Marsha Roberson Ph. D.
Non-Partisan | Texas
Candidate Profile
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Marsha Roberson Ph. D.
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2023
Election
School Board
Race
DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees - Place 3
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Grambling State University, Grambling, B.S. Chemistry, 2007
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Ph.D. Chemistry, 2012
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), Southwest Regional Chair, Member, Contributor, American Chemical Society
Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Member
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Contributor, NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI)
Student Ambassador/Contributor, Parent Teacher Association, Volunteer/Contributor
Moms on a Mission (M.O.M.S.), Volunteer/Contributor, Desoto Independent School District's Inaugural Aspiring Trustee Academcy
Member, STEMNOLA, Contributor/Volunteer
Helix Mentorship STEAM Academy, Volunteer/Contributor
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
Please note: This information was received by iVoterGuide after panel evaluations occurred and is for additional educational purposes only.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should be a resource for instruction or services in the school.
Disagree
Possibly. But maybe only to support counselors on delivering only on non-controversial topics like STDs, cancer, mammograms and rape assistance or even post-miscarriage help for teen mothers because they do have literature that is written in layman's language. I would find it odd if I heard of their presence at a school, but I can see how there could be some benefits.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should be a resource for instruction or services in the school.
Disagree
Possibly. But maybe only to support counselors on delivering only on non-controversial topics like STDs, cancer, mammograms and rape assistance or even post-miscarriage help for teen mothers because they do have literature that is written in layman's language. I would find it odd if I heard of their presence at a school, but I can see how there could be some benefits.
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Choose not to answer
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Choose not to answer
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Choose not to answer
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Choose not to answer
School districts should be able to use taxpayer money for lobbying the state legislature.
Strongly Disagree
I do not agree with directly or indirectly paying politicians to move, form, or create policies for school districts or other matters. State legislation should be done based on the needs of the institutions that they represent.
School districts should be able to use taxpayer money for lobbying the state legislature.
Strongly Disagree
I do not agree with directly or indirectly paying politicians to move, form, or create policies for school districts or other matters. State legislation should be done based on the needs of the institutions that they represent.
What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?
I support funding at the federal level because the government has an expectation of student preparedness for the future workforce and economy. I also support the opportunity for school districts to apply for grants from federal agencies to establish partnerships for vocational training and curriculum enrichment experiences for students.
What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?
I support funding at the federal level because the government has an expectation of student preparedness for the future workforce and economy. I also support the opportunity for school districts to apply for grants from federal agencies to establish partnerships for vocational training and curriculum enrichment experiences for students.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
At school, students should be able to speak freely and civilly about matters of conscience and faith, including Christianity.
Neutral
Students should be able to equally speak freely and civilly about all types of religion and faiths, regardless if it Christianity or not. Since it is also a part of the World History curriculum to learn about all faiths across the globe, students and teachers should be able to converse on the topics as part of their lectures and/or celebrations of cultures throughout the year.
At school, students should be able to speak freely and civilly about matters of conscience and faith, including Christianity.
Neutral
Students should be able to equally speak freely and civilly about all types of religion and faiths, regardless if it Christianity or not. Since it is also a part of the World History curriculum to learn about all faiths across the globe, students and teachers should be able to converse on the topics as part of their lectures and/or celebrations of cultures throughout the year.
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.
Agree
School districts should not discriminate against anyone based on who should be married as it can constitute a Title VII violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Since school districts are a diverse, collective body, caution should be taken to not exclude community members based on one's protections like their sexual orientation or "sex". In TX, familial status also umbrellas parental status and marital status.
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.
Agree
School districts should not discriminate against anyone based on who should be married as it can constitute a Title VII violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Since school districts are a diverse, collective body, caution should be taken to not exclude community members based on one's protections like their sexual orientation or "sex". In TX, familial status also umbrellas parental status and marital status.
EDUCATION
What is the function of the local school board?
