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.