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School Trustee Election Debate Voters are reminded to attend the debate between the five candidates for School Board Trustee of Moody ISD slated for Thursday, Apr. 27th at 7 p.m. in the Elementary School Cafeteria. This debate will be moderated by Robert Barnes of McGregor and is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Development to help the voters make an informed selection. Five candidates are seeking election to 2 at-large seats for a 3-year term on the Board. Those seeking election are, Eddie Newman and Bennie Hargrove, incumbents. Those seeking to unseat the incumbents are Randy Gates, Staci Stone and Rod Backus. Newman has served 15 years on the board and has two children that graduated from Moody ISD as well as having three nephews and several cousins attending Moody schools. He cites being very active in the extra-curricular activities that the school sponsors as well as serving on the board when the new high school and athletic facility were built. Hargrove is completing his sixth term on the Board. He has had three sons graduate from Moody and currently has two grandsons attending Moody schools. He says that the school should provide a good, well-rounded education that will enable students to attend college or to become productive citizens in the work force. Hargrove says that he believes the board has an obligation to the taxpayers to provide the students’ education at the lowest possible cost but that the quality of education should not be compromised due to the cost. Gates has two children who attend Moody ISD and believes that his commitment to Moody and the youth of Moody is his reason for seeking election to the Board. His experience working in another school district and as a member of a Credit Union Board of Directors gives him knowledge and experience to serve the voters both in securing the best possible education for students but also to be a proper steward of your tax dollars. He is a computer contractor and believes that technology will play an exponentially larger role in our children’s lives and is committed to keeping this philosophy at the top of the discussion list. Stone, 34, is a lifelong resident of Moody. She attended Moody ISD for 13 years and graduated with honors. She attended South West Texas State University and received a degree in Accounting. She has been employed with the McLennan County Auditor’s office for five years. She has two children and promises to make decisions with fairness and compassion as well as to attend the required training for board members. Rod Backus is the father of five children who attend Moody ISD. He has been a resident of Moody for the past 12 years and they are members of Willow Grove Baptist Church. His work experience includes 20 plus years in the Information Technology field. He has managed multiple groups of individuals and large projects. He cites attention to detail, focus on customer support and satisfaction and a strong work ethic that has enabled him to advance in his career. His reason for seeking election to the board is to ensure that his children continue to receive the best possible education. Whomever is elected to the board will serve a three year term and join John Carpenter, president, Benji Parham, Roy Ewing and Carol Haas on the board. The election will be held Saturday, May 13th between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Elementary Cafeteria. Early voting will begin Monday, May 1st. any registered voters may vote early by going to the Administration Office of Moody ISD, 107 Cora Lee Lane. Persons who wish to vote absentee should write a letter to the above address requesting an absentee ballot. An application to vote absentee and a ballot will be returned to you by mail. You may vote and send the ballot back in so that it will arrive at the school by the close of business on Friday, May 12th. |