Voter Guide Profile for TX Keller ISD Board of Trustees - Place 4 candidate

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should be a resource for instruction or services in the school.

Strongly Disagree

I do not agree with Planned Parenthood being anywhere!! I am 100% pro-life.

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should be a resource for instruction or services in the school.

Strongly Disagree

I do not agree with Planned Parenthood being anywhere!! I am 100% pro-life.

Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.

Strongly Agree

Absolutely without equivocation.

Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.

Strongly Agree

Absolutely without equivocation.

Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.

Strongly Agree

Wholeheartedly support capitalism, free enterprise, and the right to own private property with minimal governmental intervention.

Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.

Strongly Agree

Wholeheartedly support capitalism, free enterprise, and the right to own private property with minimal governmental intervention.

School districts should be able to use taxpayer money for lobbying the state legislature.

Disagree

The problem with school districts, or other government entities, hiring lobbyists with taxpayer dollars is they (the lobbyists) sometimes don't act on the taxpayer's behalf. That creates a bad situation. However, school districts and other entities should be able to lobby their state legislators as I have to increase school safety, prevent smut in schools and promote strong (non-political) education. In other words, school officials can lobby directly without taxpayer funded lobbyists.

School districts should be able to use taxpayer money for lobbying the state legislature.

Disagree

The problem with school districts, or other government entities, hiring lobbyists with taxpayer dollars is they (the lobbyists) sometimes don't act on the taxpayer's behalf. That creates a bad situation. However, school districts and other entities should be able to lobby their state legislators as I have to increase school safety, prevent smut in schools and promote strong (non-political) education. In other words, school officials can lobby directly without taxpayer funded lobbyists.

What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?

The entire notion of government funding for public education needs to be reviewed. For example, state funding to school districts should be based on enrollment, not attendance. Another option may be some type of hybrid funding mechanism that incentivizes school districts to improve their attendance ratios by being educationally competitive with alternative forms for education. In any case, government funding should end at high school as there are other funding mechanisms available to those that want to go to college. Government funding at the college level simply makes more people dependent on the government and incentivizes universities to raise their tuition. It creates a false marketplace. Also, college isn't for everybody.

What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?

The entire notion of government funding for public education needs to be reviewed. For example, state funding to school districts should be based on enrollment, not attendance. Another option may be some type of hybrid funding mechanism that incentivizes school districts to improve their attendance ratios by being educationally competitive with alternative forms for education. In any case, government funding should end at high school as there are other funding mechanisms available to those that want to go to college. Government funding at the college level simply makes more people dependent on the government and incentivizes universities to raise their tuition. It creates a false marketplace. Also, college isn't for everybody.

At school, students should be able to speak freely and civilly about matters of conscience and faith, including Christianity.

Strongly Agree

Yes.

At school, students should be able to speak freely and civilly about matters of conscience and faith, including Christianity.

Strongly Agree

Yes.

School districts should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.

Strongly Agree

Yes. It's sad that this is even a question these days.

School districts should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.

Strongly Agree

Yes. It's sad that this is even a question these days.

What is the function of the local school board?

The local school board, duly elected by the majority of the community it serves must 1) Promote academic excellence free from political bias 2) Provide a safe and secure environment for all students and staff 3) Exercise good stewardship and fiscal responsibility (sound and balanced budgets with long-term planning) 4) Ensure accountability of itself and the administration of the district through citizen oversight 5) Affirm the parents' rights as the primary educators of their children

What is the function of the local school board?

The local school board, duly elected by the majority of the community it serves must 1) Promote academic excellence free from political bias 2) Provide a safe and secure environment for all students and staff 3) Exercise good stewardship and fiscal responsibility (sound and balanced budgets with long-term planning) 4) Ensure accountability of itself and the administration of the district through citizen oversight 5) Affirm the parents' rights as the primary educators of their children

Who should have the authority to set curriculum and determine resources used in those curricula?

The local school board, duly elected by the majority of the community it serves, should have the sole authority to set curriculum. The board should have mechanisms in place to garner community feedback to ensure curricula, and the resources used therein, support the TEKS. Therefore, they can make sure it is all aligned with the values of the community it serves and prepares all students for the future.

Who should have the authority to set curriculum and determine resources used in those curricula?