In short, the school board is a group of volunteers comprised of community members called "trustees". These trustees are elected and together as the school board, they collectively are responsible for setting budgets, establishing school zones, monitoring student performance, and creating school policies. To accomplish this effort, they are also responsible for hiring/firing the district leader, i.e., the superintendent. While the superintendent is responsible for hiring principals and members of the school district administration, the school board does offer their support or disproval of the district leaders that the superintendent recommends for roles in the administrative office that are critical to district operation and performance. The school board does monitor student achievement and uphold the superintendent to achieving/excelling expected student performance goals. Based on the outcomes, the school district administration will justify and/or identify district needs to support their students and faculty to which the school board will hold them accountable.
What is the function of the local school board?
In short, the school board is a group of volunteers comprised of community members called "trustees". These trustees are elected and together as the school board, they collectively are responsible for setting budgets, establishing school zones, monitoring student performance, and creating school policies. To accomplish this effort, they are also responsible for hiring/firing the district leader, i.e., the superintendent. While the superintendent is responsible for hiring principals and members of the school district administration, the school board does offer their support or disproval of the district leaders that the superintendent recommends for roles in the administrative office that are critical to district operation and performance. The school board does monitor student achievement and uphold the superintendent to achieving/excelling expected student performance goals. Based on the outcomes, the school district administration will justify and/or identify district needs to support their students and faculty to which the school board will hold them accountable.
Who should have the authority to set curriculum and determine resources used in those curricula?
Throughout the planning process, I believe that curricula should be established with the entire hierarchy of school officials, but in two parts; first, principals should meet with the delegation of faculty and curriculum developers, and then those principals should share those findings with the superintendent. The superintendent should then determine a curriculum that allows for all of the schools to perform exceedingly to the Board Performance Goals so that the learning foundation across the district has the same level of rigor. In DeSoto ISD, we have several magnet programs that emphasize various careers. In the superintendent and principals discussions, it should be considered how to achieve both the foundational learning expectation while upholding the commitment to preparing students for the magnet's theme. I also believe that all of the curricula should be involved in the program development and the magnet theme, e.g. music, art, physical education, so that students can be prepared with transferable skills and knowledge for any career beyond and/or applicable to the theme of the magnet program.
Who should have the authority to set curriculum and determine resources used in those curricula?
Throughout the planning process, I believe that curricula should be established with the entire hierarchy of school officials, but in two parts; first, principals should meet with the delegation of faculty and curriculum developers, and then those principals should share those findings with the superintendent. The superintendent should then determine a curriculum that allows for all of the schools to perform exceedingly to the Board Performance Goals so that the learning foundation across the district has the same level of rigor. In DeSoto ISD, we have several magnet programs that emphasize various careers. In the superintendent and principals discussions, it should be considered how to achieve both the foundational learning expectation while upholding the commitment to preparing students for the magnet's theme. I also believe that all of the curricula should be involved in the program development and the magnet theme, e.g. music, art, physical education, so that students can be prepared with transferable skills and knowledge for any career beyond and/or applicable to the theme of the magnet program.
When should parents be restricted from speaking in school board meetings?
I do not agree that parents should be restricted from speaking in school board meetings. Instead, it should be apparent when remarks from the general public/parents can be made, how speakers can get on the agenda, and what the school board is allowed or not allowed to do. In DeSoto ISD, we have three school board meetings that cover different types of information. The meeting which parents do not have an opportunity to engage with the Board or superintendent is the Progress Monitoring Meeting because that is only for the public and trustees to hear the district performance. The other two meetings, i.e., Town Hall and Business Meeting, have opportunities for unscheduled speakers. As a parent, I understand how it feels to fight the urge to speak on something that was just heard or seen, and waiting until the next meeting does not seem practical. One recommendation that I would offer is to perhaps create a live chat feature that allows meeting attendees and viewers to send in their on-time remarks for the district administration to review and later address. This way, the parents feel heard, the community has continuous buy-in beyond the elected trustees, and the district can address the concerns in the Town Hall meeting or in a follow-up public report.
When should parents be restricted from speaking in school board meetings?
