Date: December 4th 2023

Location: Southlake TX

 

My family and I made our move to the great state of Texas. I had an exciting new job opportunity, and our family was optimistic to have a chance to choose a place where our children could truly thrive and where we could plant roots for all of their formative years.  When you get a chance like that, it really forces you to have a lot of introspection about your values, and what’s important to you, and the vision you see for nurturing your children’s long-term development.  We scoured multiple cities across the state, and in all of the different criteria that aligned to our family, the city of Southlake kept bubbling up to the top.  Given that we have two young children, now a PreK4 and a 1st grader, one of the key priorities for us was a school district known for academic excellence.  Carroll ISD by far year over year was recognized for just that, and it was one of the key reasons our family made the choice to make Southlake our home. 

 

One of the things that struck me when we moved here last year, was just how many people were transplants from other states, like us.  You see we moved to Southlake from California which I’m well aware makes a lot of people uneasy, but it really got me thinking….What is it about Southlake specifically that makes it such a beacon for people all over the country? The answer is, it’s a place where the community’s values and investment into the children create the conditions for thriving schools.  The parents in this community work tirelessly whether they are leading our vibrant PTO’s, volunteering in the classroom, coaching or mentoring, their efforts are focused on helping our children become the best adults.  Parents, in partnership with some of the most dedicated, creative and outstanding teachers and administrators that truly go above and beyond for the students they serve make CISD inspirational and draw families from everywhere to this little town.

 
Although our school district has so much going for it, like many of you, I became concerned when I started reading communications about our district’s budget crisis due to the student allotment not being increased since 2019 along with our schools divergence of funds into recapture otherwise known as Robin Hood.  As someone with past experience navigating state legislature, I sprung into action with a small group of community members and began building relationships and advocating for an increase in basic allotment and Robin Hood reform with members of our House and Senate Public Education committees.  As our state legislature moves into a frustrating and historical 4th special session to discuss funding for schools including teacher pay raises, school safety measures and a controversial voucher program, even if what is being proposed is passed, the increases will not be sufficient for the challenges we face as a district.   School finance will remain one of our district’s highest legislative priorities and this is an area I’m dedicated to which is why I’m humbled to announce that I’m running for Carroll ISD School Board Trustee, Place 5.  

With two young Dragons in the district, I know that the financial decisions our school board makes today, will have an impact on graduating classes for years to come. It’s why I’m aligned with our current board’s approach to fiscal responsibility, maximizing resources and working towards innovative solutions.  My experience in the private sector of managing a book of business comparable to Carroll ISD’s annual operating budget has uniquely qualified me to make sound decisions for the district.  Beyond that, student safety, retaining the best and brightest teachers and of course academic excellence are all key priorities that I value.

I have so much respect for the people in this community and am absolutely inspired by what you all have built.  I’m committed to keeping our school district that beacon of educational excellence and I hope that you’ll join me and support my campaign to “Protect the Tradition”  Let’s Go Dragons! 

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~Renee