The local school board, duly elected by the majority of the community it serves, should have the sole authority to set curriculum. The board should have mechanisms in place to garner community feedback to ensure curricula, and the resources used therein, support the TEKS. Therefore, they can make sure it is all aligned with the values of the community it serves and prepares all students for the future.

When should parents be restricted from speaking in school board meetings?

Never.

When should parents be restricted from speaking in school board meetings?

Never.

Please list in order the following priorities in relation to the role of a K-12 public school (omitting any that do not apply): Mathematics, Information Technology, Science, Political Activism, Personal Finances, Gender Identity, Physical Fitness, American History, Critical Race Theory, Language Arts, Art & Music, Vocational Learning, Sexuality, Foreign Language, Social Emotional Learning

Mathematics, Science, American History, Information Technology (IT), Art & Music, Vocational Learning, Physical Fitness, Foreign Language

Please list in order the following priorities in relation to the role of a K-12 public school (omitting any that do not apply): Mathematics, Information Technology, Science, Political Activism, Personal Finances, Gender Identity, Physical Fitness, American History, Critical Race Theory, Language Arts, Art & Music, Vocational Learning, Sexuality, Foreign Language, Social Emotional Learning

Mathematics, Science, American History, Information Technology (IT), Art & Music, Vocational Learning, Physical Fitness, Foreign Language

Which more closely matches your view of America's founding principles? A) Liberty and equality. B) Slavery and racism.

Liberty and equality

Which more closely matches your view of America's founding principles? A) Liberty and equality. B) Slavery and racism.

Liberty and equality

What does "equity in education" mean to you?

"Equity in education" sounds like a good thing. Who doesn't like a fair playing field? But, unfortunately, that's not what it means today. Currently, it is an idea promoted, and sometimes used by, political activists to take away or slowdown high achieving students or schools by removing resources and providing them to those who they might describe as victims of circumstance. We should do all we can to help students in low income districts. However, we shouldn't do it at the expense of other students.

What does "equity in education" mean to you?

"Equity in education" sounds like a good thing. Who doesn't like a fair playing field? But, unfortunately, that's not what it means today. Currently, it is an idea promoted, and sometimes used by, political activists to take away or slowdown high achieving students or schools by removing resources and providing them to those who they might describe as victims of circumstance. We should do all we can to help students in low income districts. However, we shouldn't do it at the expense of other students.

Written parental consent (opt-in) must be obtained before students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) or Social Emotional Learning (SEL).

Strongly Agree

Absolutely.

Written parental consent (opt-in) must be obtained before students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) or Social Emotional Learning (SEL).

Strongly Agree

Absolutely.

The loss of local control in education is too high a price to pay in exchange for federal dollars.

Strongly Agree

Districts must continue (or begin) to "dollarize" impact of losing local control in exchange for federal dollars. There are almost always "strings" attached to federal dollars that take away the local community's control.

The loss of local control in education is too high a price to pay in exchange for federal dollars.

Strongly Agree

Districts must continue (or begin) to "dollarize" impact of losing local control in exchange for federal dollars. There are almost always "strings" attached to federal dollars that take away the local community's control.

Parents are the ultimate authority in their child’s education and should be able to freely pursue whatever educational options they deem best for their child.

Strongly Agree

Absolutely, the parents' rights as the ultimate authority in their child's education must be affirmed.

Parents are the ultimate authority in their child’s education and should be able to freely pursue whatever educational options they deem best for their child.

Strongly Agree

Absolutely, the parents' rights as the ultimate authority in their child's education must be affirmed.

School boards are accountable to parents and taxpayers.

Strongly Agree

The school boards were elected by the parents and taxpayers and must remain accountable to them and the students they serve.

School boards are accountable to parents and taxpayers.

Strongly Agree

The school boards were elected by the parents and taxpayers and must remain accountable to them and the students they serve.

Do you believe students should have access to materials that graphically depict and describe sexual acts?

No

Absolutely not.

Do you believe students should have access to materials that graphically depict and describe sexual acts?

No

Absolutely not.

All print and digital material available or presented to students should be easily accessible for public review.

Strongly Agree

Absolutely. This would include the elimination of any private chat opportunities between students and teachers outside the purview of the students' parents.

All print and digital material available or presented to students should be easily accessible for public review.

