Trustee won't seek re-election to school board

After a six-year run, Carroll ISD trustee John Thane has announced that he will not seek a third term on the school board.

"I have been on the board nearly six years, and I wanted to be more involved in my children's school years, as my eldest will be a senior next year," Thane said. "I plan on remaining involved with the school district from a volunteer capacity, and I feel I might be able to make more of a difference. I don't look at this as a closed door; there may be other public offices for me in the future."

Thane said the school board has made many accomplishments throughout his six years.

"In the face of daunting economic challenges we have maintained a standard of excellence in education that prepares our students for their futures in a world where achieving success has grown much more competitive and complex. Even with dwindling state support and short-sighted political agendas, we continue to utilize our financial resources in a conservative yet effective manner," Thane said. "By carefully and methodically building our financial reserves to $30 million dollars we have protected our tradition of outstanding academics and extracurricular achievements. Most importantly, the primary focus has been, as it always should be, on our students."

Thane also said the projects approved in the most recent bond package will benefit students for decades to come. The bond package included construction of two new schools and renovations at every other campus that Thane said improved facilities that not only expand the opportunities for students but also conserve maintenance and operations funds.

"The investment in advanced and highly efficient solar arrays and geothermal heating/cooling systems in the new buildings has significantly reduced the district's utility expenses, keeping more money available in the classrooms," Thane said. "All of this has been achieved without increasing taxes. In fact, contrary to what some may have you believe, the board has decreased taxes over the past several years, and we currently have the lowest tax rate of the past decade. I consider the partnership with our taxpayers established by the approval of these projects to be one of the most significant endeavors of my service on the board."

Thane also highlighted the investments made in upper-level science labs, the purchase of band instruments, fine arts funding, foreign language, state-of-the-art technology in every classroom at every grade and funding for extra-curricular programs made possible by a managed budget.

Thane recognized that not every one of the board's decisions were easy and pain-free.

"Instituting increased bus rider fees was difficult, but necessary to help defray the costs associated with this service. Payroll expenses, the district's largest operating cost, were reduced through attrition and not rehiring for those positions," Thane said. "This prevented a direct employee furlough and shaved over $3 million off our expenses but, unfortunately, forced larger class sizes that further stretch our teachers and ultimately impact our students."

Thane said the budgeting process also left the district unable to provide more than 1.5 percent raise for teachers and staff in the last several years.

"With rising costs of living coupled with the active recruitment of our teachers and administrators by other districts, we are faced with the potential of losing many of the outstanding individuals that have such a positive impact on our kids," Thane said. "It is a frustrating reality, and one that I know has many parents and taxpayers concerned."

Thane said he has always enjoyed being involved in the community, and his time on the school board cemented that feeling. He plans to remain engaged in community activities in the future.

"Our students are challenged and accountable. They are highly regarded for both academics and athletics. Their achievements have propelled the district to recognition across the state and country. Our talented instructors paved the way for this success and turnover is at its lowest point in many years because CISD is a great place to work," Thane said. "We remain one of the largest exemplary districts in Texas. The partnership of parents, students, staff, and taxpayers has created a district built upon the guiding principles of quality academics and a tradition of excellence. While there is still work to be done, it has been an honor to serve."

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