The rapid growth provides extremely challenging times. School board members are elected for three-year terms. Work collaboratively to bring effective change to address rampant bullying of students because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. Its all about our kids; yours and mine. Prosper Strong! My family has experienced the incredible growth in the district when PISD expanded from its third campus, Folsom Elementary, to what it is today. Prosper ISD voters can go to the polls starting in April to select members of the Prosper ISD Board of Trustees. One way to achieve this is to become a part of the school board. Ive served on the board of directors for organizations like Disability Rights Texas and Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas who have similar goals and objectives. Your email address will not be published. Our site uses cookies. Parents say they want the new trustee to be elected by the community, not hand-picked by the board. Candidacy filing papers can be acquired at and are submitted to the City or Town Clerk, which can be reached by phone at 469-219-2000 Submit application to: Prosper ISD, 605 East Seventh Street, Prosper, Texas, 75078, US Get the latest Little Elm sports delivered to your inbox every week. This year, there are five candidates running for Place 4, and two candidates running for Place 7. Bill Beavers holds Place 4 on the Prosper ISD Board of Trustees. Our site uses cookies. Keep the lines of communication open with my constituents and help represent their values. Stopthe uncontrolled spending of our taxpayer money on projects and buildings that do not directly contribute to our childrens education. Since my time on the board, we have designed and opened eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a natatorium, a football stadium and community room, plus a transportation site. In the meantime, under the holdover doctrine, Wilborn could continue to perform the duties of office until a successor is sworn in. Prosper parents criticized Prosper ISD for its lack of transparency on that case. Something my dad has taught me through the years is not to make big decisions while upset and never make a decision based on fear, Church said. Hope Squad is making great strides; however some students might need extra help during the school day. I am eager for all residents of Prosper ISD to know that they are valued in our community. For Celina residents, H-E-B land purchase spells possibilities, One dead, one injured after crane incident at Prosper ISD elementary school in Celina, A tale of two park concepts: Celina seeks more input for Wilson Creek Park, Storm sweeps through north Texas impacts Celina structures, roadways. For the past 15 years, Ive served as chief financial officer of a megachurch with a multimillion-dollar budget. Introducing your Prosper ISD School Board Candidates: My name is Dr. Bettye Holston-Okae, and I m married to Robert K. Okae (Ghana) with three children: Adjowa 14 (Hayes MS), Kaden 10 and Ashleigh 6 (Spradley MS. ) I have worked for the Federal government for majority of career (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) and (Department of Commerce- US Census Bureau). You have permission to edit this article. Serve, partner with, and represent parents in this district to ensure childhood success is the top priority for Prosper ISD, Create a roadmap for getting our district back to business as usual, Ensure financial accountability and stewardship of YOUR tax dollars. This district is one of the fastest-growing in the country; self-evaluation and re-evaluation is vital to its success. We should utilize the Bond process and partner with home developers to provide grants to help withthe costs of building additional schools within the subdivisions. Since that time, I have jumped into being a part of this greatnessby joining all PTA/PTO organizations at my kids schools, plus the one for GT students as well as sports booster clubs. I want to find a way for all students to have access if they so choose. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania wants to soar but never feels comfortable in its own skin, Lucas Oil Products, WinStar World Casino and Resort Announce Partnership, Naming Rights of Casino-Resorts New Events Arena. I hope that you decide that the best option for everyone is a special election for Place 7.. Next, the trustees discussed Item 6C: Consideration and possible action regarding filling the vacancy for Place 7.. One Rock Hill High School student spoke during this time. Get the latest Coppell sports delivered to your inbox every week. All Rights Reserved. There was only one candidate for mayor and council member 3. RELATED: Prosper ISD school board president resigns after being accused of sexually assaulting 16-year-old girl. Place 2 and. We'd love to hear eyewitness Get the latest Plano sports delivered to your inbox every week. Our children will be the next generation of leaders to guide our country and I desire to serve as part of that growth and development. The district has a total of 22,547 students enrolled. He and his wife have two children, one who graduated from Prosper High School and one who plans on graduating in May 2023. Let us know what's going on! Choose wisely! "Having been a resident long enough to vote when yall were on the ballot, I do feel like my voice would be heard if you chose to appoint place 7," the teacher said. Get the latest Plano sports delivered to your inbox every week. The candidate filing deadline is February 17. I have spent the last fourteen years volunteering on six campuses, getting to know students, staff, and administrators. Share with Us. Kern is a board member of Cornerstone. NOMINATE & VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE IN LITTLE ELM! Jordan Dial received 337 from Denton County voters and 2,037 votes from Collin County. We expect to face demanding issues in the coming months and years, but our cohesive leadership team is unstoppable! Don't Threaten. Following that election, the board will then appoint a president to serve for the next year. