Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees

WV: What do you want to accomplish if elected?

Maxwell: Seeing the vision of the bond package through to fruition is high on the list. I would like to continue working on expanding the partnership with Austin Community College as well as, working to define some better measurements for our younger student’s educational success than just that of STAAR. Upon graduation, having more students depart with certifications that can help them enter a competitive job market or with a trade they can develop into a lifelong career. Finally, expanding on the ‘Buddies” program currently in the primary grades, to our JH students who could use some mentorship at those pivotal years.

WV: What are the biggest changes you think WISD will face in the coming years and how would you address them?

Maxwell: We are seeing a heavier emphasis on the need for trades/certifications and high school direct to job market skills. WISD must meet these needs and this requires planning ahead for personnel and financing to provide certifications & skills to our graduates.

State financing is also continuing to diminish more & more each year. With “Robin Hood” funds already going back to the state from our district and increased unfunded mandates, WISD must continue to do more with less. Having experience in both of these areas and specific training/knowledge in Career and Tech education, this area is of great interest to me.

WV: Throughout the design, bidding and construction of the new elementary school, what are your priorities and plans for oversight?

Maxwell: Part of my plans for oversight are already in place in the form of a construction management firm which we have not had in the past bonds. Their contract requires regular reports and communication to ensure we stay the course and in the most fiscally responsible of ways. The priorities I have for this project are already in the works. We have met with architects, traffic control, the county and our staff has been providing input for many weeks. I want to see foresight within all aspects to allow these capital improvements allowing for any growth over the next 10 years.

WV: What are areas of education that you would like to see implemented or emphasized within the school district for our students?

Maxwell: I will focus on two that are the top of my list given limited space. First, the continued expansion of our career and tech programs. We need to continue to provide certifications and opportunities for our students to leave HS with real world skills. We had moved away from trades in the last several years to focus on college readiness, per TEA/ Legislative mandates but our students do not all fit a conventional college path. Leading to the second, partnering with Austin Community College to make more certifications and classes available to our students through Early College Start as well as to our community.

WV: How do you plan to support Wimberley’s teachers and WISD staff?

Maxwell: As I have already, I will continue to focus on better pay and stipends. We were able to implement increases this year, with higher experience levels receiving more vs. a singular raise across the board. I will continue to be available to all and more importantly seek their input into decisions that directly affect the classrooms as they are the best source on how change impacts the students. I am very appreciative and love to see engagement of the students in “out of the box” ways and encourage our staff to bring forward ideas for the board to help fund.