I do not agree that parents should be restricted from speaking in school board meetings. Instead, it should be apparent when remarks from the general public/parents can be made, how speakers can get on the agenda, and what the school board is allowed or not allowed to do. In DeSoto ISD, we have three school board meetings that cover different types of information. The meeting which parents do not have an opportunity to engage with the Board or superintendent is the Progress Monitoring Meeting because that is only for the public and trustees to hear the district performance. The other two meetings, i.e., Town Hall and Business Meeting, have opportunities for unscheduled speakers. As a parent, I understand how it feels to fight the urge to speak on something that was just heard or seen, and waiting until the next meeting does not seem practical. One recommendation that I would offer is to perhaps create a live chat feature that allows meeting attendees and viewers to send in their on-time remarks for the district administration to review and later address. This way, the parents feel heard, the community has continuous buy-in beyond the elected trustees, and the district can address the concerns in the Town Hall meeting or in a follow-up public report.
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
This is a tough one. For me, I think all of these topics are valuable to the student development and transformation into productive citizens. Perhaps, these topics should be taught/emphasized at different levels throughout the K-12 grades instead of introducing all of the topics at every grade level. To me, I would first emphasize Social Emotional Learning, Mathematics, Language Arts, Art, & Music, Science, Physical Fitness, and Foreign Language for K-5th grades. These are critical skills that should be introduced early as it directly affects one's academic aptitude and collaborative/team-player skills that can be built on in later grades. In middle school (6th - 8th), adding American History, Information Technology, and Vocational Learning will prepare students to understand government and societal changes and develop skills on various topics of interest (e.g., culinary, cosmetology, robotics, car mechanic, etc.). As it pertains to the remaining topics of Personal Finances, Sexuality, Gender Identity, Critical Race Theory, and Political Activism, I must preface by stating that it is critical to students that supportive and inclusive academic environments are created. Personally, I have not reviewed any curricula on the aforementioned but I will rank based on my generic understanding. My commitment to academia is premised on creating productive and cohesive citizens that are well-equipped for college, career, military, and entrepreneurship that further positively contribute to society. I believe others would agree that it is an opportunity to responsibly inform students on topics to prepare them for life after their diploma. Considering this, if we uphold our commitment to educating our students, then high school students should eventually be equipped to independently and critically think about any topic, albeit controversial to some, and develop their own ideology about it. I do believe that the information would need to be tuned to ensure that it is taught sensitively and with respect to one's age, without stripping away the facts of the topic. This is especially since students will be released to independently thrive in a diverse world with people who think, act, and do things differently than them and limiting their education or exposure to certain topics could be a disservice. Thus, I believe that only the older high school (9th-12th grade) students would be more mature and capable of understanding the additional topics of Personal Finances, Sexuality, Gender Identity, Critical Race Theory, and Political Activism.
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
This is a tough one. For me, I think all of these topics are valuable to the student development and transformation into productive citizens. Perhaps, these topics should be taught/emphasized at different levels throughout the K-12 grades instead of introducing all of the topics at every grade level. To me, I would first emphasize Social Emotional Learning, Mathematics, Language Arts, Art, & Music, Science, Physical Fitness, and Foreign Language for K-5th grades. These are critical skills that should be introduced early as it directly affects one's academic aptitude and collaborative/team-player skills that can be built on in later grades. In middle school (6th - 8th), adding American History, Information Technology, and Vocational Learning will prepare students to understand government and societal changes and develop skills on various topics of interest (e.g., culinary, cosmetology, robotics, car mechanic, etc.). As it pertains to the remaining topics of Personal Finances, Sexuality, Gender Identity, Critical Race Theory, and Political Activism, I must preface by stating that it is critical to students that supportive and inclusive academic environments are created. Personally, I have not reviewed any curricula on the aforementioned but I will rank based on my generic understanding. My commitment to academia is premised on creating productive and cohesive citizens that are well-equipped for college, career, military, and entrepreneurship that further positively contribute to society. I believe others would agree that it is an opportunity to responsibly inform students on topics to prepare them for life after their diploma. Considering this, if we uphold our commitment to educating our students, then high school students should eventually be equipped to independently and critically think about any topic, albeit controversial to some, and develop their own ideology about it. I do believe that the information would need to be tuned to ensure that it is taught sensitively and with respect to one's age, without stripping away the facts of the topic. This is especially since students will be released to independently thrive in a diverse world with people who think, act, and do things differently than them and limiting their education or exposure to certain topics could be a disservice. Thus, I believe that only the older high school (9th-12th grade) students would be more mature and capable of understanding the additional topics of Personal Finances, Sexuality, Gender Identity, Critical Race Theory, and Political Activism.
