San Marcos Area League of Women Voters VOTERS GUIDE

Election May 12, 2012 This Voters Guide lists local San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (SMCISD) trustee candidates and also Hays Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) trustee candidates who appear on the ballot in the May 12, 2012 Election, and includes responses to a questionnaire sent to those candidates. Candidates were asked to limit responses to each question to 100 words in length. Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballots. San Marcos CISD Voters will choose among four candidates to fill two at-large positions listed on the ballot. Hays CISD Voters will choose among three candidates for one at-large position, and also among two candidates for the one trustee position in District 3. The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan organization that works to promote political responsibility through informed participation of all citizens in their government. The League does not support or oppose any political party or any candidate. The League does publish and distribute factual information to help prepare citizens to cast an informed vote and does take action on selected governmental issues that it has studied. You may bring this Voters Guide into the voting booth.

For more information on elections, the phone number for the Hays County Elections Office is 512-393-7310. The website is

http://www.co.hays.tx.us/index.php/government/elections-and-voting/. The Candidates Debate among the four candidates for the two at-large Trustee positions on the San Marcos CISD Board will be held at 7 p.m. in the San Marcos Activity Center on Monday, April 23, 2012. The Debate will not be televised but video and/or audio will be featured on San Marcos online news media San Marcos Mercury, to be viewed at any time through Election Day, at http://www.sanmarcosmercury.com

The San Marcos Area LWV Voters Guide will be published in the San Marcos Daily Record, distributed at many locations in Hays County, and also online: www.sanmarcosrecord.com. San Marcos Mercury will also have the Voters Guide on their website listed above, as will the State LWV at http://www.lwvtexas.org/local/sanmarcos/. Index: San Marcos CISD Candidates……………………………………….Pages 2 - 3 Hays CISD Candidates………………………………………………Pages 4 - 5 List of other elections in Hays County on May 12..…………………Page 6 Early Voting Locations and Dates…………………………………...Page 7 May 12th Election Day Polling Locations……………………………Page 8

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Trustee At-Large

San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (All four candidates are running for two At-Large positions. Voters can choose two.)

List your experience, education, and training that qualify you for this position.

What is the No. 1 change that you would like to see implemented in the San Marcos CISD?

Why do you want to serve on the San Marcos CISD Board of Trustees?

Juan Miguel Arredondo

As a product of our local school district, I have spent more time during the last 10 years in the schools of the SMCISD than any current trustee or candidate. I know what is really happening in our classrooms and I will bring that perspective to the board. I have also volunteered and served in a variety of leadership roles in the community, including the San Marcos High School Alumni Association, United Way of Hays County, and the San Marcos Education Foundation. If elected I plan on helping leverage all of our community’s resources to overcome the challenges we face.

Community involvement is a crucial component in public education especially in the San Marcos CISD. We as a community need to identify and own the problems that face us in our schools. Then we need to work together, not just the school board but also the community, solving these problems. There is no ‘silver bullet’ that can fix public education in San Marcos. We as a community must do the hard work. If elected I would like to see the implementation of initiatives that promote community involvement.

I want to represent this community and I want to represent everyone in the SMCISD - whether you are a student, parent, alumnus, taxpayer, or business owner.  The future of San Marcos, from our quality of life to economic development and attracting good-paying jobs, is dependent on our the success of our school district. I am running because I am ready to work with the current board of trustees and our community to make decisions that are in the best interests of our children and our community.

Paul Mayhew

My wife, Marilee, and I have four children who attend SMCISD schools: two at Hernandez Elementary, one at Miller Junior High, and one, a freshman at San Marcos High School. There is not another candidate or current board member with children currently in our schools. I will provide fresh ideas and a unique perspective to our board. Other education and experience: economics degree from UT, chaired SM CVB, elected and served on City Council from 2000-2003, Scoutmaster, baseball coach, chairman for eight years with Methodist Church committees: finance and Church Council; 21 years as a financial advisor with MetLife.

We must examine, review, and revise our goals for the district. Exemplary schools must be a top priority and stated goal. The district’s current goals were originally adopted in 2007. Goals should have measurable outcomes, and should be clear. These goals will provide a framework through which the superintendent and administration will be able to find creative solutions to achieve. We should support and work with the superintendent in finding ways to engage parents and our community partners in education. Exemplary schools will benefit everyone in the district, and with positive impact on housing, jobs and opportunities in our community.

With four children currently enrolled in our schools, I’ll bring a perspective to the board that no one running or currently on the board can offer. I’ve been very pleased with the quality of teaching and educational learning experiences in our classrooms. Yes, we can do better, but great things are happening in our schools. We must change the narrative and share our successes. While we work to achieve exemplary status, our marketing strategies should highlight positive news happening districtwide. As a board trustee, I will work hard to advocate for all students, teachers, families, and taxpayers of the district.

