Photo courtesy of Patricia Price Hicks

The RISD Board of Trustees election is on Nov. 5. Early voting begins Oct. 21.

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District 4: Patricia Price Hicks

Why have you decided to run for this position?

Education is the fabric of my life, I love it. I am an exemplary educator with a plethora of experiences to add value to the Richardson Independent School District, school board trustees and the constituents of District 4 in the pursuit of excellence. During my educational career with direct instruction to Pre-K through eighth grade, I developed the motto, “All children can learn.” I swore to the Texas Education Agency to uphold the values of the profession. I taught gifted students, latchkey students, [voiceless] deaf and must students, students with no coats, socks or adequate clothing, rambunctiously craving attention. The haves and have nots. Students living in foster care, abused students, bullied students, mentally challenged students, adult students pursuing GEDs and court ordered juvenile delinquents. My educational pedagogy provides me with the knowledge to fulfill the RISD school board trustee office. 

What experience have you had that will help you with this position?

I bring a diversity of experience, from the corporate sector of business to county government, and especially in the field of education. I earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M University and a Bachelor of Science in Government and Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from Texas Women’s University. In addition, I have Texas teacher certificates in government and sociology, elementary grades 1-8 and grades Pre-K through Kindergarten. I have worked in multiple school systems including Wilmer-Hutchins ISD, Dallas ISD, Cedar Hill ISD and Dallas Can Academy. One of my most rewarding experiences in education is being selected the TEA to conduct test analysis for Pearson Publishing Company in Austin. My career has propelled me into positions like co-op teacher for student teachers attending Texas Woman’s University and the University of North Texas. I have also enjoyed being a mentor teacher and lead teacher. I was appointed as a facilitator for professional development and staff development, selected by the principal as chairperson for textbook adoption and for the site-based decision-making committee. I have strategically disaggregated TAAS, TAKS and STAAR test data with teachers.

If elected, what policies will you advocate for?

I will advocate for full time resources officers in every school due to the massive senseless violence and notification of sex offenders in the neighborhood. Second, anti-bullying needs to be addressed and dealt with before the “bullied’ takes manners into their own hands. I concur with the district’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion Policy to ensure all students have access to all opportunities to achieve their goals of receiving the best education in RISD.

What do you like about RISD?

RISD is conservative in their spending. The district values mature teachers and employees with longevity and hire qualified personnel to meet the appropriate demographics for the student population. The interior and exterior of each school campus is maintained very well.

What don’t you like about RISD?

I can’t think of anything that stands out in my mind other than the tax rate for local revenue. I wish the state of Texas could pay into the local tax base more.

What is your favorite part about the neighborhood – Lake Highlands?

I love the small-town atmosphere, the mom and pop shops and the LH chamber. The chamber has extended many invitations to me. The events were very informative.

What changes are you hoping to make?

I am hoping to bring my diverse experiences particularly education into the scheme of the big picture as an asset.

What – in your opinion – is the culture of RISD?

I haven’t formed an opinion, but after engaging in community activities the constituents in district 4 express favorable opinions and others have some concerns. My suggestion to them is to get involved and stay involved in the educational process.

What would you like constituents to know?

Patricia Price Hicks, a graduate of Lake Highlands is a second-generation descendant of original Hamilton Park homeowners. The late Dr. Robert E. Price, Sr. and Mrs. Deloris Price. The love for the neighborhood led her to conduct the research for the Texas Historical Marker that has been bestowed upon the Hamilton Park community. She was appointed by commission Dr. Theresa Daniel to the Dallas County Historical Commission. She serves on the advisory committee for Healing Hands Ministry that serves thousands of refugee families in the Vickery meadows and Lake Highlands area in Northeast Dallas. She followed her retired RISD mother’s passion as an educator. Patricia is a mother and grandmother of three school-age children and devoted educator with a belief, all children can learn.