Which more closely matches your view of America's founding principles? A) Liberty and equality. B) Slavery and racism.
Overall, I think America's founding principles are based upon liberty and equality. This is because in the beginning during exploration and colonialization of America, much of the foci were largely related to liberty and equality for all; "all" pertaining to those who sought religious freedom, fled religious persecution, and desired to rear their children in a place unburdening to their success. As the country matured and economy and policy were established, however, the immediate pursuit of liberty and equality changed from personal/religious to enterprise/economics and the principles became threaded with an acceptance of slavery and racism. Despite this change of focus, the founding principals in this period and every one after that is still based on groups of people seeking liberty and equality from a system or space that which they felt subjugated and hindered.
Which more closely matches your view of America's founding principles? A) Liberty and equality. B) Slavery and racism.
Overall, I think America's founding principles are based upon liberty and equality. This is because in the beginning during exploration and colonialization of America, much of the foci were largely related to liberty and equality for all; "all" pertaining to those who sought religious freedom, fled religious persecution, and desired to rear their children in a place unburdening to their success. As the country matured and economy and policy were established, however, the immediate pursuit of liberty and equality changed from personal/religious to enterprise/economics and the principles became threaded with an acceptance of slavery and racism. Despite this change of focus, the founding principals in this period and every one after that is still based on groups of people seeking liberty and equality from a system or space that which they felt subjugated and hindered.
What does "equity in education" mean to you?
Equity in education refers to achieving equality by leveling the opportunity with actions of fairness or accommodation. This is important to me because providing students with equal resources, funding, or quality of education is wonderful if the students are amenable to receiving it. Equity comes into account for those that have circumstances that limit this equal distribution of educational utilities. When you have students that have learning hindrances, physical or mental limitations, or financial burdens, their abilities to experience school are different which inadvertently lowers their achievement. Creating an equitable space with content masters, speech/physical/occupational therapists, literacy/numeracy programs, and meal subsidies are small efforts that, to me, minimize the distractions or hurdles that interfere with student learning.
What does "equity in education" mean to you?
Equity in education refers to achieving equality by leveling the opportunity with actions of fairness or accommodation. This is important to me because providing students with equal resources, funding, or quality of education is wonderful if the students are amenable to receiving it. Equity comes into account for those that have circumstances that limit this equal distribution of educational utilities. When you have students that have learning hindrances, physical or mental limitations, or financial burdens, their abilities to experience school are different which inadvertently lowers their achievement. Creating an equitable space with content masters, speech/physical/occupational therapists, literacy/numeracy programs, and meal subsidies are small efforts that, to me, minimize the distractions or hurdles that interfere with student learning.
Written parental consent (opt-in) must be obtained before students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) or Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
Neutral
I do not agree or disagree. I believe parents should always be aware of what their children are learning in the class. I do not think parental consent would be necessary, unless there is the chance that the information shared in the class has the possibility of adversely influencing their students' behaviors in ways that do not align with the culture of the home.
Written parental consent (opt-in) must be obtained before students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) or Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
Neutral
I do not agree or disagree. I believe parents should always be aware of what their children are learning in the class. I do not think parental consent would be necessary, unless there is the chance that the information shared in the class has the possibility of adversely influencing their students' behaviors in ways that do not align with the culture of the home.
The loss of local control in education is too high a price to pay in exchange for federal dollars.
Agree
The loss of local control in education is too high a price to pay in exchange for federal dollars.
Agree
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.
Agree
In this way, parents can choose to develop their children educationally 1) in cultures or conditions that align with their own beliefs and practices, 2) that challenge their children accordingly, or 3) that provide experiences that are aligned with the student's interests.
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.
Agree
In this way, parents can choose to develop their children educationally 1) in cultures or conditions that align with their own beliefs and practices, 2) that challenge their children accordingly, or 3) that provide experiences that are aligned with the student's interests.
