RISD Administration Building
The filing deadline to run for the Richardson ISD school board is February 19th, and the May 7 races may be interesting, after all. Particularly Place 3, where newcomer George Clayton has announced plans to run against incumbent Kris Oliver.
Oliver, finishing his second term on the board, has a son and daughter who graduated from Richardson High, and a wife who graduated from Pearce. He works as CEO of Amen Properties, an oil and gas investment company, and is a graduate of Inside RISD and Leadership Richardson. He’s been VP of the RHS Athletic Booster Club, President of the RHS Choir Booster Club, and Treasurer, VP and Secretary of the RISD Board of Trustees.
Clayton is a teacher in the Dallas ISD currently working on the Trump presidential campaign, according to his Facebook page. He was elected to the State Board of Education in 2010 (he unseated conservative member Geraldine “Tincy” Miller but lost to her two years later). He then ran for the Texas House of Representatives as a Democrat, losing to Linda Koop in 2014. He is not married and he does not have children. He teaches Advanced Placement English and British Literature.
In Place 4, Lanet Greenhaw announced that she will retire after 18 years of service, and one candidate (so far), will run in her spot. Katie Patterson is a Richardson High graduate and parent of two Pearce students. She, also, is an alum of Inside RISD and Leadership Richardson, and she’s served numerous leadership volunteer roles at her children’s schools. She currently works as Executive Director of the Richardson Adult Literacy Center (where I met and wrote about her). RALC teaches adults to read and understand English – especially parents of RISD children.
In Place 5, Eron Linn is not yet opposed. He was elected one year ago to fill Karen Holburn’s term when she unexpectedly resigned. In his announcement to run, Linn wrote, “I have learned so much about RISD this year. At times it was like drinking from a fire hose, but I have found the experience to be very, very rewarding.”
Potential candidates have until Feb. 19 to file. I agree with Linn that the issues trustees will face – particularly the bond and dealing with rapid growth in many LH and RISD schools – are significant and demand our time and attention.
“This is a huge spring for RISD,” wrote Linn.
The election will be held May 7.
George Clayton, photo from Facebook.
Kris Oliver and family, photo from Facebook.
