By George Slaughter
Rebecca Fox (Rebecca Fox photo)
Rebecca Fox, a motivational speaker and former trustee, is seeking the Position 6 seat on the Katy Independent School District Board of Trustees.
Fox previously served in the Position 2 seat from 2004-2019. She decided to seek the Position 1 seat that year, but lost that reelection bid.
Fox is one of six candidates seeking the Position 6 seat. Incumbent Susan Gesoff, an engineer, is seeking reelection. Other candidates include Bonnie Anderson, an assessor quality management analyst; William X. Branch, a truck driver; Garima DGupta, a teacher, 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 our students, first and always. With my experience serving students, coupled with connections I have fostered with local and state officials, I bring an expertise that will elevate the Katy ISD board. I have served at all levels of the district and continue to volunteer in schools which gives me a firsthand look at successes and needs. I recognize the importance of the board working in partnership with community. Trustees should be expected to see students and teachers in their educational environment, be active in the community, and open to outside communication to be effective. In order to address challenges, the board cannot continue to isolate itself from the community. I will never take for granted that I work for YOU.
2. Briefly discuss your professional background, and how that will help you if elected.
I have breadth and depth of experience in Katy ISD and the Katy community. As a former trustee I know how to navigate the system to get things accomplished. Katy ISD currently has the least experience on the school board in over 30 years. The following reflect experience, connections, as well as the trust and respect bestowed by the business leaders and Katy community: I was a PTA president, Cinco Ranch High School volunteer of the year, Katy ISD Education Foundation founding member, KEYS (Keep Encouraging Youth toward Success) mentor, Promise-to-Read, bond committee, strategic design committee, Katy ISD trustee, TASB master trustee, TASB Energy Co-op chairman, Katy Chamber Citizen of the Year, Top 100 Women of Katy, Backbone of Katy, National Charity League vice president.
3. If elected, what would your top three priorities for the district be, and why?
- The immediate issue is making sure every student is on track with learning. Teachers have made herculean efforts to redesign curriculum delivery and they deserve our respect. Still, the achievement gap has likely widened during remote learning and we need to ensure that teachers have the resources they need to eliminate gaps.
- Expand offerings for students to have every educational and co-curricular opportunity to discover the best of themselves, and develop their strengths, ready to take on their futures (e.g., vocational trades, early college high school).
- Prioritize education on mental and emotional health, bullying, and human trafficking. We need an increased focus on these areas to evolve with the changing threats to children.
4. Do you support the $676 million bond issue that has been put on the ballot? What would you tell undecided voters about it?
Our family moved to Katy for the excellent schools. Others are doing the same which is why Katy ISD continues to be a fast-growth district. I tell voters there is lots of information about the bond and all that is included in the referendum on the district website. I encourage voters to look at the four propositions and be informed. My job as trustee is to work for the people of Katy–their choice is in the ballot box, then my job is to carry out what they ask.
5. Do you favor establishing a Virtual High School for the district to open in the upcoming school year? Why or why not?
Through the pandemic we have learned how to deliver virtual instruction successfully. This method is effective for some students, but it is not for everyone. I believe being at school with other students is a great benefit to children, especially in elementary and junior high. If high school students want to continue to pursue their education online, a Virtual High School could serve them well. While I am a huge supporter of co-curricular programs, there are students who choose not to participate in athletics, fine arts, FFA or even clubs and groups. Students who have goals of working part-time, graduating early, or other pursuits would be well-served by a Virtual High School. I believe in options for all learners, so the more opportunities that can be found to meet students where they are, the more students will be successful.
6. Is there anything else about your candidacy that Katy News readers should know?
I am a campus-involved, solution-oriented, innovative leader with the experience to navigate the educational system and get things accomplished. Children need innovative learning opportunities and educational options; one size does not fit all. I have visited every campus (except the newest ones during COVID) which allows me to see firsthand what works and what needs improvement. Teachers, staff, parents and community deserve to be valued and heard–the school board needs to be available and responsive. I have the vision to prepare students for their futures and I have a deep desire to give my time, talent, and passion to ensuring Katy ISD continues to be the destination district for families.