School boards are accountable to parents and taxpayers.
Strongly Agree
Because the school board is comprised of Trustees that are elected by the school zone residents, they are accountable to the voters, i.e., residents, that elected them to that place. In consideration of the fact that residents include parents and business owners who pay the taxes that contribute to the district's operating budget, the school board's use of those funds should be to the account of the parents and taxpayers' educational interests.
School boards are accountable to parents and taxpayers.
Strongly Agree
Because the school board is comprised of Trustees that are elected by the school zone residents, they are accountable to the voters, i.e., residents, that elected them to that place. In consideration of the fact that residents include parents and business owners who pay the taxes that contribute to the district's operating budget, the school board's use of those funds should be to the account of the parents and taxpayers' educational interests.
Do you believe students should have access to materials that graphically depict and describe sexual acts?
No
The term "graphic" is relative because it treads the line of pornography and anatomy/physiology and also questions one's mental maturity to handle such imagery. I do not think that students should have access to materials that depict and describe sexual acts, but I also understand that for it to be illegal or considered child abuse there has to be an intention to induce erotic thoughts or to groom the student for sexual acts. For me, I want to keep my daughter's innocence as much as possible.
Do you believe students should have access to materials that graphically depict and describe sexual acts?
No
The term "graphic" is relative because it treads the line of pornography and anatomy/physiology and also questions one's mental maturity to handle such imagery. I do not think that students should have access to materials that depict and describe sexual acts, but I also understand that for it to be illegal or considered child abuse there has to be an intention to induce erotic thoughts or to groom the student for sexual acts. For me, I want to keep my daughter's innocence as much as possible.
All print and digital material available or presented to students should be easily accessible for public review.
Strongly Agree
I agree because there should not be anything in the school's curriculum that should be taught or kept in secret. If it cannot be reviewed publicly, there is the inference that it possibly is controversial.
All print and digital material available or presented to students should be easily accessible for public review.
Strongly Agree
I agree because there should not be anything in the school's curriculum that should be taught or kept in secret. If it cannot be reviewed publicly, there is the inference that it possibly is controversial.
VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a non-denominational Christian. My relationship with God ensures that I treat others the way that they would like to be treated and that I operate from a place of compassion and use empathy. My values are rooted in my Christian beliefs, but my education and cultural experiences have broadened my understanding of the greater population of people and their actions.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a non-denominational Christian. My relationship with God ensures that I treat others the way that they would like to be treated and that I operate from a place of compassion and use empathy. My values are rooted in my Christian beliefs, but my education and cultural experiences have broadened my understanding of the greater population of people and their actions.
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
This is complicated because I am aware of how it is possible for groups of students to feel as though they are on the losing side of existing legislature. When I empathize with students, I am also lost for a remedy. Perhaps, the same efforts previously used to create separate male/female leagues should be used to establish a league befitting to students that prefer to compete based on their gender identity as opposed to their biological sex.
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
This is complicated because I am aware of how it is possible for groups of students to feel as though they are on the losing side of existing legislature. When I empathize with students, I am also lost for a remedy. Perhaps, the same efforts previously used to create separate male/female leagues should be used to establish a league befitting to students that prefer to compete based on their gender identity as opposed to their biological sex.
No school official should be involved in the sexual transitioning of a student, including the use of alternative names and pronouns.
Neutral
Since schools have become educationally and culturally intertwined institutions that are critical to the development of one's esteem, I gather why this is a complicated and sensitive topic. I am ok with students being recognized by their preferred name because I will speak/call you by the name you tell me you'd like me to use. I do, however, question the consequences of obliging this request in the case of students that were not yet "out" to their parents/guardians.
No school official should be involved in the sexual transitioning of a student, including the use of alternative names and pronouns.
Neutral
Since schools have become educationally and culturally intertwined institutions that are critical to the development of one's esteem, I gather why this is a complicated and sensitive topic. I am ok with students being recognized by their preferred name because I will speak/call you by the name you tell me you'd like me to use. I do, however, question the consequences of obliging this request in the case of students that were not yet "out" to their parents/guardians.
