NISD school board members seek reelection

Published 9:44 am Thursday, February 14, 2019

By Chris Moore

chris.moore@panew.com

 

NEDERLAND — With May elections looming, two school board members are seeking reelection and were yet unopposed Thursday.

School board president Suzanne Isom and Secretary Nicholas Phillips filed to run for their respective seats.

Isom, who has held the seat for 18 years, said she first decided to get involved after the death of her child.

“It’s home to me,” she said. “I love children and love working with the district. When I first ran, I had lost my first son. He was killed in an accident. I was involved in PTA and other school activities. At that time, I felt like I could speak up for his friends. I think parents were afraid to speak up. They could call me and I would be a voice for them. I guess I’m still doing that.”

Isom said she views the overall achievement of the district as a highlight to her tenure.

“I’m proud of the kids and how they’ve scored on tests,” she said. “Their grades and knowledge has increased. We have a very good superintendent who pushes teachers. I’m proud of the school district as whole.”

The Nederland Independent School District’s Citizens Advisory Committee met for the final time Wednesday to discuss a presentation to the board for a potential bond issue. Isom said she hopes a bond will pass come May.

“I’ve been through two other bonds that didn’t pass,” she said. “I hope this one will.”

At the final meeting, Isom said she was not sure of the rules about advocating for a potential bond issue, but she has been on record in the past saying she would like a new school facility.

Phillips was elected to the board in 2010.

“We have a lot of projects going on that I want to be there to see come to fruition,” he said. “I still have a daughter that is still in the school district and I want to make sure that things are taken care of for her and all of the kids in the community.”

Phillips said during his time on the board he is proudest of the district’s ability to increase the fund balance in case of a natural disaster.

“We have a healthy fund balance,” he said. “In the event we have another natural disaster, we’ll be able to continue operations and make sure our employees are paid on time.”

Phillips also was proud of the district’s work with the 2012 bond.

“We took care of some renovations and updated our campuses,” he said. “We made our campuses safer and took care of some of the technology needs so that they can continue to be successful.”

Phillips said the district has a good problem but the district needs to be proactive.

“Nederland is a great district,” he said. “Everybody wants to be there. We have a proven track record of providing excellent education. Our biggest issue we are facing is overcrowding in our schools. It’s a good problem. We’ve done the best we can do with what we have.”

Phillips credits the maintenance department for keeping the buildings clean and safe.

“It’s at the point now where we are out of space,” he said. “I think that is our biggest hurdle we have along with trying to keep up with the technology needs and making sure our schools are safe for the students and the staff members.”

The next school board meeting is Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the NISD administration building.