HEB ISD School & Family Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 9

my adult life has also been spent in volunteer work, including PTA (many different levels), Tarrant County Youth Collaboration, United Way and the school board. Serving on the board has made me more aware of the impact our state and national legislatures have on our public schools. I joined four other ladies from around the state of Texas in the summer of 2005 to form Texas Parent PAC, a political action committee, dedicated to finding and electing individuals who are supporters of Texas public schools. We are still active and boast electing more than 45 to the Texas House, Senate and State Board of Education. In the past couple of years I have returned to some of my early passions, guitar playing and writing. I have completed a short novel, The Healing Tree; a Journey to God’s Love, and it was published in 2013. I hope to complete a second book sometime in the next couple of years. lifelong skill as well. The focus and dedication of this district’s staff to this approach to education is amazing. From bus drivers, to support staff, administrators, teachers, and custodians, it is evident that the vision of this district, Empower today to excel tomorrow, is believed and lived in their work. My newest role is grandmother to two year old Cora and a soon-to-come sibling. There is no better than joy than this! What makes you so passionate about the HEB ISD? I firmly believe education is the most important step toward success for any individual and is part of the public’s obligation to make sure this is accessible to all students. This school district gave my own two daughters their groundwork for successful careers, and by giving my own time to support this district I hope to make this a reality for all kids. The district’s reform strategy of Continuous Improvement is one that I can support whole-heartedly. Each child has the chance to explore his or her own strengths and to develop plans of improvements for their weaknesses. The use of diagnostic tools in the classroom from the moment they enter our schools teaches students to be responsible for their own learning. What an amazing gift of self-reflection we are giving our students and a 7