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends, family and her dogs. January 27, 2023. Currently, there is ZERO minority representation on the Prosper ISD Board of Trustees. Maintain transparency in my role. Education. Raised in Richardson, Erin Jones is proud to call North Texas home. They also must be a U.S. citizen who is 18 years or older and cannot have been convicted of a felony or declared mentally incapacitated. On Monday, Wilborn and the other trustees decided to withhold information from an independent investigation into the sex abuse scandal and cover-up, citing the pending litigation. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs. Finally, Alex is a true believer in lifelong learning. Review: Ugly Love charms readers with slow burn romance, A life without limbs: Nick Vujicic uses his story to inspire students across globe, Breaking news: Walnut Grove high school to open ahead of schedule, proposed zoning announced, Editorial: Improper use of social media harms society, Editorial: A.I. Get the latest Allen sports delivered to your inbox every week. WE ARE ONE! We really should let the people decide.. Like many families, wed heard nothing but the best about what Prosper ISD had to offer, and my wife Emily and I wanted Caleb (6) and Matthew (4) to grow and learn in the great schools here. Choose wisely! Find what you need and more on our site. "If you make an appointment, you are making a mistake," one parent said. With my kids being in different grade levels and schools, this allows me to speak on the different issues that each educational level brings. HF1653 Prepare+Prosper RentersCredit_Survey_Data_2-28-23 (2/28/2023) 9 . However, Prosper ISD said it didnt know about the allegations until the arrest. School board authorized to renew expiring referendum. "Because the one you appointed as president was just arrested. Her passion for journalism began in elementary school. Use the 'Report' link on I have always been for letting people decide, and this is no different. The district announced Thursday that Wilborn had submitted his resignation effective immediately.. Audrey Henvey, [email protected]. Trustee Garrett Linker moved that the board fill Place 7 with a special election. Myfamily moved to Prosper, from Kansas City,in May 2016,which makes usrepresentative of the influx of great families making their home on thewest side of the district. Get breaking news delivered to your inbox from around Star Local Media when it happens. I am invested in maintaining Prospers excellence in all areas of education. Scandal-plagued Prosper Independent School Districts Board President Drew Wilborn has resigned after being arrested Wednesday for indecency with a child by sexual contact, creating a vacancy that the board must decide how to fill. Also, I want to be part of the tremendous growth and exciting change occurring here. John Hastings pointed out there is already an election scheduled for May for two board seats, and that there are several candidates. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Aside from the state propositions, Prosper residents had six elected officials to select this period: mayor, council member place 1, council member place 3, and Prosper ISD School Board trustees in places 1, 3 and 6. James Pope, parent of two district students, spoke to the board regarding the state of the district. A family sued the district recently, accusing a former employee of abusing two daughters. Additional Election Information I am highly invested in creating firm foundations for all the children in our community to help them succeed. Have the latest local news and sports delivered to your inbox so you are always up to date. Gardeners mailbag: Will foxtail agave plants survive in Texas? I will provide the courageous leadership that will represent YOUR voice on the Prosper ISD Board. Learn more about our use of cookies: cookie policy, Prosper High School Percussions Amazing Summer 2022 Achievements, Second Annual Search for Largest Prosper Tree Begins, Prosper ISD Calendar Options for 2018-2019, Common Answers to Common Landscaping Questions, https://www.facebook.com/cornwallisforprosper, http://www.facebook.com/Bill-Beavers-Prosper-ISD-School-Board-Trustee-Place-4-1676277795944626. Kern moved here in 2013 and has been attending town informational and council meetings periodically since then. When you love something, you want to help it thrive and be its absolute best. We publish election results following each election. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism November 2, 2021 Election Results (all): Texas constitutional amendments, House District 118, school bonds, area municipal races Voters to decide fate of Texas constitutional amendments; special . Its not only the number of years that Ive had children within PISD that sets me apart from other candidates, but more importantly the involvement and relationships I have cultivated over the past 17 years with families & staff of PISD, and Town & local leadership that are instrumental in maintaining effective communication and strategies to best serve the needs of our growing district. Trustee Kelly Cavender moved that the board wait until May and allow the next board to fill the vacancy by appointment.. Success! Posted on February 8, 2023 Debra Smith PROSPER (WBAP/KLIF News ) - The Prosper ISD school board elected a new president this week in the wake of the scandalous resignation of former president Andrew Wilborn. Other parents want access to this great program and would be willing to pay tuition for our children to participate. Collin County > Elections > Election Information Election Information Request a Voter Registration List Visit our Election Store to purchase and download the Voter Registration List. I am the owner of Okae Mobile Document Services, LLC. Ive always worked behind the scenes from budgets, volunteering, coordinating projects to communication; and