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Trustee At-Large, San Marcos CISD (Continued from previous page.)

List your experience, education, and training that qualify you for this position.

What is the No. 1 change that you would like to see implemented in the San Marcos CISD?

Why do you want to serve on the San Marcos CISD Board of Trustees?

David Chiu

Education back ground: Elementary studied both in Shanghai and Hong Kong, Middle school Hong Kong. High school Brisbane, Australia. College; Cisco Jr. College, Texas State University. Qualification: Raised 3 well educated daughters, Community service served: Board Chair San Marcos Chamber, President Texas State Friends of Fine Art. Served on selection committee for Texas State University President. Advisory Board College Education, International Study, Mayor of San Marcos. Austin Chamber Board, Envision Central Texas Board, ACC Foundation, alum Austin Area Research Organization. Motivation; better academic achievements for our children. A Acceptable rating is not acceptable by me or this community.

Advocated the Academy Concept for our High School now in place. Pushed for collaborative academic programs with Texas State University Math and Art Dept, we have now Math Work and String Orchestra programs in place. Pushed for re-allocate 1.5 million dollars from construction fund to academic excellence fund, More academic challenging programs for advance students, additional teachers, provide tutorials for students needing help, additional tech programs into class rooms. Number one change ( all above parts of that change ) an academic and career curriculum that would adequately prepare our students for University education or at work place.

From experience, as trustee in 1998. I advocated the high school academy concept. Time, effort invested. An academy program Director was hired. However when I left to serve as your Mayor, the academy was canceled. This time all changes accomplished with BOARD SUPPORT I want to make sure they bear fruit. Not be endangered by change of Board make up. Plus there are much to be done.

Judy Little Allen

Education: BS degree from Southwest Texas State University (with a teaching certification), MS degree from University of Missouri in Family Economics and Management, Ph.D. from Texas Tech University in Home Economics Education. Experience/Training: Completing 9 years SMCISD Board of Trustees, President SMCISD Board 4 years, Vice-President 1 year, 200+ hours Board of Trustee continuing education, Professor at Texas State University. Motivation: ensuring students receive a quality education in order to become successful, productive members of society. Additional leadership responsibilities: past national president American Council on Consumer Interest, past state president Texas Home Economics Association, 40 years university teaching .

Mobil technology (IPads, Kindles, etc.) must be available for all students in SMCISD. Traditional classrooms of students sitting in rows listening to a teacher, working out a workbooks, etc. is not effective with today’s “tech savvy” students. Evolving technology infiltrates our entire world. Therefore, we must ensure our students are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of both the present and the future. Yes, technology is expensive, but it is far more expensive to fall behind and not give our students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.

I want to serve on the SMCISD because I believe one of my greatest strengths is the ability to analyze problems from a holistic perspective. The role of the Board is to set policies which require one to stay focused on the “big picture”. A review of my 9 years on the board indicates that my decisions as a Trustee have been student centered while respecting our financial resources. I believe that the board needs someone with a strong commitment to student success, strong educational background and strong ties to San Marcos. I am that person.

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Trustee At-Large

Hays Consolidated Independent School District (Voters can choose one of the three candidates)

List your experience, education, and training that qualify you for this position.

What is the No. 1 change that you would like to see implemented in the Hays CISD?

Why do you want to serve on the Hays CISD Board of Trustees?

Doug Ragsdale

As an educator of thirty-nine years, I have served students as an administrator, coach, counselor, bus driver, but most importantly as a classroom teacher. In my 22 years at Hays High School, I have been on the Campus Leadership Team for 19 and served as chairman of that committee for 16 years. On a district level, I’ve served on the Superintendent’s liaison team, the district curriculum committee, the district assessment committee and the district zoning committee. I possess a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling and have 36 credit hours toward a Mid-Management Certificate.

The pressure on students and teachers generated by state testing norms is enormous. As a board member, I would want to explore means and methods by which individual teachers become the first line of ideas relative to the implementation and direction of state curricula. By developing ownership in the execution of the functional delivery of state designated standards, teachers can better recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the plan and quickly act to either reinforce or extend as dictated by student success.

After thirty-nine years in public education I am retiring June 1. When considering the options for post-retirement: playing with my grandkids, watching little league and having lunch at school on grand-parents day, it dawned on me that my experiences as an educator give me a unique perspective for a school board member—a view from within the classroom at the prime level of instruction!! The ability to evaluate decisions proportional to the exper-ience of actual instruction allows me to consider the ramifications of policy and budget referenced to the impact on the individual student to teacher relationship.

