District officials emphasize importance of education

District officials emphasize importance of education

Friday, 07 July 2006

Diana Maldonado, Round Rock ISD School Board President

Diana Maldonado understands the lasting impact of a solid education. As a single mother of two, Maldonado wanted to complete her degree not only for herself, but also to set an example for her family and colleagues. The driven south Texas native did not fit the traditional college student profile, and sought out a program that accommodated her complex lifestyle. The New College at St. Edward’s University for working adults fit her needs. By utilizing her honed multi-tasking abilities, Maldonado graduated with honors in 2000. “Those were crazy times,” said Maldonado. “I worked full-time, raised two teenagers, and attended college in the evening. We managed to survive and the lack of sleep was worth it. The experience taught me to never say never, and that with an education, anything is possible.”

Q. Why is a school board important to a school district?

A. A school board is important to a district because it provides governance and oversees the district’s operations.

Q. What made you decide to run for the school board?

A. As a Round Rock school board member since 2003, I have always strived to be a strong advocate for education and equity and by running for a board position, I am able to give the students a voice.

Q. What is the biggest challenge that the district currently faces?

A. Our district’s biggest challenge is addressing growth, while maintaining educational excellence.

Q. How does this board plan to make a difference to the district?

A. One of my missions as school board president is to build cohesiveness and unity among the board members, while appreciating the diverse thoughts and opinions of each member. I want to ensure that board members are trained in parliamentary procedures so that we will be dealing strictly in facts. This will also promote a more effective decision-making process.

• Education Business Bachelors of Arts degree in business management from St. Edwards University
• Employed State Comptroller’s Office, 20 years
• Family Two children, Alex, 24, and Denise, 19

"My favorite teacher was Mrs. Fowlkes, who taught the third grade in Eagle Pass. She was an innovative thinker who let us be risk-takers and used non-traditional teaching methods. Mrs. Fowlkes was a creative spirit, and I think that is why her students gravitated toward her."

Contact Information 423.3551, Diana_ Maldonado@roundrockisd.org

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Jesus Chavez, Round Rock ISD Superintendent

Round Rock ISD’s new superintendent, Jesus Chavez compares himself as a child to young Albert Einstein. Chavez said that just like Einstein, he was not a model student until a teacher reached out and believed in him.

“I had a good experience in public schools in Brownsville, [TX],” Chavez said. “The teachers taught me that I could do well in school and succeed with hard work and effort.” He became the first person in his family to attend college and just as his own teachers believed, he feels that no child should be given up on.

“They gave me the opportunity to look at myself and say, ‘You can go to college,’” Chavez recalls. “This made me realize that there is always an opportunity to learn more, change your course and become somebody.”

Q. When did you decide and what made you decide to become a superintendent?

A. I decided in high school when I was thinking about college. Most of us began as teachers, and I taught in Brownsville on the south side in poor area. Teaching there where I am from also helped me pay off college grants. For me, teachers and educators made a tremendous impact in my life. I wanted to improve schools for the benefit of children and give back to the community.

Q. What is the biggest challenge the district faces right now?

A. I would have to say addressing our facility needs. We are renovating and fixing older campuses, and we also need to address the growth we continue to have in the district. We need new schools at all levels, but also need to maintain our older schools and keep them operational.

Q. What are the biggest challenges public schools in Texas face right now?

A. The biggest challenge is meeting and continuing to meet higher standards that have been set locally, as well as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 set federally. We also need to work on narrowing the gaps between the economically disadvantaged. We have a short-term fix with funding with the taxes from the legislature. We have, and we want an exemplary system for students, but we haven’t provided long-term finance.

Q. How do you personally plan to make a difference in the school district?

A. I plan to focus on continuous improvement and improving math and science scores. I want to focus on these necessary programs so all students succeed.

Education Bachelors of Science in elementary education from University of Texas at Austin; Masters of Education from Pan American University; Doctorate in education administration from UT Austin

Family Married to Martha Ruth for 25 years; two children, Jesse, 20 and Jaime, 11

"I always have a hard time picking one favorite teacher. I would have to say Ms. Garcia in fourth grade. She knew I was struggling in reading and her way of inspiring me was giving me a biography of Albert Einstein. It wasn’t a class assignment, but she wanted me to read it and discuss it with her. It was the first time I really enjoyed reading a book."

Contact Information 464-5022, superintendent_rrisd@roundrockisd.org