Editorial by Bobby Tingle

 

Tony Dallas and Ricky Jacobs are running for a place on the Board of Trustees for the West Orange Cove Consolidated Independent School District. There are three others seeking a place on the board as well. The five candidates are competing in the election for three positions.

Recently I requested, from all five candidates, their answers to three specific questions and an open opportunity for additional comments.

Dallas and Jacobs responded to my questions. Here is what I learned from their responses.

Both are veteran school board trustees. Neither currently serves on the board, but both have prior experience. Experience is an excellent teacher, therefore I assume each have a thorough understanding of the responsibility they will assume if elected.

Dallas is a native of Orange. He and his daughter are alumni of the district and he has two sons who are current students. He points to his community involvement and successful local business experience as further evidence of his commitment and qualifications. Jacobs claims his involvement with the school as a volunteer at school events as evidence of his commitment.

Dallas lists operating within a balanced budget, student morale, discipline and the need to increase test scores as major concerns for the board. Jacobs considers finding quality teachers and administrators a district priority. He feels recruiting teachers and administrators seeking a long-term commitment to the district as the way to provide the best instruction for students. He points to teacher pay raises and stipends as options for achieving that goal. He also expressed the need for finding the resources to update technology in the classroom.

Dallas expressed the need for maintaining a balanced budget. Jacobs expressed the need for checks and balances while ensuring teachers employ best practices. Each in their own words acknowledged their duty regarding the need for careful review of financial reports. They also agreed that open communication and careful oversight are necessary.

Interestingly both men stressed the need for teamwork. Dallas highlights the desire for students to succeed and the district to thrive. He pledges his support to work toward those goals whether on the board or not. Jacobs points to his understanding of the inner workings of the board and the district due to his experience.

As a voter, I appreciate the time these men have taken to answer my questions.

 

Bobby Tingle is publisher of The Orange Leader. He can be reached at bobby.tingle@orangeleader.com