Eric John

No response. Holly Smith Raymond

My Hays education was vital in attaining my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UT’s renowned accounting program. I’ve since applied that knowledge in a decade-plus of financial and operations advisement to world-class companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. I know what it takes for these bodies to succeed and have seen the missteps that are detrimental to their missions. I presently serve as VP of Finance and Operations for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas and see our district’s challenges first-hand as Hays CISD Education Foundation Treasurer, PTA Member, and most importantly, mother of Madalyn, Beck, and Bristol.

Strengthened financial and operational integrity measures. The hallmarks of Hays County continue to fuel skyrocketing growth in our district. This compels us to ensure a strong financial foundation that will sustainably support the academic and developmental needs of our current and future students. And with the funding challenges we’ve seen from the state, we must practice financial vigilance more than ever to get every dollar needed for our students and teachers. I plan to apply my finance and operations expertise and district service experience to make sure that happens for our kids and those we entrust them to.

Hays has given more to me than I’ll ever be able to return, so I have a responsibility to give back in every way I can. From my first days as a Buda Elementary Kindergartener, to turning my graduation tassel at Jack C. Hays, our district’s teachers and curriculum effectively prepared me for academic and professional success. And now, as my children and their peers prepare for their own futures in this rapidly changing world, I feel a personal responsibility to actively protect them. Contributing my experience and expertise to our board is an outstanding avenue for that aim.

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District 3 Trustee

Hays Consolidated Independent School District (Voters can choose one of the two candidates.)

List your experience, education, and training that qualify you for this position.

What is the No. 1 change that you would like to see implemented in the Hays CISD?

Why do you want to serve on the Hays CISD Board of Trustees?

Bert Bronaugh, Jr.

I have been involved in Hays CISD since 1993, when my first son started Kindergarten at Tom Green Elementary. I have four children who have been, and are going through, Hays Schools. The oldest two are attending Texas A&M University, and I have one in Hays High School and another in Barton Middle School. I have worked with the Cub Scout Pack, based at Tom Green, from 1993 through 2006, serving several different positions, including Charter Organization Representative and Cubmaster. Many of these positions required extensive interaction with the District and school employees. I served on the PTA/PTO for Tom Green.

I would like us, as a district, to focus more on supporting our teachers and staff. They are the people who deal with our children one-on-one. Our purpose is to educate and prepare our students for their life ahead. They have a passion for students, and have dedicated their education and working lives to this end, and we need to give them all of the help that we can. The recent budget cuts have hurt us all, but, as the slogan that we saw last year said, ‘Education cuts don’t heal’, they continue to have to stretch themselves and their resources.

One of the first activities any new board member does is to shake the hands of all of the High School graduates as they receive their diplomas. This is a wonderful 'focus' time. It has helped to keep me focused on what our responsibilities, as Board Members, are. I love to see these young adults be given tools that will help them succeed in the life ahead of them. I feel very blessed to be involved in this. I feel that I have a great deal to offer the district. I am very involved in the community.

Robert Limon

I’ve raised two children in the Hays CISD district and have lived 14 years in District 3, the area I am running to represent. In addition to serving on various committees and campus leadership teams, I had the opportunity to help form the first PTA’s at Tom Green and Barton Middle Schools where I served as President. I have a BBA in Management from St. Edward’s University and 30 years of work experience in the public and private sectors as well as a small business owner. I bring a financial skill set that I feel will benefit the school board.

Not necessarily make a change, but, I’d like to see the district continue to find ways to use the latest in technology to make information readily available to parents, tax payers, and other interested parties. Transparent government is of the utmost importance and quick access to information about our students and about issues facing our district is crucial. I applaud the efforts that have brought us the Parent Portal and the recently release I-phone application.

I believe we have a great community and it’s been a great place for me to live and raise my family. Serving on the school board would be another way for me to give back to my community. I believe I can help make a difference. Part of my recent work experience includes 16 years in accounting and budget and financial analysis at Austin Community College and for the State of Texas. If elected, I’ll bring to the position this financial knowledge and experience to help our board plan for the future and ensure our school system remains financially strong.

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Other elections scheduled for May 12, 2012 in Hays County City of Kyle, Local Option Election regarding alcohol sales City of Wimberley, General Election for Mayor, Council Members Places 2 and 4 Dripping Springs I.S.D, General Election for three School Board Members City of Dripping Springs, General Election for Mayor, two Council Members Unopposed candidates declared elected (election cancelled): City of Kyle for Council Members Places 5 and 6

BALLOT BY MAIL:

Address for Applications for SMCISD Voting by Mail: Hays County Elections Office, 712 S. Stagecoach Trail , Suite 1045, San Marcos, TX 78666, Attention Early Voting Clerk. Requests for applications for ballot by mail must be received in their office by May 4. Other cities or school districts may have different addresses for voting by mail . Call those entities for details , or Hays Elections Administrator, 512-393-7310.

