The following questions were sent by Brownwood News to all candidates in the race for BISD School Board, Place 7.
To learn more about Chelsey Flippin visit her candidate page here.
What is your connection to Brownwood ISD?
I have a son, Grayson, who is currently in the sixth grade at Coggin Elementary School. Grayson has been attending Brownwood schools since third grade, moving here from Coleman. I have also been actively involved in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for the past four years as a parent volunteer. The PTO has been successful in providing the elementary school items that have not been included in the budgets such as playground equipment for both Woodland Heights and Coggin Intermediate through various fundraisers held throughout the years.
Why do you want to serve on the BISD School Board?
As a Brown County Citizen and actively involved parent it is important for me to serve my community and be involved in the future of not only my child’s education but for every child in the community. The future of education must have a strong foundation set on basic principles that do not go astray. Any decision made must have the students at the forefront with their best interest in mind. It is important that every student is provided a quality education and they are provided all the tools available to help guide them to a successful future whether that be college, the workforce, trade school, military, etc. I want to be an advocate for all students and shadow the district mission which is to develop self-directed and academically prepared graduates who exhibit strong moral character and productive citizenship for life-long success. My efforts and vision, if elected, will focus on serving the needs of students, staff, and the community as a whole. I am vested in the future of Brownwood ISD!
How would your addition to the school board be an improvement?
Becoming a part of the BISD Board I will be able to share my leadership qualities that I have gained throughout my professional career. During my time in nursing administration, I have had the opportunity to lead nursing teams by providing healthcare to patients in which we serve as well as being financially responsible for the units in which I oversaw. As a taxpayer, it is important to be a good steward of district funds while providing the staff the tools and facilities needed to support the growing student populations. The current board has done a good job with the taxpayer money thus far while reducing the tax rate most recently.
One reason I love nursing as a profession is because I can advocate for patients in times they are in need or just need someone to speak for them. Being an effective advocate starts with proactively listening to the needs of these patients; therefore, I feel that I will be a good advocate for the students, staff, parents, and community members of Brownwood. Making board decisions with students and staff at the lead is essential and advocating for their best interest is one of the most important roles that I will encounter.
While serving as president and member of the board of director for the Coleman County Chamber of Commerce Agriculture and Tourist Bureau for several years, I had the opportunity to learn how occupancy tax money is obtained and disbursed through the community and the tourist center as well as promoting Coleman County and the local businesses. I also restarted the Junior Chamber of Commerce which includes the three local schools within Coleman County (Santa Anna, Panther Creek, and Coleman) to promote community service. My passion for community growth, youth success, leadership, and advocacy will be an attribute to the BISD Board.
What do you hope to accomplish during your tenure should you be elected?
If elected to serve as your place 7 candidate for the Brownwood ISD School Board, there are four things that I hope to see through during my tenure.
- Student/Staff Security and Safety: Providing and promoting a safe and secure learning environment that is best for children to learn. Working together in close relationship with city and county emergency response personnel.
- Mental Health Awareness and Promotion: Raising awareness for mental health issues and providing campuses with appropriate resources, tools, and personnel.
- Parent-Educator Relationship: Objective 1 of the Texas Education Code states, “Parents will be full partners with educators in the education of their children.” Ensuring parents are informed and engaged in their child’s learning and assuring a curriculum that is curated to meet the needs of each student. Promoting and providing transparency.
- Teacher/Staff Retention: Ensuring teachers and staff feel valued, supported, and appropriately compensated. Hiring of quality educators to the school district that will promote growth to the school district and community.