Dear Rep. Aycock,
It is with great sadness that I
heard the news yesterday that you do not intend to run for another term. This truly is an announcement that will have
far reaching potential implications over the next couple of years. Thank you for your continued support of the
5.2 million public education students in the State of Texas.
As I reflect on the impact of your
announcement, several things come to mind.
First and foremost is how you always kept the needs of all students as a
top priority in your discussions. Students, parents, educators and
others who support public education truly appreciate your efforts in making
certain that Texas has a sound public education system. Your quote about the importance of focusing
on good policy, not party extremes, is truly a reflection of your commitment to
service.
I think back fondly on a couple of
meetings in your office. During the 83rd
Legislative Session, my fellow trustee Bobby J Rigues (Aledo ISD) and I were
privileged to present at three Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) training
sessions on the impact of House Bill 5, major legislation sponsored by
you. You were gracious enough to meet
with us to provide the backdrop that led to this important legislation, focusing
on the topics of curriculum, assessment, and accountability, as well as community
and student engagement. We walked away
with a clearer understanding of the “why” behind the “what.”
Even more impactful to me
personally was a meeting we had with you earlier this year as Bobby and I
developed another TASB presentation to discuss the role and importance of
governance in how trustees oversee district operations. After a brief Q&A video session, your
invitation to sit and talk for an additional 75 minutes was invaluable in
understanding your views on public education.
I'm deeply honored to have had that opportunity to talk.
Your sponsorship of HB 1759 was an
effort that was truly appreciated by advocates of public education. Rather than wait for the courts to decide the
public school funding issue, you made a sincere effort to address concerns
addressed and now pending before the Supreme Court. More importantly, your actions started the
dialog and brought renewed hope among those of us in public education.
Suffice it to say that public
education will lose one of its greatest champions with your retirement. Thank you, Chairman Aycock; I wish you the
very best. All of us who support public
education are deeply indebted to you!
Warmest regards,
Craig Rothmeier
Advocacy Advisor - Make Education
a Priority
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