By George Slaughter
Bonnie Anderson (Bonnie Anderson photo)
Bonnie Anderson, an assessor quality management analyst, is seeking the the Position 6 seat on the Katy Independent School District Board of Trustees.
She is one of six candidates seeking the seat. Incumbent Susan Gesoff, an engineer, is seeking reelection. Other candidates include former trustee Rebecca Fox; Garima DGupta, a teacher; William X. Branch, a truck driver; and Joe Wojcik, a security investigator and adjunct college professor.
Voters will also decide whether to approve a $676 million bond proposal. The bond package has four propositions:
- Proposition A: New schools, renovations, safety & security and building component replacements, for $591,368,568.
- Proposition B: Classroom & campus technology, for $59,755,242.
- Proposition C: Natatorium for the new High School #10, for $13,842,610.
- Proposition D: Campus athletic building component replacements, for $11,260,000.
Early voting is April 19-29. Election Day is May 1.
1. Why do you want this job?
I am running for the Katy ISD school board to put the “Independent” back in “ISD.” As a parent of young children in the school district, I have stepped up to demand accountability and action from our current school board and administrators in putting the education and well-being of the children first, before politics, personal ideology, or outside influence. I have been actively involved with other parents in the district and we are insisting upon parents’ choice in both curriculum and health. For any medical, sensitive or personal decisions, parents must have complete freedom to make their own choices for their children without restrictions or mandates from the district or the state or federal government. Regardless of these choices, all children in the district must have equal access to public education. We must do what is best for Katy ISD and its children, not just what is in current political favor.
2. Briefly discuss your professional background, and how that will help you if elected.
My experience in corporate finance for a multinational entity will help me serve this district in the role of fiduciary. I will work to ensure we are using every penny of our taxpayer money wisely. In previous and current private sector employment, I have been a member of many different types of project teams. This experience has taught me to be open-minded and be able to listen to others’ perspectives.
3. If elected, what would your top three priorities for the district be, and why?
- Transparency in spending: Why are we having to issue bonds every four years? Is our current financial strategy not addressing future growth? Are we being as fiscally prudent as we should be to ensure we are meeting the current needs of the district and accounting for future growth, while providing value back to the economy with no additional taxes? Do we need the top heavy administration structure we currently have?
- Close the pay gap for teachers: Katy ISD teachers earn 32% less than Katy ISD employees in administrative positions on average. Katy ISD teachers also earn less than surrounding districts. Teachers are vastly underpaid and this must be addressed sooner rather than later.
- Explore options to replace STAAR with a more meaningful, less administrative-heavy and expensive benchmark.
4. Do you support the $676 million bond issue that has been put on the ballot? What would you tell undecided voters about it?
We must address district growth, and while I do not support prior spending on some particular items through bonds, we must move forward with the current bond to ensure we have schools and resources for the expected growth. As a parent of a 10th grader on the varsity swim team at a Katy ISD high school, I do not support Proposition C for the High School #10 natatorium. There is absolutely no need for every high school in Katy ISD to have its own pool facility.
5. Do you favor establishing a Virtual High School for the district to open in the upcoming school year? Why or why not?
Having options is always a good thing for students, as long as it is just that, an option. For many parents, virtual school has been used as a punishment they send children to who are unable to comply with the district’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols. For example, a student with sensory issues who is unable to wear a face covering, was removed from in-person instruction against his and his parents’ will. I do not support virtual high school if it will continue to be used as a means of discipline for already at-risk children.
6. Is there anything else about your candidacy that Katy News readers should know?
I am a candidate truly interested in open dialogue with the community. I will advocate for full transparency on everything from financial decisions to student and teacher issues. I will not be a rubber stamp trustee.