By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

Dr. Gary Stretcher is looking for a more permanent position on the Port Neches-Groves ISD Board of Trustees.

Stretcher, vice president for academic affairs at Lamar State College-Port Arthur, is running for Place 4 on the board, a position with two years remaining on unexpired term. He was appointed to the position on Dec. 11 to fill the vacancy resulting from Jim Westbrook’s resignation.

Stretcher, 55, and his wife of 33 years, Sandy, have two children, Jennifer and John. They have lived in Port Neches 12 years and plan to spend the rest of their lives there.

“A community can only be as strong as its institutions, the services it provides and the quality of life it offers. A high-quality school district is the best way I know to ensure the futures of the Port Neches and Groves communities,” Stretcher said.

For Stretcher, a primary issue is to see the results of the bond election carried through to completion.

“I was on the board when the proposal was presented to the voters, so I feel a responsibility to the community to make certain that the new buildings and improvements that were promised come about and that the program is carried out in a cost-efficient manner,” he said.

Stretcher said a second issue he sees is the percentage of PN-G graduates going to college. Although 68 percent of 2006 seniors went on to pursue higher education, Stretcher said that because most jobs being created today require some level of post-high school education, “it is the duty of the school district to make sure every available resource for advanced education is provided to our children.”

He considers his 34 years of employment experience in education experience for the position as well as a career as a college administrator, his involvement in community activities and being a parent of two PN-G graduates.

“However, much of the understanding I have gained regarding budgeting, construction, legal, personnel, and planning matters is directly related to duties performed by a trustee,” he said.

Stretcher has a doctorate of education, a master of science degree in guidance and counseling and a bachelor of science degree, all from East Texas State University, Commerce, Texas.

Stretcher’s memberships include serving as past president of the North Port Arthur Rotary Club and the Texas Association of Community College Instructional Administrators. He is a member of the Port Neches Masonic Lodge No. 1163 and on the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the City of Port Neches, board of directors for the Regional Red Cross Chapter, board of directors of the Partnership of Southeast Texas, Congressman Ted Poe’s Education Advisory Committee, and the Port Neches Team Cities Committee.

Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com.