Students, you have your entire life before you and the best thing you can do is take advantage of every opportunity to prepare yourself for “what’s next.”

As parents the best we can do is love you, give you a moral compass, and provide you with the opportunity for an appropriate education. Some of you will want to go to college and even achieve advanced degrees. Others will want to venture out into some sort of career or vocation. All of you can be successful, but success comes at a price. You will need to spend time learning and refining your skills as our economy becomes more skill orientated.

The U. S. Department of Labor issued a report years ago telling us 50% of the high school graduating class of 2004, by the time they turned 30 years of age, would be involved in careers and jobs which did NOT exist the day they graduated!

To compete in this new world you must be “learners.” And I believe it is our responsibility to find those things which both interest and challenge you going forward. We must also provide you with skilled instructors willing and able to help you.

The only reason a school district exists is to further the education and opportunities of its students. I know all of you understand after all the double talk, we are your parents and we want nothing but the best for you.

To work for you I will encourage the Katy Board of Trustees to:

1. Ensure you have more college level course work available to you should you conclude this is the path for you. My personal goal is to provide you with the opportunity to earn a full year of college before you graduate high school.
2. Expand the number of courses at your campus and at the Miller Career Center giving you a head start towards completion of career certificates such as those required for EMT, auto repair, computer networking and service as well as others
3. Review the opportunities you have in high school to learn skills by going into the workplace a few hours per week, through various school programs.

I am sorry I can't promise more recess time, or better food in the cafeteria, but I can promise your safety and success will be my top priority when I am elected to serve on the KISD board of trustees.