Nederland ISD trustee candidate Marty Byrd wants to be a trusted voice for teachers in the district.

Byrd, 46, is a supervisor for Shell Pipeline where he has been employed for the last 24 years.

“Our teachers and our kids are the backbone of our society,” Byrd said. “I want be able to help them grow and become leaders. I think we have some great teachers in place and some great kids. I don’t want see none of our teachers lose money.”

NISD is looking at a potential decrease in state funding as lawmakers chip away at public school funding.

Byrd believes NISD needs accountability for every penny spent.

“We need to evaluate how we spend money on material and services,” he said when asked what steps should the board take to better deal with a decrease in funding. “I think we should have price negotiations with our vendors, suppliers, and contractors, letting them know that we will use whoever can provide the best service for the best price.”

His motivation for seeking a seat on the board of trustees comes from his “established history of community service.”

“I want to submit viable plans to see the needed changes take place in our school district,” he said. “With my deep roots and leadership in these community organizations, I have already established a trusting and effective working relationship with the city administration, the school administration, local businesses and most importantly city residents.”

Byrd is a member of the Cosmopolitan Masonic Lodge 872, Nederland Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, IBEW Union 479, Nederland Chamber of Commerce and Mid-County Noon Optimist Club.

He has held executive positions on the board of Nederland South Little League, Nederland Babe Ruth League, and Nederland Youth Football League, co-founders of the Nederland Youth Sports Association and currently serve as the President of the association.

Byrd is married with two sons and is a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Nederland.

1. What do you think about the tax rate in your community and what should be done about it?

NISD tax rate is one of the lowest in Jefferson County at $1.11 with 3/4 of it going toward maintenance and operations which covers all operating costs and overhead. NISD has the best teachers and to keep this quality education is worth the current tax rate.

2. What steps should the board take to better deal with a decrease in funding?

NISD needs accountability for every penny spent.  We need to evaluate how we spend money on material and services. I think we should have price negotiations with our vendors, suppliers, and contractors, letting them know that we will use whoever can provide the best service for the best price.

3. Do you foresee a tax increase or bond issue in the district’s future?

Possibly, but I would want to study the data first to be sure. It has been well publicized that we need to do something and I have some creative ideas that could potentially save the district money with the cost reductions going towards our children’s education and teacher’s pay raises.

4. State your platform in 75 words or fewer.

My motivation for being on the school board comes from my established history of community service. I want to submit viable plans to see the needed changes take place in our school district. With my deep roots and leadership in these community organizations, I have already established a trusting and effective working relationship with the city administration, the school administration, local businesses and most importantly city residents.