now that my children are older, I feel that experience is vital to our district. Proud wife and mother to four children; three currently in PISD schools and an adult daughter who is an accomplished middle school science teacher, Graduated from Concordia State University with a BA in Business Management. Family rights activists decry the program as absolutely unbelievable.. Prosper ISD mom Tiffany Kearney reminded board members of the district's 2015 attempt to cover up sexual malfeasance, in which school administrators admonished teacher MariBeth Thomas for reporting a student's claim of sexual advances by a teacher's aide to the Prosper police instead of to the district's own police department. Therefore, the board decided it will appoint a new president with the newly-elected board in May. Like many families, ours moved here specifically for the outstanding schools. I would like to remain anonymous. There are seven candidates for two places, currently, Hastings said. Enhanced communication is key. He has been on various charity volunteer and town committees. "And you guys have to be about doing the right thing. As your Place 7 Trustee,I willdedicate myself,on behalf ofProsper ISDstudents and families,topreservethe culture of excellenceourDistrictis known for, and I will be a voice ofthecommunity in shaping the direction of our childrens education intothefuture. The Town of Prosper is a home rule town with a mayor and six council members who are elected at large for three year terms. Our son is currently in the 3rd grade. In addition to being a licensed insurance agent, Ive taught preschool in Prosper and volunteer weekly in Childrens Ministry at our churchs Prosper campus. Wilborn won 60.4%, or 2,620 of the votes, compared to the 39.6% garnered by opponent Kristin Meier, according to unofficial numbers from Collin and Denton counties. The candidate filing deadline is February 17. However, we must be forward-thinking in providing the best facilities, curriculum, support and resources for our students and staff. Keep in mind, many of the new families moving to the area are attracted to our amazing District. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. After four hours in closed executive session, during which several members of the community awaited their return, the board returned to act on items and conclude the meeting. Invalid password or account does not exist. Prosper ISD will appoint new board president with newly-elected board members in May February 8, 2023, 12:18 AM After a four-hour executive session, the Prosper ISD School Board decided. Please enter valid email address to continue. I am fully committed to ensuring that we, as a united board, continue to strive for excellence in the Prosper Independent School District. The results are in and Prosper ISD will have Jorden Dial, Kelly Cavender and Garrett Linker sit on its board once the unofficial election results are canvassed. My vision for Prosper ISD is that when people think of public education in the great state of Texas (and around the country), they think of Prosper ISD as the standard. Create a password that only you will remember. I ask for your vote November 3rd! When my husband and I were considering building a home, we knew we didnt want to stay in our currentdistrict because we didnt feel the district or its teachers cared about our children. We were living in Cedar Hill at the time. "Based on previous history we do not trust you to appoint another person as the one that you appointed was just arrested," another parent said. The district is growing rapidly, and a newly elected trustee must be able to jump in and get right to work beginning on day one. Prosper ISD Board Room | Image by Prosper ISD Donate. There are many challenges facing the rapid and continuous growth of our district: fiscal responsibility, construction of new schools, hiring and retaining great staff, capacity and safety concerns, maintaining a positive school climate, innovative curriculum & programs, and of course, reduced state funding. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Like most families moving to Prosper, wechose PISD for the caliber of public education it provides, along with the reputation of the top-notch administration and staff. She plans to strengthen the newspaper as a team, and help promote brilliant reporting and coverage this year. For the past 14 years,Ive served as chief financial officer of a megachurch with a multimillion-dollar budget. Two Prosper ISD school board seats are already on the May ballot. I have seen such an awful division among the community. Bristol will be sworn in at the May 24 Town Council meeting. I have a high probability of remaining connected to our district for the foreseeable future and for the right reason. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. You have permission to edit this article. Dallas police said his arrest stemmed from an incident reported on April 12, 2022, involving a 16-year-old girl being inappropriately touched by Wilborn while he was working as an executive pastor at Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. The incident did not involve any Prosper ISD students but as you can imagine, it raises questions about leadership within the district. Each member represents the entire school district. I would like to see the district consider having licensed counselors on site at our middle schools. Ive been a youth coach, school and classroom volunteer, class representative and board member for three high school booster clubs, as well as a substitute teacher within PISD. Accountability in SBISD is taken hostage by left-wing partisans. I believed we should create programs within our districts that is focused more on social and emotional intelligence developmental for students and staff. This pandemic has greatly impacted our students and some of the student within our district parents may not have the support or financial resources within their families. My focus moving forward will continue to