Strongly Agree

Absolutely. This would include the elimination of any private chat opportunities between students and teachers outside the purview of the students' parents.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I am a practicing Catholic and I believe and support the teachings of the Catholic Church: pro-life, marriage is between a natural-born male and natural-born female, there are only two genders given by God; male & female. Those who struggle with the concept of sexual identity, including gender fluidity, transgenderism, and LGBTQ+, are no less human and deserving of our prayers and compassion. However, people with these predispositions should not be driving public educational policy nor should school districts be spending taxpayer money on unreasonable or excessive cost accommodations.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I am a practicing Catholic and I believe and support the teachings of the Catholic Church: pro-life, marriage is between a natural-born male and natural-born female, there are only two genders given by God; male & female. Those who struggle with the concept of sexual identity, including gender fluidity, transgenderism, and LGBTQ+, are no less human and deserving of our prayers and compassion. However, people with these predispositions should not be driving public educational policy nor should school districts be spending taxpayer money on unreasonable or excessive cost accommodations.

I support allowing public high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.

Strongly Disagree

No. Biological males compete with boys/men and biological females compete with girls/women.

I support allowing public high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.

Strongly Disagree

No. Biological males compete with boys/men and biological females compete with girls/women.

No school official should be involved in the sexual transitioning of a student, including the use of alternative names and pronouns.

Strongly Agree

We waste so much time and resources worrying about someone's pronouns. The Chinese are surpassing us academically and we're worried about addressing students with the wrong pronoun. Under no circumstances should any school official be involved in discussions with a student regarding their sexual transitioning. This is between the student, his/her parent(s), and outside counseling service they choose.

No school official should be involved in the sexual transitioning of a student, including the use of alternative names and pronouns.

Strongly Agree

We waste so much time and resources worrying about someone's pronouns. The Chinese are surpassing us academically and we're worried about addressing students with the wrong pronoun. Under no circumstances should any school official be involved in discussions with a student regarding their sexual transitioning. This is between the student, his/her parent(s), and outside counseling service they choose.

No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent.

Strongly Agree

The parents (or guardian) must be engaged, and consent provided, PRIOR to any discussion or action with the student/child.

No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent.

Strongly Agree

The parents (or guardian) must be engaged, and consent provided, PRIOR to any discussion or action with the student/child.

Who is responsible for teaching sexual education to children, and what is the appropriate age when it should be taught?

The parents should undertake this role. The age at which it is taught should be up to the parent/guardian. In the absence of sex education by the parents, the school district may provide sex education in an age-appropriate manner and within certain parameters.

Who is responsible for teaching sexual education to children, and what is the appropriate age when it should be taught?

The parents should undertake this role. The age at which it is taught should be up to the parent/guardian. In the absence of sex education by the parents, the school district may provide sex education in an age-appropriate manner and within certain parameters.

If you support the teaching of Sex Ed, please answer the following question: Sexual education should include these topics (list all that apply and add your own, if needed) -- Physical and emotional health outcomes; contraceptive methods; consent; abstinence; sexual orientation and gender identity; human anatomy/the reproductive system; abortion methods and side effects; stages of pregnancy and fetal development; sex acts and pleasures of sex

Physical and emotional health outcomes, abstinence, consent, contraceptive methods, human anatomy/the reproductive system, abortion methods and side effects, stages of pregnancy and fetal development

If you support the teaching of Sex Ed, please answer the following question: Sexual education should include these topics (list all that apply and add your own, if needed) -- Physical and emotional health outcomes; contraceptive methods; consent; abstinence; sexual orientation and gender identity; human anatomy/the reproductive system; abortion methods and side effects; stages of pregnancy and fetal development; sex acts and pleasures of sex

Physical and emotional health outcomes, abstinence, consent, contraceptive methods, human anatomy/the reproductive system, abortion methods and side effects, stages of pregnancy and fetal development

Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.

Strongly Agree

Judeo-Christian values are the basis of Western Civilization and its success. While not perfect and through many "dark" times in our history, it was on this framework our country was founded and flourished over the years. Removing and/or diluting the Judeo-Christian values over time has led to the deterioration of our moral society which, in actuality, moved us from "limited" government to "excessive" government.

Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.

