Election for three trustees for three-year terms of the Port Arthur Independent School District will be held May 5.

Candidates Johnny Brown, Lloyd Marie Johnson, Brandon Bartie and Debra Ambroise are running for the three at-large seats. The following are Q&A sessions from Ambroise, Brown and Johnson. Bartie did not respond to questions.

 

Debra Ambroise, 56, retired transit planner for City of Port Arthur

1.) What are your background qualifications?

Currently, I am Vice President for the board of trustees, and have served as board secretary. I have served and volunteered within the PAISD for over 30 years and have been an advocate for public education all my adult life. And, I am a proud product of the PAISD.

2.) What is the most important issue facing the school district now and how should it be resolved?

Daily attendance. Tropical Storm Harvey was a catastrophic event never seen in Port Arthur, and our city has lost a significant number of citizens. Our school is a recipient of federal dollars predicated on the number of students; and, with the 2020 census quickly approaching, it is imperative that we locate and facilitate the return of our citizens to Port Arthur and assist families with resources to reestablish their lives here in the city.

3.) Why are you the best candidate for PAISD?

Since my election, all PAISD schools have met state standards, built new and innovative schools district-wide, created the Five Year District Plan, opened the Early College High School and have received full support for Tax Ratification Election (TRE).

I am a fearless, proven supporter of teachers and administrators. I support staff and, most importantly, my children of PAISD.

 

Johnny Brown, 69, adjunct professor at Lamar University and education consultant

1.) What are your background qualifications?

I was successful as a superintendent in multiple school districts including Port Arthur ISD and Wilmer-Hutchins ISD. I served as the Executive Deputy Superintendent for Educational Programs in Houston ISD and Deputy Superintendent in Cleveland, Ohio. I also served as site visitor as representative of Blue Ribbon Schools Program with U. S. Department of Education.

2.) What is the most important issue facing the school district now and how should it be resolved?

Increasing student achievement by establishing stronger connection with home, schools and community.

Engage parents, community, business organizations, students and higher education institutions for conversations about standards, expectations and roles and responsibilities of all concerned for making schools a wonderful place to be and achieve successfully.

Conduct town hall style and strategic thinking meetings throughout the community to think big about the future of teaching-learning in Port Arthur.

Explore multiple options for school funding, including grants and partnerships.

3.) Why are you the best candidate for PAISD?

I have achieved a consistent “track record” of success in “standing tall” in support of children throughout my career in education. I provided leadership for balanced budgets, increased reserves, increased parental engagement and, most importantly, raised student achievement test scores at all grade levels and increased the number and percentage of high school students passing graduation test.

 

Lloyd Marie Johnson, home health therapist

1.) What are your background qualifications?

I have previously served on the board for 10 years previously. I have held the position as president three times, vice president three times and secretary for one term. I have roots in the community and want to see it flourish. I bring experience from owning and managing a business, understanding finance and the importance of having the right people in the right positions.

2.) What is the most important issue facing the school district now and how should it be resolved?

The most important issue facing the district is school finance.

I applaud the district for their accomplishments. PAISD delivers a quality education, but our students need to be exposed to so much more and this takes money to create those opportunities. I believe our state needs to come up with ways to increase school funding and make it equitable across the state.

3.) Why are you the best candidate for PAISD?

I come to the district with 10 years experience. I have the experience of a team member and I want to continue to be a part of our success in the district. I have roots in this community and I want to see it flourish. I realize what the District can be if the Board keeps the District as its major focus.

 

Early voting runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23 to 27 and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 30 and May 1 at the YMCA of Port Arthur on 6760 9^th Ave.

Election Day runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 5. Election day places are as follows:

• Memorial 9^th Grade Academy
• Abraham Lincoln Middle School
• Tyrrell Elementary School
• Thomas Jefferson Middle School
• Port Arthur Sub Courthouse
• Sam Houston Elementary School