Greenhaw and Chumney face off at a recent League of Women Voters forum: lwvrichardson.org
Early voting is underway in the runoff school board election between incumbent Lanet Greenhaw and Rachel Chumney for Richardson ISD’s Place 4. Early voting instructions here.
In the May election, Chumney received 45 percent of the vote to incumbent Greenhaw’s 42 percent. Based on recently implemented school district election rules, the winner must earn half the vote (same as in the municipal elections). If no one gets 50 percent plus, a runoff of the top candidates is required. And here is where we find ourselves. For interested readers, we have offered each candidate a chance to tell us a bit about her plans for RISD.
We have posed a question to each candidate, based on her perceived challenges as expressed at public forums.
Here, placed in alphabetical order, are the questions and answers:
Editor: Rachel Chumney, what is your response to those who say you are too fresh/ inexperienced to do what is best for the district?
Chumney: What qualifies a candidate for school board? While some believe a qualified “mom candidate” must have years of serving as a PTA officer and on committees under her belt, voters have indicated they think I have what it takes.
I’ve devoted the past 11 years to raising my three children and intimately understand how they learn, grow, think and experience the world. I spend many hours volunteering in my children’s school. I see firsthand the successes of RISD and celebrate them. I also see where we can improve. The perspective of a mom who has children in our schools is an invaluable asset, and it’s one that’s currently lacking on our Board.
I haven’t held office or served on committees. Some may view this as a deficit, but many see this as an asset. I’ve not been acculturated through the RISD system and am willing to challenge the status quo. I’m confident my fresh perspective will open eyes and stir new thought, discussion and action.
I have a burning desire to lend my natural talents to improving RISD. I’ll bring ideas, creativity, passion and enthusiasm to this position. I believe voters will once again demonstrate that they favor these traits and my vision over the 15-year incumbent’s, whose focus is on the past. I see the possibilities and future of RISD. Few citizens are willing to “step up” and oppose candidates in these races. I have stepped up, and if elected, I’ll continue to step up to help RISD realize its true potential.
***
Editor: Lanet Greenhaw, What is your response to those who say you are too old-school/ traditional to do what needs to be done in the district?
Greenhaw: Traditional? Not hardly. Working in education policy and initiatives, I am at the forefront of education innovation and legislative advocacy daily and have the vision to prepare all our students for their global future. I am a passionate, respected advocate committed to preserving your property values, wisely investing your tax dollars and governing our education system with integrity and conviction.
If “old school” is leading RISD to being one of the state’s most respected districts with impressive student growth, highly acclaimed student learning for our diverse population, a balanced budget despite cutting $36 million with no teacher layoffs, the area’s third lowest tax rate, a homestead exemption benefit, and the highest possible bond rating, then I claim that proudly. I call it conservative fiscal management ensuring RISD efficiently uses every dollar for highly effective teachers, strong principals, advanced classroom technology, profound curriculum, safe secure facilities and preserving our cherished neighborhood schools.
My data-driven goal-directed leadership constantly pushes RISD to pursue innovation, celebrate our diversity and strive for high academic achievement for all students. My leadership has brought RISD innovative, creative and collaborative instructional best practices incorporating critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, global interactions and life skills…all crucial for the 21st century workplace.
RISD is a complex $250 million corporation with 4,400 employees and responsible for the future of 38,000 children. A thoughtful multi-dimensional decision-maker is vital, not someone who needs vast on-the-job training. I insist our efforts are targeted so our students learn, grow and succeed. The choice is clear, vote Greenhaw.
***
You can vote early at the Richardson Civic Center, 411 W. Arapaho. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 3 through June 8; 1-6 p.m. June 9 and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. June 10. Go here for a list of other early and election-day, June 15, voting locations.
