I truly appreciate the support that I have been given from the community. I had no idea in the beginning how this all would play out. It all started as a concerned Hudson Pep parent that’s child’s teacher was suddenly forced to retire. At that point is when I decided that there was more going on in our district than just the debacle at Hudson Pep. I started asking questions and listening to teachers issues in the district, and I saw the glimmer of hope in their eyes when I spoke about how we need a change in our district. At that moment I saw the need to help as much as I could to make our schools a better environment for our teachers, staff and children. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 4, so you can say I’m used to battles. I have taken care of myself for well over 30 years proving doctors wrong. To let my supporters know this does not affect my life and will not hinder me in any way if I am a future board member. I believe in the truth no matter if it is good or bad. I am an honest individual that can sometimes come out really abrupt when it comes to telling someone the truth. I was raised in the LISD school districts until graduating high school in 1995. My goal is not to try to change the world, but to change the problems teachers face when it comes to educating our children. With a better work environment and qualified teachers who will stay in our district our children have a great chance for a wonderful education. I do not believe in state testing. I believe this takes away from teaching our children what they need to learn in life. If we get rid of the state testing and teachers are allowed to teach I guarantee you will see a traumatic difference in our success ratings in our schools. I believe special needs children in our district need the proper individuals taking care and teaching them life skill and how to function in everyday life. Let the teachers teach and throw this test in the trash. I have an agenda, and it is to supply our teachers with the tools they need to teach our children. Get rid of all the unnecessary jobs at the ESC building, and put that money back into the school where it should have been in the first place. Give our teachers and students a safe environment to learn in. To hire qualified teachers in our district, not rubber stamping every resume that comes across the board’s deck. If you hire the proper teachers for the job and take care of them you will have an outstanding school. I believe in talking to the teachers and staff to see were our problems lie, not ignore their issues. A school building without teachers is just a building, but a building with teachers is a school. We all in the community need to appreciate teachers they work long hours for little pay, and some even pay out of their pocket to give our children what they need. I believe if you treat your teachers and staff well and take care of them teachers will stay in LISD schools, instead of using us as a stepping stone. In the board meeting Saturday Mr. Williams said that if Longview ISD was so bad why do so many schools out of district hire them? I know the answer because teachers are leaving due to the way they are treated. I do not give up in a fight, never have never will. I’m not a businessman or a doctor, I’m a hard working parent who believes that most of our board live in a fantasy world and have no concept of how the other half lives. I bring truth, heart, and determination to put our district on the map as the best in the state in giving children a quality education. I believe Dr. Wilcox should be fired, along with all the many assistant superintendents. Our school is too large to be run by a 20hr a week part time superintendent who’s concern is not our children. We need one full time superintendent and one assistant superintendent, and once again put the salaries from the many other assistant superintendents we currently have back into the schools. We have become a top heavy district and you must start at the top and eliminate each position not needed. Yes I have tattoos, yes my ears are pierced, and yes I am a bit of a rebel, but I can also be the man this district needs to help guide us in the right location. I thank all teachers, administrators, and staff who struggle every day to change our district for the better. You are the heroes who are so many times over looked. Please help us all in this battle, stand strong, and voice your opinions. By doing this a change will come. Thank You, Jason Bates