by Ginger Broomes
(Note: The Brooks Report Live is providing this as informational only, and does not endorse any candidates)
Linda Platt-Bryant: It is a privilege to announce my candidacy to run for a fourth term on the West Orange-Cove CISD School Board and continue my commitment to our students, faculty, staff, and community.
My enthusiasm and passion for service to this school district community is because I believe that collaboration between the teachers, parents, and administrators is vitally important in creating the best possible schools for our children. In WOCCISD, we have a “platform to excellence” for students to achieve in the graduation goals of College, Technical Trade, Military, and Career Readiness. So, I strongly encourage “positive parent involvement” in your students’ classrooms, extra-curricular activities, and your community.
1986 Alumni – West Orange-Stark High School
1990 Graduate – Prairie View A&M University
Life Member – Texas Parent Teacher Association
WOCCISD Delegate for Texas Association of School Boards
Member – WOCCISD Education Foundation
2015-2019 – WOCCISD School Board Secretary
Class of 2020 – Master Trustee-Leadership Texas Association of School Boards
2020 to Present - WOCCISD School Board President
Like many other public school district boards in Orange County, I have had the pleasure of being a “strong team member” to new and improved school programs, facilities, and services provided for our students, parents, educators, and administration.
In WOCCISD, we continue to look at new ways and technologies to be competitive and innovative in our schools within the financial budget set forth and be accountable to the financial responsibility of our service to children.
Our school district has strong leadership, and we are continuing in a positive direction to achieve our mission and current strategic goals set forth by our Superintendent and Administration, which is “always doing what’s best for kids”.
My focus going forward is to continue to support our students academically, as a good education is the key to preparing our children for a challenging future.
I appreciate the Community, Administration, Faculty, Staff, Parents, and Students and ask for your vote to be re-elected as a School Board Trustee in the West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District.
Gina Simar: Retired Dean of Health, Workforce & Technical programs at Lamar State College Orange (28 years of servce). Although retired I continue to teach part time at LSCO.
Why are you running for office or re-election:
I am running for this position because I continue to believe that education is tied to the vitality of our community. West Orange-Cove CISD is a major part of our community. Investing in the youth promotes a vibrant future for Orange.
Experience in public office/community service:
Past Service
Orange Camp Fire Board of Directors
Orange County Red Cross- Board Member
American Heart Association- Board Member
Greater Orange Area Healthcare Taskforce- Board Member
Stark Diabetic Foundation/UTMB “Diabetes Walk” Planning- Committee Member
The Orange County Child Welfare Board- Board Member
March of Dimes- Volunteer
2015 WOS Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall
Greater Orange Area Chamber Ambassador
Current Service
United Way Board Member
Orange Lions Club
Krewe C’est Bon
Breast Cancer Awareness
LSCO faculty senate
Encore Dance Arts-volunteer
WOCCISB Board of Trustee Vice President
Issues important to you/your voters:
Safety- continue to provide safe environments in which students are free from harm, and free to learn. i.e., campus police, alternative entry/exit at WOSE, metal detectors, controlled access to campuses, etc.
Parent /Guardian Involvement/Engagement- this is crucial. Students with parental involvement have higher grades and test scores, better school attendance, improved social skills and higher self-esteem.
How have you addressed these issues, or how are you addressing these issues:
Safety- many safety measures continue to be put in place to keep students, faculty and staff in a safe learning environment.
Parental /Guardian Engagement-Encourage and support an active PTA!
Any future issues as they arise will be dealt with. As a board member you are required by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) to earn Continue Education Credits. These sessions deal with various issues, concerns, and board development, etc. Being up to date on CEU requirements along with Region V training requirements enable board members to be educated, act/react legally and be proactive when issues arise.
What will be your focus going forward:
For numerous years, I have been an advocate/volunteer for the people of Orange County and the surrounding area. My motivation for seeking another term on the school board trustees is, we as a community need to invest in area schools to ensure that every student is fully prepared for the next stage of their life. As a community, we must do our best every single day so that the children can be their best!
Donny Teate:
I have no experience as a public official, but I’ve been a LEADER and involved in the community for over a decade. I’ve been a youth head coach in baseball and football, as well as serving on educational and parent committees in the school district. I am a born and raised Orange native, loving here for all of my 47 years with the exception of my college years. My mother was a teacher in this very school district for over 40 years so I was indirectly BORN into education.
I have a passion to see our youth SUCCEED, which is my biggest reason for running for election.
I believe our biggest challenges facing our kids are our TEST SCORES and also TEACHER STABILITY. If elected, my plan would be to work with current board members on a plan and institute ideas on how we can best RAISE these scores and on how we can obtain AND retain high quality teachers and educators.. I’m big on TEAM, and I know that I would be an excellent team player, yet ready to lead also if called upon if I’m elected to the board.
Erick Guillory Sr: (Did not supply statement, but taken from campaign video): “Orange Texas is where I will retire. I care about every child in our district and want our students to succeed beyond the 12th grade. I have been volunteering since I was 18, and serving on school committees, building committees and am willing to work long hours for the betterment of the community. “
Demetrius Hunter: No statement at press time
John Jefferson Jr.: No statement at press time