No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent.
Neutral
Healthcare diagnosis is a broad topic that should be on a case-by-case basis. Perhaps, certain types of diagnoses could be made by a licensed practitioner in the district but others should be recommended for referral to an outside practitioner. An example would be prescription eyeglasses versus brittle bone disease. Treatment, however, should only be given with the written consent of their parents/guardian.
No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent.
Neutral
Healthcare diagnosis is a broad topic that should be on a case-by-case basis. Perhaps, certain types of diagnoses could be made by a licensed practitioner in the district but others should be recommended for referral to an outside practitioner. An example would be prescription eyeglasses versus brittle bone disease. Treatment, however, should only be given with the written consent of their parents/guardian.
Who is responsible for teaching sexual education to children, and what is the appropriate age when it should be taught?
It is the parent's responsibility to teach their children sexual education and to determine the appropriate age for when it should be taught.
Who is responsible for teaching sexual education to children, and what is the appropriate age when it should be taught?
It is the parent's responsibility to teach their children sexual education and to determine the appropriate age for when it should be taught.
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
Sexual education should be informative and not appealing. Therefore, students should learn about consent, abstinence, human anatomy/reproductive systems, and stages of pregnancy and fetal development. Parents should teach their children about the psychology surrounding sexual acts, sexual pleasures, abortion and contraceptive methods, and sexual orientation/gender identity, if they so choose. Sex Ed should be about teaching facts and not persuading behaviors or influencing actions because it is very easy to cross/contradict cultural and religious beliefs.
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
Sexual education should be informative and not appealing. Therefore, students should learn about consent, abstinence, human anatomy/reproductive systems, and stages of pregnancy and fetal development. Parents should teach their children about the psychology surrounding sexual acts, sexual pleasures, abortion and contraceptive methods, and sexual orientation/gender identity, if they so choose. Sex Ed should be about teaching facts and not persuading behaviors or influencing actions because it is very easy to cross/contradict cultural and religious beliefs.
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Agree
America was colonized in pursuit of religious freedom and, much of the practices used in how the colonies were operated were based on that framework. It did, however, establish a framework of morality for the government at one time. Even though we have separated church and state, parts of this framework are still present.
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Agree
America was colonized in pursuit of religious freedom and, much of the practices used in how the colonies were operated were based on that framework. It did, however, establish a framework of morality for the government at one time. Even though we have separated church and state, parts of this framework are still present.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
No, this is one way to prevent voter fraud.
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
No, this is one way to prevent voter fraud.
ABOUT YOU
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
Yes, because the voting public would like to have their own ideas reflected in that elected office. If they resonate with that candidate's moral values, then they too will feel as though they are represented.
A candidate's personal moral values are relevant when considering a candidacy for elective office.
Agree
Yes, because the voting public would like to have their own ideas reflected in that elected office. If they resonate with that candidate's moral values, then they too will feel as though they are represented.
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?
Choose not to answer
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?
