Armani Valentino for TISD SCHOOL BOARD at Large - Place #7

In 2020, Armani Valentino, became the youngest and first individual of color to run for the highest position in Bowie County, TX. After continuing to remain committed to the Texarkana community and the youth, he was approached by many to run for TISD SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE. As a son of a retired educator, long-time volunteer tutor, and education workshop facilitator for the past 20+ years, up to the college level, he's a firm believer in education.

He believes that in order for things to get better in the area, we have to make a commitment to supporting the TEACHERS with top pay, resources, and continued education for their career growth. Individuals who would be great in the district opt to go to other places based on pay, overall support, and their ability to be able to serve the needs of the children.

"I love making a difference in the lives of those who make up the community," says Valentino. "A rising tide lifts all boats! The better educated and skilled children we have, the better future we'll have in Texarkana and surrounding areas."

The last 25 years have produced more criminals, government-dependent, drug-dependent, and no-skill-having individuals than we've probably ever seen. While this may not be a problem we can solve 100%, there's a direct correlation between quality education and the things listed above. Quality education includes the community at large, starting with the decision-makers.

What better way to make a difference in the lives of future generations in my city, Texarkana, than to help as a school board trustee?

THE ISSUES

What do you plan to focus on if elected as School Board Trustee?

1.) First of all, by making a sincere push to increase enrollment, instead of losing children to other nearby districts or dropout increases.Then, by being fiscally responsible. Hopefully, we can find creative ways to bring more revenue into the school district WITHOUT costing taxpayers exuberant increases in taxes. Other districts have done so in other parts of the country, we may be able to learn.

2.) Attracting new businesses, industries, and companies that can help students transition from graduation to work. The "apprenticeship" method works for those who may not want to go or feel as if they can't afford college. A community of businesses that are willing to partner and help grow the future leaders in multiple industries along with the school district.

3.) Supporting the police department, public safety department, and community activists to make sure all children feel safe and are protected at school and away from school.

4.) Working with school dieticians and other organizations outside of school to make sure all children have adequate food and aren't going to bed hungry or at school hungry because of their living situation. IT'S HARD TO TEACH A HUNGRY CHILD.

a. PreCovid, 33.1% of households in Texarkana TX, earned less than $25,000/year.

b. Less than 20% of the high school graduates had a bachelor's degree in Texarkana, TX.

c. 57.5% of students were considered at risk of dropping out of school in TISD.

d. 69.5 % of TISD students are economically disadvantaged.

e. Only 23.4 % of students were college ready in both reading & math.

5.) Improve the PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT-ADMINISTRAION-STAFF relationship, and help to create a more cohesive and collaborative path to each child's success.

a. Making sure that parents who were left behind as children aren't left behind as adults and getting them the educational support they need to change the current path they're on. Participation in adult programs will help them increase their earning potential.

b. Fully supporting the needs of the teachers so they aren't having to pay for things they shouldn't have to pay for in order to teach at the highest level. I watched my mother and many of my friends do this out of their own limited personal funds only to not be appreciated. TEACHERS IN TISD EARN $6,006 less than the state average.

c. Making sure each child feels as if they are on a path to achieving their deepest good desires. Hopefully, we can reintroduce the PRIDE motto that has stuck with me throughout my life that I learned at Pine Street Middle School, Personal Responsibility In Daily Efforts. This mindset helped me overcome much and be able to hold myself personally accountable for whether or not I became a productive citizen.

d. Holding EVERYONE accountable for being true servant leaders to guide the success of students at large.

e. Make sure that the pay, support, and opportunities to grow within the district are made available for them, in all capacities.

6. TRANSPARENCY in decisions that will affect the TEXARKANA community at large and the future of children who will soon be working adults. Making sure that communication of changes is made to the public as quickly as possible.

7. ADAPTATION - Being able to adapt to the vast changes and challenges we are facing and that our children are facing. Having the ability to do this will increase the immediate success and we should be able to see the long-term results.

DONATE TO THE CAMPAIGN if you support the above vision.