Our view: Wilkinson’s presence on AISD board will be missed

The Amarillo Independent School District Board of Trustees lost a tireless advocate for the public education cause last week when Cristy Wilkinson tendered her resignation.

Wilkinson, who also was the board’s vice president, brought a unique perspective, having served in the district as a teacher and administrator for four decades prior to joining the board. Those credentials gave her unmatched institutional knowledge and informed her deep and abiding interest in student and classroom teacher success.

The board has been down the familiar path of selecting capable replacements before, and it will follow similar protocols in looking to fill Wilkinson’s place on the board by a deadline of year’s end.

Wilkinson was elected to the board in May 2017 and has built a reputation of excellence as both an educator and as a board member.

“It is really with a heavy heart for me to read this tonight,” AISD Superintendent Doug Loomis said. “Cristy has been a friend for many years. She was a colleague … she was a wonderful person. She helped instill what early childhood ought to look like in this district and held us accountable for that, which I will surely miss.”

Wilkinson’s years of AISD experience gave her a crystal-clear vision about the educational experience young people should receive as well as the expectations the district should meet every day in every classroom at every campus.

“In her time on the board, I know she worked tirelessly that our policies lined up to our mission of educating students,” said Aaron Phillips, a fifth-grade teacher and president of the Amarillo Education Association. “I think a lot of educators in this community saw her as a beacon of hope in a district that has a lot of challenges.”

Wilkinson’s decision represents the third resignation from the board this calendar year as trustees Renee McCown and John Blanchard each has also stepped down. Under district policy, trustees can either appoint someone to fill a vacancy or call for a special election.

The board will follow the process that led to the appointments of David Nance and Kayla Mendez, who joined the board prior to the start of the school year in August. As was the case then, the board is looking for a person passionate bout AISD students and the city of Amarillo.

We would be remiss if we did not thank Wilkinson for her devoted service to the AISD, its students, teachers and staff. We also wish her well in whatever the next chapter of life might hold for her.

“Cristy Wilkinson is someone I deeply respect,” said fellow trustee Kimberly Anderson, echoing a sentiment of many. “She has dedicated the past four decades of her life to our kids. That’s substantial. Her resignation is a tremendous loss for the board and the district.”

The timetable for selecting a replacement is intense. Applications are due by noon Wednesday (Nov. 26), and they will be reviewed during the week of Dec. 2 with a final decision possible by the Dec. 9 board meeting.

We encourage those who have a heart for service, education and community (not necessarily in that order) to consider this important responsibility. The work of the school board is vital and all too often unappreciated, but it the kind of work that literally shapes the future.