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Re-elect Keeling and Svetlik as trustees

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  • Originally published April 29, 2008 at 6:06 p.m., updated April 29, 2008 at 6:06 p.m.

Editor, the Advocate:

On May 10, Victoria will have the opportunity to take another step forward in improving our school district by re-electing Tami Keeling and Lou Svetlik to the VISD board.

Keeling has been active in public education for several years and first ran for the board against me in 2004. After a hard fought campaign, I was re-elected but found her to be a very intelligent, professional, well-informed person. Since Keeling was elected to her current seat, she has been an active board member who stands up for her strong beliefs in educational excellence and equity for all students and is an asset to our district.

I have served with Svetlik for six years and he is the definition of an excellent board member. He is a man of integrity whose family values and core beliefs always guide him in his decision-making. His leadership has been instrumental in our recent progress.

Both are advocates of strong discipline policies, improved academics and safe, secure schools. We have made significant progress, but there is more to be done. The next few years will be instrumental to the future of VISD. Vote Keeling and Svetlik for a strong equitable future.

Ray Walden

Victoria


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Comments

  • TamiKeeling TamiKeeling Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    I want to correct any misimpression about the ability of my opponent, Dr. Jaynes, to – if elected – vote on matters involving salaries and benefits for district employees on account of the fact that his wife and son-in-law are employees of the district.

    Since I have been on the board (and for longer than that), it has been the practice of members of the VISD board who have relatives working for the district to abstain from voting on salaries or benefits for the class of employees to which the board member’s relative belongs. This practice has been observed faithfully during my time on the board by Dr. De Los Santos, whose husband is a district employee.

    State law does not require abstention in those circumstances. However, a board member in this position must decide whether or not he or she is comfortable voting on public funds that will end up in their joint checking account.

    Personally, I am proud that the VISD board has chosen to adhere to a higher ethical standard than the minimum requirements of state law, and I applaud Dr. De Los Santos and others who have seen the value of making sure that their actions are above any question of impropriety in this regard. I think our practice is the correct and ethical path to take, and in my opinion it should continue to be observed.

    Tami Keeling

    May 7, 2008 at 10:58 p.m.
  • warmore warmore Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    Tami Keeling is misleading the public regarding trustees with relatives in the district. Charlie Jaynes and any other board member with relatives can vote on teacher compensation packages as long as their relative is not singled out. Read VISD policy DBE Legal. It is clearly stated.

    May 7, 2008 at 8:29 p.m.
  • ragman ragman Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    The word is Cavalry.  Yes, the boosters cover the extra cost of using Chartered buses. or traveling in class, not like a bunch of yahoos in a yellow dog.  This is 5A not 1A.

    May 2, 2008 at 3:35 a.m.
  • superDad superDad Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    you're correct rainwater....too much at stake these next several years to change command. There will be NEW principals, AD, coaches and for us to switch through the middle of all this would be a BIG mistake on the taxpayers (VOTERS).

    We need to address the teacher shortages! Why are so many leaving VISD? But, lets spend $350,000 for a new turf at the football stadium---WHAT! yep. I'm sorry it was for rewarding the boy's soccer team. LOL

    Just curious though....as to why the calavry hasn't backed up Keeling other than Amy Hodges--she (AH) should oust KLIMIST that would be cool.

    Why...tell me...WHY do we always seem to travel in Charter Buses in about every sport??? My money going down the drain since VISD pays a portion of the fees. HHHmmmmm ~ ~ ~

    May 1, 2008 at 6:43 p.m.