Get to Know Your Board Members
Name: Charles Gooden, Jr.
Position: Vice President Name: Jeff Barry
Position: Secretary
What is your connection to Pearland ISD outside of being
a board member? What is your connection to Pearland ISD outside of being a
board member?
My wife and I have two children in the school district. I’ve
lived in Pearland since 2003 and have continuously been
involved with the community. I was involved with the Northern Brazoria County Education
Alliance since 2007 and was the Founding President of the
Pearland ISD Education Foundation.
Why did you want to serve on the Pearland ISD school
board? Why did you want to serve on the Pearland ISD school board?
When our first child enrolled in Pearland ISD, I was so
impressed that I wanted to help ensure continued
excellence in education.
In your opinion, what makes a school board effective?
School boards are most effective when they are
aware of the needs of their community. Working with
administration to fulfill the needs of the community is
the entire reason we have local school boards.
What about Pearland ISD are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of our students and the incredible things
they achieve!
In your life, who or what inspires you?
I’m deeply inspired by my children and their academic
and athletic achievements. (Congrats on making the
All-A Honor Roll, guys!) Watching them learn and grow
gives me inspiration to be the best husband, father and
trustee possible.
I have an overwhelming desire to make sure the future of
Pearland is left in the best hands possible. Hopefully during
my time on the board, we will be able to attract and retain the
best teachers and administrators in our area so that we can
produce the highest quality education for the future leaders
of Pearland.
In your opinion, what makes a school board effective?
The school board is effective when they are in tune with the
community in which they serve and can strive to exceed
those expectations.
What about Pearland ISD are you most proud of?
I am proud of the increasing AP enrollment and scoring
successes, Turner CCHS and the increasing number of
Associate Degrees that are obtained. I am also proud of our
community for supporting the Education Foundation and the
NBCEA so that we can assist our teachers and students to be
world-class.
In your life, who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by the selfless giving of our community and the
fact that we work together in the face of adversity.
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