Last month, The Amarillo Pioneer requested responses from the candidates seeking offices in the May 6th election regarding important issues facing the City.
Over the course of this week and next, The Amarillo Pioneerwill be featuring the responses from the candidates. Full responses are available in The Amarillo Pioneer's May 2017 Voter Guide.
Please visit The Amarillo Pioneer's website for more information.
James Allen (Incumbent)
What would be your top priority if elected?
"My top priority is to eliminate the achievement gap between all sub groups."
Do you support the state's A-F grading system for campuses and districts? Why or why not?
"It grades components that are not aligned with the state accountability system the TEKS. Thus the grading system is flawed."
AISD's tax rate is nearly half of the total bill for residents in Potter and Randall County. Should the tax rate be decreased? Why or why not?
"I would be hard pressed to advocate for lower taxes at this time when we are not adequately funded and keeping the same restrictive formulas would negatively impact student performance."
What should the district's role be in overall quality of life in Amarillo?
"A world class public educational system is vital for the current stability and future viability of our community. A city revolves around its Public education system."
Eric Darnell (Incumbent)
What would be your top priority if elected?
"Prepare all children for success after high school."
Do you support the state's A-F grading system for campuses and districts? Why or why not?
"I am not in favor of the A-F grading system. The system creates inaccurate labels for schools and does not give an accurate picture of school performance."
AISD's tax rate is nearly half of the total bill for residents in Potter and Randall County. Should the tax rate be decreased? Why or why not?
"I believe the community must invest in the education of the children. Decreasing the tax rate would not be in the best interest of the community."
What should the district's role be in overall quality of life in Amarillo?
"Nothing will have more impact on the economy and quality of life than the level of education the children receive."
Cristy Cooper Wilkinson (Challenger)
What would be your top priority if elected?
"Decisions by the Board must be cost effective, reasonable and related to valid research."
Do you support the state's A-F grading system for campuses and districts? Why or why not?
"The reasoning behind the system appears vague and the research is insufficient."
AISD's tax rate is nearly half of the total bill for residents in Potter and Randall County. Should the tax rate be decreased? Why or why not?
"I am not in favor of increasing the school tax rate. I’m in favor of supporting our schools through sensible budgeting and cautious spending."
What should the district's role be in overall quality of life in Amarillo?
"Raising educational attainment over the long term will benefit the community by increasing the tax base through job growth and at the same time improve quality of life."
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No Response Received by incumbents Renee McCown and John Ben Blanchard