Voting Information

All polling locations are handicapped accessible. The eSlate voting system is fully accessible and has an audio feature which allows any voter to listen to the ballot. You are also entitled to receive assistance if you cannot read or write, or have a physical disability that prevents you from reading or marking the ballot. Tell the election official that you need help voting. You do not have to provide proof of your disability. You MAY be assisted by any person of your choice, OR one election worker during early voting, OR two election workers on Election Day. You may NOT be assisted by your employer, OR an agent of your employer, OR an officer or agent of your union.

The person assisting you must read you the entire ballot, unless you ask to have only parts of the ballot read. The person assisting you must take an oath that he or she will not try to influence your vote and will mark your ballot as you direct. If you choose to be assisted by polling place officials, a poll watcher and/or state election inspector present in the polling place may observe the voting process to be sure that the ballot has been marked as you wanted. If you ask to be assisted by a person of your choosing, no one else may watch you vote.

Interpreters at the polls: If you cannot speak English, or communicate only with sign language, you may use an interpreter to help you communicate with election officials. You may select any registered voter of your county to be your interpreter. If you cannot read the ballot, your interpreter may translate the ballot for you in the voting booth, after taking the Assistant Oath.

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Early Voting Dates: April 30 – May 8, 2012

Early Voting Locations for all Hays County Elections

ELECTION NAME DATES & HOURS FOR VOTING SAN MARCOS C.I.S.D. (Two Members @ Large) Elections Office at Hays County Government Ctr. Monday April 30 7am – 7pm 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Meeting Rms 1& 2 Tuesday May 1 – Friday May 4 8am – 5pm San Marcos, TX 78666 Saturday May 5 10am – 2pm Monday May 7 7am – 7pm Tuesday May 8 8am – 5pm

CITY OF KYLE (Local Option Elections) Kyle City Hall Monday April 30 7am – 7pm 100 W. Center St. Tuesday May 1 – Friday May 4 8am – 5pm Kyle, TX 78640 Saturday May 5 10am – 3pm Monday May 7 7am – 7pm H.C.I.S.D. Administration Office Tuesday May 8 8am – 5pm 21003 IH 35 Kyle, TX 78640 HAYS C.I.S.D. (One Member @ Large & One Single Member District 3) Kyle City Hall Monday April 30 7am – 7pm 100 W. Center St. Tuesday May 1 – Friday May 4 8am – 5pm Kyle, TX 78640 Saturday May 5 10am – 3pm Monday May 7 7am – 7pm H.C.I.S.D. Administration Office Tuesday May 8 8am – 5pm 21003 IH 35 Kyle, TX 78640 CITY OF WIMBERLEY Wimberley Community Center Monday April 30 7am – 7pm 14068 Ranch Road 12 Tuesday May 1 – Friday May 4 8am – 5pm Wimberley, TX 78676 Saturday May 5 10am – 2pm Monday May 7 7am – 7pm Tuesday May 8 8am – 5pm DRIPPING SPRINGS I.S.D. (Elect up to Three @ Large Members) D.S.I.S.D. Administration Office Monday April 30 7am – 7pm 510 West Mercer Street Tuesday May 1 – Friday May 4 8am – 4pm Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Saturday May 5 10am – 2pm

Monday May 7 7am – 7pm Tuesday May 8 8am – 4pm

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Election Day Polling Locations open 7 a.m to 7 p.m May 12 (See Voter Registration Card for District Number or call Hays County Election office, 393-7310.) SAN MARCOS CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (SMCISD). SMCISD District 1: Former Elections Office, 401 C Broadway St., San Marcos SMCISD District 2: San Marcos Housing Resident’s Office, 820 Sturgeon St., San Marcos SMCISD District 3: Martindale Baptist Church, Main Street, Martindale SMCISD District 3: Dunbar Center, 801 MLK Dr., San Marcos SMCISD District 4: Crockett Elementary School, 1300 Girard St., San Marcos SMCISD District 5: Travis Elementary School, 1437 Post Road, San Marcos CITY OF WIMBERLEY Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley DRIPPING SPRINGS I.S.D. D.S.I.S.D. Administration Office, 510 West Mercer St., Dripping Springs Sunset Canyon Baptist Church, 4000 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs CITY OF KYLE AND HAYS CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (HCISD) HCISD District 1: Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center St., Kyle HCISD District 2: Tobias Elementary School, 1005 E FM 150, Kyle HCISD District 3: Chapa Middle School, 3311 Dacy Lane, Kyle HCISD District 4: Hays Hills Baptist Church (School Only) 1401 N. FM 1626, Buda HCISD District 5: Performing Arts Center, 979 Koehler’s Crossing, Kyle HCISD District 5: Driftwood Community Center, (School Only) Hwy. 150 W, Driftwood __________________________________________________________________________________

Website for Hays County Elections Office: http://www.co.hays.tx.us/index.php/government/elections-and-voting/

Phone number for Hays County Elections Administrator: 512-393-7310