| Hopefuls want GISD to keep edge Griffin, Boyd share ideas at forum on Place 3 race 04/08/2001 By Toya Lynn Stewart / The Dallas Morning News With the election less than a month away, school board trustee Linda L. Griffin and challenger Mike Boyd are busy trying to convince voters that their approach is what the district needs.
In the race for Place 3, first-term incumbent Mrs. Griffin is running against Mr. Boyd, a former school board member for 13 years. Trustees serve a three-year term.
The candidates shared their views at a forum sponsored by the Garland Council of PTAs on Monday night. About 20 people attended.
Mrs. Griffin told the group that during her tenure, "I have been that listening ear to the community."
"I have worked hard to open up the lines of communication between the parents and teachers, parents and administrators," she said. "I ask the questions to get the needed information, the information that was not provided, in order to make the best decision for the students."
Mr. Boyd told the audience that his "strengths are experience, knowledge and positive dedication to the position."
During his tenure, Mr. Boyd said, the board's top priority was "academic excellence for all children."
"Now the GISD is now being referred to as a top academic school district," Mr. Boyd said. "It is hard work to improve. I am proud of the GISD and its accomplishments."
Both candidates say school board members must have the best interest of all children at the forefront of decision-making. They also agree the board must operate as a team to be successful.
The two agree that the district needs to prepare for continued rapid growth by addressing building and facilities needs. The district also needs to find ways to retain qualified teachers with competitive benefits and salary packages, both have said.
"I believe the GISD needs a new vision to be successful," said Mrs. Griffin, a management consultant who has one son in the district.
"A vision is a road map to the future with specific goals and objectives."
Mrs. Griffin said the district needs to determine what it can do to improve. She said it must stay competitive with districts across the state while finding ways to address the education needs of all its children.
Mrs. Griffin said she wants the district to examine broader and innovative ways to meet the learning styles of all children. She also said finding new ways to communicate with parents is critical to the success of the students and the district.
"How do we get the information out, in all the different languages, so everyone is getting the same information at the same time?" Mrs. Griffin said.
Mr. Boyd said the board's role is to "create a vision and set policy for the district."
"The school board should not micromanage the district," Mr. Boyd said.
"The role of the educational professionals is to turn the vision into deeds."
Issues Mr. Boyd wants to address include continued focus on academic achievement, school safety, and drug and alcohol education.
"I have a management background to work with people in a positive tone," Mr. Boyd said. "I understand construction, I understand finance, and I understand the GISD. I want to bring my 13 years' experience back to the board."
Mr. Boyd said he saw the district make great strides during his time on the board.
"I worked very hard as part of a team to bring the GISD from a mediocre district to one that gained recognized status," Mr. Boyd said. "I have a desire to see kids succeed."
Mr. Boyd is president and co-owner of Ray Boyd Plaster and Drywall.
Two of his children have graduated from Garland schools, and his three stepchildren attend school in the district.
The election will be May 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Staff writer Toya Lynn Stewart can be reached at 972-272-6591 ext. 225 and at .
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