The following are the unedited responses from Hobert Brown, Jr., candidate for the Amarillo ISD Board of Trustees. Brown is facing Jim Austin, John Betancourt, Dick Ford, Aaron Ladd, Rob Parker, Alonzo Everhart, and Kimberly Anderson in the May 4th general election.
Hobert Brown, Jr.
Background
What is your educational background? Please list any degrees earned, and institutions attended. You may also list any professional certifications.
Various college credits through Wayland Baptist, and Amarillo College
What is your occupation?
Ret. Marine 1984-2004, Federal Employee
What is your age?
53
How many years have you lived in Amarillo?
12 yrs.
Issues
What was your motivation to run for this board?
1. Our youth have moved away from looking up to everyday people; instead they look up to individual such as the Kardashian’s family why is a puzzle to me? Even though it’s been thirty-five years since I was a student in a public school as a student and the issue that impact me as a student compared to today student such as.
a. Violence in school.
b. Materialism
c. Poverty
d. Drugs and alcohol abuse.
e. Single Parents.
f. Poor Parental Support
g. Shift in Instructional Focus.
Rather than sitting on the bench and complaining about what’s not being done in our education system, I prefer to get out and motivate people to get involved and become a trustee that people know will listen and address their concerns.
In your eyes, do you believe the current board of trustees is supportive of the staff and coaches of the district? Please explain.
Definitely not! The events surrounding Coach Clements, resignation was handle wrongly, in an effort not to protect the dignity of a coach for doing the right thing but more in an effort to protect the dignity of a board member.
Did you support the 2017 Amarillo ISD bond? Please explain.
Yes. Our schools are outdated.
College readiness is an important issue for school districts in Texas. How do you propose promoting college readiness through the Board of Trustees?
I will always advocate for higher education; however, I will not totally focus advocacy just on college readiness. As a nation we have a 1.5 Trillion student loan debt because we have sold this fantasy that is short of a lie, that the more college you have the better your quality of life. We have lost respect for the plumber, welder, automotive technician, and veterans until the time arises when we need one. I will advocate for our son’s and daughter to take a hard look at all their possibilities to include the Military.
In what cases would you support raising the overall property tax rate for AISD taxpayers? Please explain.
If the public support a tax rate, I’ll support it. My duties are to the served the people not to push my agenda on the people.
In your view, if a tax bill for a single piece of property increases from the previous year, while the tax rate remains the same, does this constitute a tax increase? Please explain.
Yes.
What life experiences qualify you to serve on this board? Please explain.
I have traveled the world and have been an active part of the education of my children, regardless of where we have lived. I have lived in the following city. Norfolk Va., Des Moines, Iowa New London, Connecticut, and Jacksonville, Nc. My thought process isn’t solely centered around just what will work for the Texas Panhandle, but also what has worked in other school districts I have been involved in. I believe that for an organization to succeed you must think on a larger scale and not on a local scale. Our students must be prepared to compete on a global scale with other students.
What should the district's role be in improving overall quality of life in Amarillo?
Each and everyday someone is looking at the possibility of moving to Amarillo, and the school system they enroll their children in will play a heavy role in their decision of whether they should or shouldn’t move to Amarillo. As a member of the AISD I will do everything in my power to ensure that AISD is viewed as one of the best school districts in the state of Texas and the United States.
Why should voters pick you on election day?
Because I am a Veteran who has had varied experience with school systems across this country. My knowledge and military experience has equipped me with the skills needed to look beyond our present circumstances and work towards a school system which considers the diverse backgrounds of our students and the numerous paths they have chosen to pursue for their future. I have the necessary tools to ensure our school board is preparing all students for their present and future educational pursuits, whatever they may be.