include: As we look to the future, my goal is to strengthen our outreach to Austin by building our relationships with state elected officials and keeping them informed of our districts interests. Our coverage includes school board member and candidate profiles, noteworthy election issues, district data, and more. It's alleged he assaulted two very young girls every morning while they rode his bus. Pour en savoir plus sur la faon dont nous utilisons vos donnes personnelles, veuillez consulter notre politique relative la vie prive et notre politique en matire de cookies. The seat for Place 3 will be filled by Cavender, who earned 54% of the vote. He chastised us about being respectful, but he was not respectful.". It was shocking. People stand in line to enter a Prosper ISD board meeting on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, in Prosper, Texas . or anything. We alsoendeavorto remain steadfast in the moral foundation that our students dependon, as well asprovide an open and caring atmosphere where our children can thrive. Please contact me at https://www.facebook.com/drewyou2prosper or www.drewyoutoprosper.com. Feb 9, 2023 . Their failure to act here is a dereliction of their duties to the citizens who elected them. Early voting runs April 19-27 Ive supported and volunteer for many benevolence organizations that benefit the families of PISD, such as Prosper Open Foundation, LovePacs, Bedstart, PLA and Cornerstone. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Police say Wilborn inappropriately touched a 16-year-old last April while he was an executive pastor at Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. The Virtual Prosper Chamber of Commerce will introduce the school board candidates in a meeting, Thursday, April 15. Si vous souhaitez personnaliser vos choix, cliquez sur Grer les paramtres de confidentialit. PROSPER, Texas - After a four-hour executive session, the Prosper ISD School Board decided they will not have a special election for Prosper voters to elect a new president. Threats of harming another SIGN UP I would like to receive news and special offers from Prosper Magazine & Cedarbrook Media Group He is focused on Prosper supporting local businesses. We won't share it with anyone else. Early voting is held April 19-27, and is followed by election day May 1. This community has been rocked the last several months, Pope said. For Celina residents, H-E-B land purchase spells possibilities, One dead, one injured after crane incident at Prosper ISD elementary school in Celina, A tale of two park concepts: Celina seeks more input for Wilson Creek Park, Storm sweeps through north Texas impacts Celina structures, roadways. When she is not working in the newsroom at school, you can probably find her spending time with her dog, Newt. Prosper is rapidly growing and while that growth is something to be celebrated, we know many families hope that we can stay true to the community of values and principles that brought many here in the first place. Linker earned 50.2% of the vote, followed by Chamblee with 49.8%. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Electing School Board of Trustee Place 2 and Place 5. Former President Andrew Wilborn was arrested two weeks ago on child indecency charges. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is quoted as saying, Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility. I have no doubt that I am ready for the responsibility to represent parents and their children effectively in this district. Voters can begin voting early on October 13th. It took all the air out of me. In his free time, Alex loves to engage in the community and travel with the family due to his fascination with the history of the Viking Culture. Rapid growth in the district and surrounding area is celebrated by all of us. Get the latest Mesquite sports delivered to your inbox every week. This happened last month after he was arrested and charged with indecency with a child. Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ChiannaforPISDboard, instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chianna.for.pisd.board.place.2/. Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/DenaDixonForPISD. Regardless of where you live, you should feel you are part of the PISD community. I had the privilege of being a member of the board that hired our current outstanding leader, Dr. Holly Ferguson. A Few Minutes; Accountability Ratings; Annual Report; Athletic Hall of Honor; Attendance Boundary Information; Building & Facility Rentals & Events; Calendars The board spoke in private . I look forward to the task of educating and empowering more than 18,000 students in Prosper ISD in preparation for a bright and rewarding future. Let us know what's going on! Investigators in the Dallas Police Departments child exploitation unit also uncovered more alleged instances of misconduct by Wilborn, including inappropriate touching, comments, and social media messages. Within days of our country being shut down, Prosper ISD offered not only virtual learning to every student, but technology access, equipment, and meals to all who needed them. Another PAC, Prosper Citizen Group, said that it would support school board and city council candidates that "believe in individual liberty, limited government, transparency and accountability . While volunteering in the district, I saw room for improvement. As we welcome our new neighbors, I want for them to see this commitment of ours as truth. This mindful representation is critical as our unique growth requires funding for both facilities and staff. The board should be representative of Prosper ISDs entire student population. The Prosper Independent School District Board of Trustees met Tuesday for a special meeting to determine how to fill the vacant Place 7. The results are in and Prosper ISD will have Jorden Dial, Kelly Cavender and Garrett Linker sit on its board once the unofficial election results are canvassed. Prosper ISD is such a special place. (Name will only be used to verify billing.). For a 5th grade graduation memory book, she was asked what do you want to be when you grow up? After long conversations and prayer, we decided Prosper ISD was the one. Thus far, we have had a great experience! Wilborn won 60.4%, or 2,620 of the votes, compared to the 39.6% garnered by opponent Kristin Meier, according to unofficial. UPDATE: Dial, Cavender, Linker earn seats on Prosper ISD board, Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. The PISDBoardhas an important role in developing the educational vision for the district. 