Strongly Agree

Judeo-Christian values are the basis of Western Civilization and its success. While not perfect and through many "dark" times in our history, it was on this framework our country was founded and flourished over the years. Removing and/or diluting the Judeo-Christian values over time has led to the deterioration of our moral society which, in actuality, moved us from "limited" government to "excessive" government.

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree

No. You need valid photo ID to drive a car, buy liquor, board an airplane, buy a gun, or pick up a child from school. So, it only makes sense to require some type of valid ID for voting. All to often we have seen some bad actors abuse the system. Voting is a privilege maintained by thousands of service men and women who were killed or maimed to protect it. We must not dishonor them or the institutions of democratic elections.

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree

No. You need valid photo ID to drive a car, buy liquor, board an airplane, buy a gun, or pick up a child from school. So, it only makes sense to require some type of valid ID for voting. All to often we have seen some bad actors abuse the system. Voting is a privilege maintained by thousands of service men and women who were killed or maimed to protect it. We must not dishonor them or the institutions of democratic elections.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.

No

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.

No

A candidate's personal moral values are relevant when considering a candidacy for elective office.

Agree

A person's moral values are important elements to consider. An elected official has two roles: Delegate and Trustee. As a delegate, the elected official would vote in the way their citizens asked. As a Trustee, citizens depend on the elected official's moral values to guide them to vote correctly on any unforeseen issues that may arise. Moral values are guide in murky or unclear situations.

A candidate's personal moral values are relevant when considering a candidacy for elective office.

Agree

A person's moral values are important elements to consider. An elected official has two roles: Delegate and Trustee. As a delegate, the elected official would vote in the way their citizens asked. As a Trustee, citizens depend on the elected official's moral values to guide them to vote correctly on any unforeseen issues that may arise. Moral values are guide in murky or unclear situations.

When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?

Conservative

My personal "guardrails" and "moral compass" are conservative. I am respectful and generally tolerant of dissenting views. Intolerance can sometimes exist on both ends of the continuum which can then lead to the inability to find any opportunities for common ground.

When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?

Conservative

My personal "guardrails" and "moral compass" are conservative. I am respectful and generally tolerant of dissenting views. Intolerance can sometimes exist on both ends of the continuum which can then lead to the inability to find any opportunities for common ground.

Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).

Only personal references. I am not aware of any publicly available information.

Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).

Only personal references. I am not aware of any publicly available information.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?

John and Marilyn Birt, and their two daughters (Sabrina and Melissa), moved to Keller in 1987. John grew up in Corpus Christi as the oldest of six children. While attending and graduating from Texas A&M University, John was a member of the Corps of Cadets, earned a pilot contract with the U.S. Air Force and met his future wife, Marilyn. After Texas A&M, John began a 43-year career in logistics, global supply chain management, and U.S. Customs compliance. He retired in 2018 as VP of Global Supply Chain/Customs Compliance at Williamson-Dickie. John was always eager to serve the KISD community. He previously served as a member of the KISD Board of Trustees from 1996 through 2000. He was heavily involved in the expansion of Keller ISD and its stellar record of academic excellence. He recently attended the KISD Ambassador Program, assisted Keller Center for Advanced Learning (KCAL) with student mock interviews, and currently serves on KISD’s Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC). Marilyn was active in the PTA’s at Florence, Shady Grove, Bear Creek, Keller Middle School, and Keller High School (KHS). In addition, Marilyn served on the Keller Council of PTA’s, Campus Education Improvement Committee (CEIC) at KHS, and on the KHS Choir and Cheer booster clubs. Outside of KISD duties, John served as a member of the Keller Development Corporation (KDC), and currently serves on the City of Keller’s Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZBA). For a number of years, John was involved in the music ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS). He currently works with the Outreach and Men’s Adoration Prayer and Service (M.A.P.S.) ministries at SEAS. Married for 47 years, both of their daughters and three grandchildren (grades 2nd, 5th, and 7th) all attended or attend KISD. Now retired, John enjoys spending time with Marilyn and their grandchildren, volunteering in the community, and mastering his woodworking hobby.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?

