Paid endorsement letters, April 27-28

These students, older now, have come back to Denton. They live here, eat here, work here and serve here, continuing to be a thread in the diverse tapestry that is Denton.

As their teacher, I know the unique, yet significant, contributions they made to our school, traits they perpetuate today as Denton teachers, police officers and small business owners.

Once a teacher, always a teacher, I continue to support and advocate for whatever is in their best interest … a city with leadership that will help foster the opportunities and the environment I wished for them when they were sitting in my classroom … leadership like that of Jill Jester.

In the almost 15 years that I have known her, Jill has made service an art. No matter what the organization, if Jill felt strongly, it was serving all of Denton, she offered her service. She offered her voice. She offered her support. Even though they are grown now, I feel like my students will always need, and deserve, a champion for their best interests. What a blessing to call that champion my friend.

Kimberly Villarreal-Thaggard,

Denton

Understanding the importance of school board trustees

After attending three election forums, none drawing large crowds, I’ve realized that many people may not recognize the importance of how school boards function. Also, some suggestions and promises made by the two challengers to incumbent trustees indicate a lack of specific knowledge of what school board members can actually do.

The official roles of Texas school board members: approve the tax rate (set by Texas Education Agency), approve the district budget, set policy, hire the superintendent, advocate for public schools and support district professionals as they do their jobs.

School trustees do not micromanage but rather govern. For example, board members are NOT on subcommittees for the budget process, for writing curriculum, for making book selections, for hiring employees (except superintendent) or for determining insurance and employee benefits.

A board member is a positive spokesperson for the district. Trustees listen to students, teachers, parents and community members as they share accomplishments and concerns. They visit schools, attend school ceremonies, performances, competitions and are visible in the community. A trustee can share concerns (limited) with the superintendent.

DISD’s incumbents, Barbara Burns and Sheryl English, understand the workings and ethics of being a board member. They understand fiscal responsibility. They show concern for every child in the district and recognize that education is not “one size fits all.” DISD needs their continued expertise.

Please vote for Burns and English during early voting at any Denton voting center through April 30 or your precinct on May 4. Our future depends on it.

Jane Welborn,

Denton

Place 6 candidate Jill Jester is visible and engaged in Denton

I am writing this letter in support of Jill Jester for City Council Place 6.

I first met Jill at the Denton Public School Foundation Gala. Jill was a Denton High graduate and decided to return to Denton to work with her father. Through the years I have enjoyed visiting with Jill and her husband, Chris, at a variety of community events. I currently have had the pleasure of serving with Jill on the TWU Board of Regents. When Jill was our board chair, she did an amazing job of pivoting from in person to virtual meetings during COVID-19.

Jill is a wonderful listener and has taken time out of her busy schedule to represent TWU at local events. Jill has a strong sense of community and a passion for serving her hometown.

As a small business owner, Jill understands the importance of city services to support the right development in Denton that include police and fire protection. Jill’s excellent communication skills are essential in promoting Denton and advocating for residents.

As a former PTA council delegate and hospitality chair for Newton Rayzor, Calhoun Middle School and Denton High, I believe that Jill is the right person for Place 6 because she lives and works in Denton, making her visible and engaged.

Bernadette Carrasco Coleman,

Denton

Burns has the experience to help make DISD one of the best

Dear voters of Denton, this letter is to tell you about your possibility of reelecting a person who has faithfully served Denton Independent School District for 30 years.

Barbara Burns has taught in a classroom, so she recognizes the needs of students and teachers. Barbara has fostered open communication between administration, faculty, staff and families.

Barbara has earned the respect of her colleagues and community as a twice-elected DISD school board member. She has worked diligently to channel resources to the students and the classroom, to the overwhelming benefit of students, families and teachers. This position, as Mrs. Burns approaches it is not only an honorary or figurehead position, but one to help make our school district one of the best in the state.

Please vote for Barbara Burns as she is the best candidate to continue her work for our students, families, teachers and community.

Jerrie Allen (a retired teacher who continues to volunteer and happily supports Barbara Burns),

Denton

Reelect Barbara Burns and Sheryl English to the school board

I support Barbara Burns for Place 1 and Sheryl English for Place 2, Denton ISD school board.

Barbara Burns dedicated her career to teaching in Denton public schools. Her post-teaching career is a continuation of service to Denton area children, teachers and families. By her actions, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to our community. She understands firsthand the immense responsibility (and difficulty) of fostering learning and creativity in the classroom. DISD residents can trust Mrs. Burns as a steward of our public schools.

Sheryl English is a champion for all Denton-area children and families. She makes time to listen. Prior to joining the school board, she proved her commitment to Denton ISD and the greater Denton community through years of volunteer service. There is no doubting Ms. English’s resolve to serve all young learners, their parents and guardians, and teachers in DISD schools.

Barbara Burns and Sheryl English continue to show up for DISD families and schools. In spite of onerous testing requirements and unfunded mandates imposed by the state, Denton ISD has maintained strength in core areas while expanding success in music, fine arts and athletics, language programs, pre-K, and the LaGrone Academy for professional training, to name a few.

We should reelect Barbara Burns and Sheryl English for Denton ISD. Through their records and proven commitment, these two leaders have earned our community’s trust. As a Denton ISD parent and resident, I am thankful for their continued service.

Lucas Holl,

Denton