Student achievement and fiscal accountability are two main issues for Port Arthur ISD, according to trustee candidate Mary Jean George.

“We have to make improvements. It is critically important that every child receive a quality education, whether they have special needs, are an average student or are gifted,” she said.

George said people may not realize it but the school district has earned extremely high fiscal performance ratings.

“We need to keep that as a priority and at the same time being very responsible to taxpayers and use of their money,” she added.

Keeping and recruiting teachers, enlisting additional community involvement, the enhancement of the district’s reputation and harmony among school board members are also priorities.

“Harmony doesn’t mean you can’t disagree with one another. You can hash out differences and come to a consensus without dislike and nastiness,” she said. “Like a family discussion, each person voices their opinion.”

George, a former college professor and past school board member, decided to run for one of the two vacant spots on the school board as the deadline for applications neared and no candidate came forth.

The performance of Superintendent Johnny Brown within the district has not gone unnoticed by George.

“I am very pleased with his leadership and think he is moving the district in the right direction,” she said. It’s important to let the superintendent be the superintendent.”

George, a Montgomery, Ala., native, is a product of Port Arthur ISD having attended school from kindergarten through high school in the district. She went on to work as a research technician, teacher at St. Mary School of Nursing in Galveston and the University of Texas Medical Branch before serving as instructor of biochemistry and chemistry. She later worked part time as a bookkeeper for her husband, Dr. W.D. George.

Her community activities include PTA at numerous PAISD schools, president of the South Jefferson County Medical Auxiliary, Port Arthur Public Schools Foundation, Camp Fire Girls and has been part of three bond committees in the district as well as other advisory committees.

She is a member of First Baptist Church where she serves on several committees.

She and her husband have three children and two grandchildren.