John and Marilyn Birt, and their two daughters (Sabrina and Melissa), moved to Keller in 1987. John grew up in Corpus Christi as the oldest of six children. While attending and graduating from Texas A&M University, John was a member of the Corps of Cadets, earned a pilot contract with the U.S. Air Force and met his future wife, Marilyn. After Texas A&M, John began a 43-year career in logistics, global supply chain management, and U.S. Customs compliance. He retired in 2018 as VP of Global Supply Chain/Customs Compliance at Williamson-Dickie. John was always eager to serve the KISD community. He previously served as a member of the KISD Board of Trustees from 1996 through 2000. He was heavily involved in the expansion of Keller ISD and its stellar record of academic excellence. He recently attended the KISD Ambassador Program, assisted Keller Center for Advanced Learning (KCAL) with student mock interviews, and currently serves on KISD’s Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC). Marilyn was active in the PTA’s at Florence, Shady Grove, Bear Creek, Keller Middle School, and Keller High School (KHS). In addition, Marilyn served on the Keller Council of PTA’s, Campus Education Improvement Committee (CEIC) at KHS, and on the KHS Choir and Cheer booster clubs. Outside of KISD duties, John served as a member of the Keller Development Corporation (KDC), and currently serves on the City of Keller’s Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZBA). For a number of years, John was involved in the music ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS). He currently works with the Outreach and Men’s Adoration Prayer and Service (M.A.P.S.) ministries at SEAS. Married for 47 years, both of their daughters and three grandchildren (grades 2nd, 5th, and 7th) all attended or attend KISD. Now retired, John enjoys spending time with Marilyn and their grandchildren, volunteering in the community, and mastering his woodworking hobby.

Teachers who are licensed to carry should be allowed to carry guns at school.

Agree

I am in support of the Guardian Program as long as there is vigorous law enforcement approved training for any applicants, and investment in safe storage and equipment for any of the guns approved for the program. All options are on the table for safety, but anyone carrying gun in a school must be highly trained and approved by the Board of Trustees and local law enforcement professionals.

Teachers who are licensed to carry should be allowed to carry guns at school.

Agree

I am in support of the Guardian Program as long as there is vigorous law enforcement approved training for any applicants, and investment in safe storage and equipment for any of the guns approved for the program. All options are on the table for safety, but anyone carrying gun in a school must be highly trained and approved by the Board of Trustees and local law enforcement professionals.

Under what circumstances (if any) should schools be allowed to require vaccinations?

Vaccinations should be encouraged, unless the parent/guardian has a doctor's consent not to be vaccinated,

Under what circumstances (if any) should schools be allowed to require vaccinations?

Vaccinations should be encouraged, unless the parent/guardian has a doctor's consent not to be vaccinated,

I support mask mandates.

Strongly Disagree

I support mask mandates.

Strongly Disagree

All official open meetings should be live streamed, recorded, and have transcripts available online for public access.

Strongly Agree

Transparency is essential to democracy.

All official open meetings should be live streamed, recorded, and have transcripts available online for public access.

Strongly Agree

Transparency is essential to democracy.

All votes should be roll call votes and recorded in meeting minutes.

Strongly Agree

All votes should be recorded and captured

All votes should be roll call votes and recorded in meeting minutes.

Strongly Agree

All votes should be recorded and captured

John Birt

Candidate Profile^*

BIOGRAPHY

ENDORSEMENTS^*

CONSERVATIVE (2)

REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (4)

SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS

CONSERVATIVE

GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)

RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)

SELECTED FINANCIAL SOURCE DOCUMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

ECONOMY

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

EDUCATION

VALUES

ELECTIONS AND VOTING

ABOUT YOU

2ND AMENDMENT

OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES

If you are not already receiving our emails, stay up to date with important election alerts, educational articles, and encouraging reminders.

Invest in America’s Future

John Birt

Candidate Profile*

BIOGRAPHY

ENDORSEMENTS*

CONSERVATIVE (2)

REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (4)

SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS

CONSERVATIVE

GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)

RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)

SELECTED FINANCIAL SOURCE DOCUMENTS

OTHER INFORMATION

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

ECONOMY

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

EDUCATION

VALUES

ELECTIONS AND VOTING

ABOUT YOU

2ND AMENDMENT

OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES

If you are not already receiving our emails, stay up to date with important election alerts, educational articles, and encouraging reminders.

Invest in America’s Future

Just a Moment…

Please Refresh

Candidate Profile^*

ENDORSEMENTS^*