what words would you use to describe its student population?
Wolfe does sit on a large parcel of land, and it is very valuable. What part of that statement is incorrect?
Since you bring up other KISD schools might I suggest you do a quick survey of student populations at other KISD elementary schools. KISD says the average attendance is well in access of 1000-1200 students. Contact the district and let them know which of their figures are incorrect.
If I lived in the Wolfe area I too would want a local elementary school, so build one to house the historically LOW student population of the K-5 student body who live within a few miles of this location. The question I raised about Wolfe had nothing to do with having a neighborhood school it was about what kind of school. How much of a premium should we pay to educate the 250-300 students who live there if the alternative is to build a K-12 IB campus instead of an appropriate school house providing the same K-5 education afforded other KISD students? I thought this is what the Wolfe parents wanted all along.
Wolfe has been neglected for years and every multi term member of the school board is responsible. We have a challenger this year and if you want to register your displeasure, might I suggest you vote for a fresh set of eyes on the Board. Sure can't do any worse by Wolfe than the current team, can he
Engineers Needed on Board
KISD's increasing population and critical infrastructure needs indicate the KISD board could use more members with an engineering background in order to deal with limited funding.
Did you mean.....
non-vendor-affiliated engineers? We already have an engineer on the board (or he claims to be), and the district is always hiring consultants anyway, including engineering firms. I'd hate to start electing people to the board simply because of their vocation - too many conflicts can come of it.
Wolfe attackers=know nothing
"Just Wondering" and "Are you kidding": Wolfe population is more than the building's capacity. Its population ranges from about 420-500 depending on the year. The building capacity is about 400. There are enough children in the surrounding subdivisions to support the school but a lot of expats have stipends for private school and many non-expats have chosen private because of various reasons. When companies reduce their expats, the school population remains static. The children in certain LUZ's near Clay and SH6 get bussed to Wolfe for many reasons, the main one being, because years ago Wolfe was one on the nearest schools between them and Bear Creek and they simply zoned for the capacities for each school. That is something Katy is doing for nearly every school, not just Wolfe. These arguments to "close Wolfe" are paper thin...and so OLD! Seriously, if Wolfe were to be built for 250 students, then where do you propose the other 250 go who live in the SH6/Clay road area? Maybe you are suggesting those students just "disappear"? I just want to AGAIN point out that there are a bunch of people who HATE the idea of their tax money having to pay to educate children. It's very convenient that they've already gotten the benefit themselves, though.
RD what do YOU propose?
I have read your comments and it is obvious you have done some homework and I wonder if you might tell us what you would suggest for Wolfe if the decision were left up to you?
Do we build?
How big do we build?
Do people avoid sending their children to Wolfe because they consider the education to be inferior and choose private schools in lieu of this learning center?
Is it possible to return some of the land to private use and begin taxing it after taking all we will ever need for whatever campus is built there?
Do we make Wolfe "different" from all other elementary schools using the IB or other programs?
And if it is different, why should we do it as opposed to providing these families with the same great Katy ISD education the rest of the district gets? Believe me when I tell you all my children are out of elementary school and whatever direction this takes will not impact my household.
Final question: Are you on the committee working on the IB implementation question? If so, maybe you can update us on what is happening as I am sure Helen will open a thread for this if you ask.
to answer Ross
Wolfe is a unique school and I have never in my life seen a staff work as hard and be as dedicated. The school is exemplary and is not inferior. The building IS inferior. I am not on the committee, but I trust their decisions.
Most people I know who send their kids to private, do so for many different reasons. The most common I have heard is because they get a stipend. Others have assumed that because the school is decrepit-looking, the quality of education must be the same (which it's not) so they too choose private. Others just have their own reasons which vary (religious, school location closer to work). The nearest private school that a lot of ex-pats choose is Village, and the curriculum uses Texas text books that are a year ahead. Many expats I personally know told me that the Texas is "dumbing down" the students compared to their own country (China, India, UK, etc). This belief has no bearing on Wolfe being rebuilt; but it is a relevant issue when you ask why people in that area avoid public schools (not just Wolfe). My kids are in public, I am satisfied with the curriculum, and I tell these people about the advantages of public.
As far as the research, I wish that many people who attack Wolfe would educate themselves, just like I have. For years this school has been victimized and slandered with lies by people who believe no one will be the wiser. These people have shamelessly used Wolfe's children and staff as pawns in their campaigns. They have posted signs and illegally stuffed mailboxes with fliers saying "vote for me if you don't want the school closed" implying their opponent plans to close the school. The community and HOA's surrounding Wolfe have gotten wise to these old "scare tactics" and "tricks". Unfortunately, the rest of Katy just believes at face value that "the land should be sold", that "the school should be torn down" or that the "IB promotes communism".
I will tell you that if the school gets torn down, those families will have a good reason to petition the SBOE to be rezoned to Spring or HISD. That would mean millions in tax revenue LOST for KatyISD because that tax area includes BP, Exxon, Conoco Phillips and Shell.
INJ - to answer your question
You wrote: Is Mr. Dibrell currently employed? This article says he's a minister and that he has worked for nonprofit organizations for 15 years. It also mentions that he is the Executive Director of Lifehouse, but according to their website, he serves on the Board. Becky Turner is listed as the Executive Director. Perhaps the website hasn't been updated? I also saw on that website that he is a member of Believers Outreach Church, but it doesn't say that he is a minister there.
We will seek to clarify this information in subsequent interviews with the candidate. I do not know if his position is paid or not with the agency. These are good questions/concerns and any candidate running for school board should be well prepared to handle them!
Inside Katy
Does his job make a difference?
Why all the concerns about where a candidate works when we can't get incumbents to tell us what their leaning are or to participate in debates or answer questions from the press?
For the record I don't know him, never heard of him, and don't care where he works. But do care about what he wants to accomplish with as a BOT member.
Would also like to know why Mr Adams feels he needs to stay around and what he hopes to do with another three years and why he has not been able to accomplish his goals in 20 years. Hope you will stay on top of these questions as well.
Henry Dibrell
Looks like the Lifehouse website has been updated. It now lists Mr. Dibrell as the Executive Director. Helen, do you know if there will be a "Meet the Candidates" session? I'd like to hear more from Mr. Dibrell.
Good info
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