2020 has definitely brought its share of challenges to us all. Which mythical creature would make the best pet? Alex is happily married to Scarlett, a software professional and they live in Prosper since 2016. For all election information for Denton Country residents, click here. I will listen, advocate, and be a voice for you upon election. He was released the following day and submitted his resignation Jan. 26. Error! Explosive growth, but with that same small town, big heart feel. NOMINATE & VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE IN LITTLE ELM! Each of us in our own way wants the best for the children in our community. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. A clear sky. Also during the meeting, the board discussed and elected new officers for the remainder of the term. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. LISA FERGUSON / PROSPER PRESS. My background in the field can be an asset for educational and economical trend analysis to make sound and feasible business decisions for the School District. After a four-hour executive session, the Prosper ISD School Board decided they will not have a special election for Prosper voters to elect a new president. In May, the school board election will take place with Place 2 and Place 5 on the ballot. Although I lost that election, I still desire to serve our community in this capacity. At the sametime,thatgrowth coupled with our changingsociety canthreaten our local culture and academic excellence. I need your vote. The president of the Prosper Independent School District Board of Trustees was released from the Dallas County Jail early Thursday after his arrest Wednesday for Indecency with a Child.. I have a high probability of remaining connected to our District for the foreseeable futureand for the right reason. After gathering the necessary information, we informed our community as quickly as possible. Additionally, I have a masters degree in Christian Education from Dallas Baptist University. This page is currently unavailable. By state law, the special election would be held on the next regular election datein this case, with the May 6 school board election. The financial stability of our district is crucial, and I will continue to be a good steward of our tax dollars. Have the latest local pro sports news delivered every morning so you don't miss out on updates. Prosper School Board Trustee Candidate, Place 3. Ballotpedia provides in-depth coverage of school board elections in America's largest school districts by enrollment. I want to leverage this collaborative and effective leadership experience to help serve my community in the best way possible. Get the latest Carrollton sports delivered to your inbox every week. . The district has been embroiled in another scandal, involving sexual abuse of students, since last August when word got out that a Prosper ISD bus driver had been arrested in May for molesting two elementary school girls for almost a year. Despite these challenges, its critical that our leaders within the district are equipped to ensure teachers and students can be successful. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Waving in the wind, four school board election campaign signs stand on one side of Prosper High School. Andrew Wilborn This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Who I am in a private conversation is who I am in public. Our leadership team and educators spent countless hours over Spring Break to implement a virtual classroom for the first time in our history. Ive served on the board of directors for organizations like Disability Rights Texas and Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas who have similar goals and objectives. Invalid password or account does not exist. Prosper ISD voters also had to choose between five contenders for a Place 4 representative. Im confident that our community can work together to curb bullying and, thus, prevent children from becoming suicidal. Incumbent Dena Dixon and Aimee Boots have announced they are running for Place 2, while Jim Herblin and Kurt Kuehn have announced for Place 5, currently held by Debra Smith. "If you make an appointment, you're making a mistake and you guys have to be about the right thing always, we all do," one parent said. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. Threats of harming another While I understand the desire to hold an election for the open seat because voters should have a say in that seat, I would like to point out that voters have chosen all 6 current seats, and elections do not always get it right, Janette Church said. Following graduation, she plans to major in criminal justice at a currently undecided college. The church immediately cut ties with him once it learned of the investigation last year. Prosper ISD, like other districts are facing issues with school bullying on campus and in virtual classrooms. Eileen Riverside had a child on that bus and spoke Tuesday night. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, 2023 Bird City Texas Recipients Announced. Defending a side at all costs will not bring healing and understanding. Aswe grow in numbers,our communitywantsto be open to new inputs andideas while welcomingthe diversity that will make us stronger. As we approach the upcoming school board election, I want to make sure that you have a thorough understanding of who I am and why I want to serve our Prosper ISD community.