Choose not to answer
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I haven't provided any interviews on these topics yet. I have answered a questionnaire for the Concerned Citizens of Desoto group and have an upcoming questionnaire for Dallas Morning News in the near future.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I haven't provided any interviews on these topics yet. I have answered a questionnaire for the Concerned Citizens of Desoto group and have an upcoming questionnaire for Dallas Morning News in the near future.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am a mother, servant-leader, and scientist intertwined with a passion to develop, transform, and enrich the lives of our community’s children. Because it is my obligation to ensure that my daughter is equipped with a boundless mindset (how you think), skillset (what you can do), and asset (what you know) to achieve her dream of being an astronaut veterinarian, I also have that same responsibility to ensure that her peers are equally prepared for a similarly competitive future. Over the last 10 years, I have enthusiastically volunteered in a variety of efforts to improve the education and opportunities for minority and/or underserved students around our country. Most of these experiences, however, were in East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, and Orleans Parishes of Louisiana starting from when I was in graduate school; there the public-school systems were experiencing similar challenges like those in DeSoto ISD (DeISD). During that time, I tutored 3rd graders in math for LEAP exam retakes, participated in countless chemistry demonstrations, judged science fairs, mentored students for science fair, and coached Upward Bound College Preparation. Later, I was chosen to advocate for more and/or continued federal and corporate program funding for student scholarships and internships like at the 2011 NASA Education Stakeholders Summit as a NASA Student Ambassador or Panelist at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Conference. In 2005, I was chosen to speak to the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship/College Fund (2005 Board of Directors, NY, NY) with a similar goal. As a former LSU Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professors' Program Manager, I learned skills on how to improve underdeveloped, underexposed, and/or low-performing public K-12th grade students and college students that I am happy to share with district administration. Developing students into the best versions of themselves is one of my life's purposes and I owe it to my mentors to repay their investments in me, by similarly reinvesting into the students in my community, including my daughter, in partnership with other community servant-leaders that are also passionate about their students’ futures. When people research me, they may find that I have had a successful academic experience and professional analytical chemistry career and may question how I could be useful to the care and concern of the school district as a Trustee. Well, being a scholar has shown me first-hand how a great education can lift families and propel communities forward; I can account for the tremendous impact of having a community of experienced, intentional, and selfless mentors on one's success. I believe that every student deserves this same investment. As a former educator, I understand the challenges of our administration, faculty, and students, like how to teach students how to critically think, actively learn, retain curricula, manage a budget, and successfully secure external funding and experiences so that every student can have a rewarding educational experience. As a scientist, I am a resourceful, creative independent thinker that is equipped with a number of transferable skills. For example, I am an expert in research, data analysis, problem solving, and reading through reports and identifying "what is not said". I am trained to ask the tough questions, expect follow-through, uphold policy, and hold people accountable. As a product of public education and a mother to a young daughter currently in DeISD, I also resonate with the challenges students and parents are facing today which is why I am actively involved. If elected as School Board Trustee (Place 3), I want to use my diverse wherewithal to champion policies and initiatives that create conditions for (1) all students to learn, achieve, and succeed, (2) all faculty to thrive and be supported in their efforts to prepare our students, and (3) all parents and community members to regain trust that their tax dollars are being used responsibly and effectively toward educating our children. Having recently completed the Inaugural Aspiring Trustee Academy, I have a working foundation of school board roles, responsibilities, governance, and self-constraints and how these are used to maintain the district's progress towards the community's board goals. In summary, I am a full-time, working mom on a mission who is committed to putting in the sweat equity so that our students can become their best selves and that the standard of education provided by DeISD can exceedingly qualify each of them to achieve their academic and professional dreams.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am a mother, servant-leader, and scientist intertwined with a passion to develop, transform, and enrich the lives of our community’s children. Because it is my obligation to ensure that my daughter is equipped with a boundless mindset (how you think), skillset (what you can do), and asset (what you know) to achieve her dream of being an astronaut veterinarian, I also have that same responsibility to ensure that her peers are equally prepared for a similarly competitive future. Over the last 10 years, I have enthusiastically volunteered in a variety of efforts to improve the education and opportunities for minority and/or underserved students around our country. Most of these experiences, however, were in East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, and Orleans Parishes of Louisiana starting from when I was in graduate school; there the public-school systems were experiencing similar challenges like those in DeSoto ISD (DeISD). During that time, I tutored 3rd graders in math for LEAP exam retakes, participated in countless chemistry demonstrations, judged science fairs, mentored students for science fair, and coached Upward Bound College Preparation. Later, I was chosen to advocate for more and/or continued federal and corporate program funding for student