LeNorman leans on experience
Oct. 21—Ryan LeNorman is running for the Huntsville ISD Board of Trustee Position 4.
LeNorman believes as an HISD School Board Trustee, his responsibilities will be to actively engage the school district, its employees and students, as well as the community to support and promote the school's mission, vision, strategic goals, and policy positions.
"A trustee should focus on the long-range strategic approach of the district and refrain from becoming involved in individual management, personnel, or curricular matters," LeNorman said.
When asked what he though makes an effective school board member, he had this to say.
"Effective school board members are engaged in the school district, the community, and the leadership of Walker County," LeNorman said. "Furthermore, a member must understand that they are not an individual decision maker; instead, they are part of a board of decision-makers, and the decisions made by the board are championed as 'one voice of one team.'"
What is your vision for education in the community? How does it support the economy and quality of life in the community?
"A Huntsville Hornet's success depends on a vision for the district that provides a clear path that every Hornet and their parents can stand behind. We can foster a school district that continues to produce successful citizens through effective leadership and an engaged community and staff," LeNorman said. "Successful citizens impacted by their school district see their duty to give back to their community. As a successful former Hornet myself, I see how HISD impacted my career and how important it is to provide opportunities for success to all students at HISD."
LeNorman said he will engage the community to improve public schools in the district through relationships.
"Community engagement requires relationships with current supporters and developing new supporters that symbolize Hornet Pride. Championing Hornet Pride as a School Board member is imperative," LeNorman said. "This means modeling pride in Hornet Nation by being present in the community and consistently speaking of how Hornet Nation has made a difference in past, present, and future citizens."
He added that engagement has often centered around financial support for programs.
"We must also focus on model support as well. Our community needs to see its leaders be engaged in modeling Hornet Pride," LeNorman said. "A proud community motivates not just the students but the faculty and staff. This leads to positive recruitment/retention, engaged parents, and a thriving school system."
What in your background leads you to believe that you would be an effective school board member?
"As discussed previously, a champion for Hornet Nation is best suited from a hometown Hornet. As a proud graduate, I understand what impacts HISD can have on our future citizens," LeNorman said. "I have spent my professional career giving back to the Walker County community as a Volunteer Firemen and Paramedic and to the State of Texas and the United States of America as an educator and strategic team leader."
He said that as a Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service graduate with a Master's Degree in Public Service Administration and Homeland Security, he has effectively developed the necessary skills to serve in this position for our community.
What are your three overall education priorities that, in a perfect world, you would accomplish during your time in office? How will you go about achieving them? Why are these the most important?
"Arriving in the HISD Board of Trustees position, it is essential to remember that you are one voice and one team. A new member should avoid coming in with an agenda to accomplish in their term," LeNorman said. "You can still have priorities in your approach to decision-making. My priorities include building a resilient school district that can withstand challenges and adapt to changes as they arise."
He said that can include developing and implementing effective resource management, flexible learning opportunities, effective stakeholder engagement for decision-making, clear and comprehensive emergency response plans, and continuous improvement and evaluation of all initiatives.
"Second, my decisions will focus on improving competitive recruitment and retention by building a supportive environment that nurtures and develops our district employees," LeNorman said. "This includes growing district investment in the faculty and staff to ensure a consistent foundation for our learners. Finally, my decisions will focus on growing community, student, and district employee engagement by championing Hornet Pride. This means remaining transparent with our community, students, and district employees on the decisions and policies affecting them."
Contact Brenda Poe at editor@itemonline.com
