GISD trustees announce re-election bid

By CHAD BLACKSHEAR
Herald-Banner Staff

GREENVILLE January 22, 2009 01:13 am

— Two members of the Greenville Independent School District Board of Trustees have announced that they are seeking re-election.
The terms of Board President Charles Sivley, who represents District 7, and Trustee Leah Tillotson, who represents District 5, expire this year. Both were elected to their first term in the spring of 2006.
“The board has made progress that I believe will eventually rid the district of its ‘academically unacceptable’ rating. I am convinced that our district provides the opportunity for students to get a quality education that prepares them for success in a college or university setting or successful employment. I hear many comments about the successes of our graduates as they pursue an education at various universities,” Sivley said in a statement.
Sivley also commented on the board’s work with GISD administrators. “The board, with the support of Superintendent Jefferies and his staff, has made some bold policy changes, including a new policy that will be adopted concerning drug testing that will be effective for the 2009-2010 school year. I am asking for the support of voters so that the board will have continuity. The present board and I have the same objective, which is to provide the best education possible for all students,” Sivley stated.
Tillotson cites several reasons why she is seeking reelection, including continuity on the board, to provide a voice for the teachers, and to finish some of the programs that the present board has started.
“This year are teachers are more comfortable with our new curriculum. We have very good administrators in place, including the superintendent and Deputy Superintendent Carl Key, who is in charge of curriculum. Our teachers are dedicated to their profession and have weathered several changes and disappointments,” Tillotson said in a statement.
“This district has many wonderful students, programs, and achievements, and our TAKS scores are not indicative of our successes. Overall, we have a healthy district and only a few who do not pass. Our changes in curriculum and the approaches this board has taken towards discipline should garner improvements in the overall betterment of this district,” said Tillotson.
Voters will be asked to elect trustees for Districts 5 and 7 on the May 9 ballot.