School & Family Magazine Newstand Pearland ISD Winter 2018 | Page 21

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. www.pearlandisd.org | 21