scholarships and internships like at the 2011 NASA Education Stakeholders Summit as a NASA Student Ambassador or Panelist at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Conference. In 2005, I was chosen to speak to the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship/College Fund (2005 Board of Directors, NY, NY) with a similar goal. As a former LSU Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professors' Program Manager, I learned skills on how to improve underdeveloped, underexposed, and/or low-performing public K-12th grade students and college students that I am happy to share with district administration. Developing students into the best versions of themselves is one of my life's purposes and I owe it to my mentors to repay their investments in me, by similarly reinvesting into the students in my community, including my daughter, in partnership with other community servant-leaders that are also passionate about their students’ futures. When people research me, they may find that I have had a successful academic experience and professional analytical chemistry career and may question how I could be useful to the care and concern of the school district as a Trustee. Well, being a scholar has shown me first-hand how a great education can lift families and propel communities forward; I can account for the tremendous impact of having a community of experienced, intentional, and selfless mentors on one's success. I believe that every student deserves this same investment. As a former educator, I understand the challenges of our administration, faculty, and students, like how to teach students how to critically think, actively learn, retain curricula, manage a budget, and successfully secure external funding and experiences so that every student can have a rewarding educational experience. As a scientist, I am a resourceful, creative independent thinker that is equipped with a number of transferable skills. For example, I am an expert in research, data analysis, problem solving, and reading through reports and identifying "what is not said". I am trained to ask the tough questions, expect follow-through, uphold policy, and hold people accountable. As a product of public education and a mother to a young daughter currently in DeISD, I also resonate with the challenges students and parents are facing today which is why I am actively involved. If elected as School Board Trustee (Place 3), I want to use my diverse wherewithal to champion policies and initiatives that create conditions for (1) all students to learn, achieve, and succeed, (2) all faculty to thrive and be supported in their efforts to prepare our students, and (3) all parents and community members to regain trust that their tax dollars are being used responsibly and effectively toward educating our children. Having recently completed the Inaugural Aspiring Trustee Academy, I have a working foundation of school board roles, responsibilities, governance, and self-constraints and how these are used to maintain the district's progress towards the community's board goals. In summary, I am a full-time, working mom on a mission who is committed to putting in the sweat equity so that our students can become their best selves and that the standard of education provided by DeISD can exceedingly qualify each of them to achieve their academic and professional dreams.
2ND AMENDMENT
Teachers who are licensed to carry should be allowed to carry guns at school.
Choose not to answer
Teachers who are licensed to carry should be allowed to carry guns at school.
Choose not to answer
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Under what circumstances (if any) should schools be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccination requirements are evaluated by the rate of infection, virulence, efficacy in prevention, and concerns about child-mortality. If a virus is exclusively and aggressively harming our children and it is spread in the schools, then that circumstance would warrant a vaccine requirement.
Under what circumstances (if any) should schools be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccination requirements are evaluated by the rate of infection, virulence, efficacy in prevention, and concerns about child-mortality. If a virus is exclusively and aggressively harming our children and it is spread in the schools, then that circumstance would warrant a vaccine requirement.
I support mask mandates.
Neutral
Masks can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and a physical challenge to wear, but also an effective safety measure. Often times, I must wear SCBA's and N95's to safely do my job. I don't like it because it interferes with my glasses, and I have asthma so it is hard to comfortably breathe. However, I respect the policy to wear it and the freedom to not. I was taught that "I can do whatever I want, if I am willing to pay the price". For me, my daughter's and husband's grief are too expensive.
I support mask mandates.
Neutral
Masks can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and a physical challenge to wear, but also an effective safety measure. Often times, I must wear SCBA's and N95's to safely do my job. I don't like it because it interferes with my glasses, and I have asthma so it is hard to comfortably breathe. However, I respect the policy to wear it and the freedom to not. I was taught that "I can do whatever I want, if I am willing to pay the price". For me, my daughter's and husband's grief are too expensive.
All official open meetings should be live streamed, recorded, and have transcripts available online for public access.
Strongly Agree
The community has a right to observe any dealings that relate to the use of their tax dollars.
All official open meetings should be live streamed, recorded, and have transcripts available online for public access.
Strongly Agree
The community has a right to observe any dealings that relate to the use of their tax dollars.
All votes should be roll call votes and recorded in meeting minutes.
Agree
It would be helpful if the votes were not only indicated on the screen as a tally, but also labeled with identities so that the community can know who voted for or against an agenda item and who to hold accountable to their actions.
All votes should be roll call votes and recorded in meeting minutes.
Agree
It would be helpful if the votes were not only indicated on the screen as a tally, but also labeled with identities so that the community can know who voted for or against an agenda item and who to hold accountable to their actions.
