GENERAL QUESTIONS

Question 1

DNR

"We need to have a greater focus on the student. We may not believe or agree in the testing but we do need to prepare our students in taking the test. I am NOT an advocate of "teaching to the test" but rather preparing the student to do their best, remain calm, read carefully and answer the questions before them. To me it is no different in preparing for the SAT or LSAT but in a more succinct shortened timeline."

"STAAR passage rates are only one performance indicator that should be considered when evaluating the quality of our children’s education. Consistent growth over time is another excellent indicator. The high turnover in DSISD creates lack of continuity which can negatively impact student performance. To remain competitive and provide the best possible learning environment that supports future long-term success of students, we must recruit and retain educators that desire to grow and innovate. We must evaluate and implement teaching methods that improve performance and increase productivity."

DNR

"The budget deficits of the last several years, as well as, the three year projections for continued budget deficits are alarming. This is a trend that must be reversed. We must insist on operating with a balanced budget. This can be accomplished by combing through existing expenditures to find ways to lower expenses to come in below budget so that we can actually use budget surpluses to pay down debt at a faster rate. In the not so distant past, DSISD had millions in savings instead of debt. As we grow, it becomes even more critical to trim the fat and grow responsibly."

DNR

DNR

"We need to look at all aspects of the budget with an open mind yet seeking creative solutions. There are many factors that go in to a budget when dealing with public schools but the goal should be balancing the budget. With that being said, we should never cut funding that impacts our students and we need to find ways to maintain and seek out high quality teachers and teacher aides. People and students are the most important aspect of our district."

DNR

DNR

"The line-item budgeting practice currently being used most often by DSISD offers many advantages. It’s straightforward, simple to administer, and readily understood by school board members, district employees and citizens. The other three types of budgets each have unique advantages and disadvantages. The zero-based budgeting format is intriguing. I would like to evaluate it further to determine if components could be successfully implemented. Zero-based budgeting requires all departments to show various levels of service that could be provided with different levels of funding."

DNR

"A new admin and child care facility is an over reach at this time. It’s best to delay improvements on admin buildings. Relocating the admin building at WSES and then rebuilding WSES will cost hard working tax payers over $40 million. We will not add any student capacity and administrators will have a building that is 40% underutilized. Providing for the needs of a growing student population should be the focus. The 2018 bond did not adequately provide for the growth in elementary student population. The 2018 bond also missed the mark on the growth in the middle school student population."

DNR

DNR

"What has been passed in a previous bond would be extremely difficult to change and we need to respect the voters. But with that being said, the board should always look at all possible options to improve our schools and our school district while also being cost conscious. We have a great community and need as many ideas brought to the table as possible so each option can be evaluated and weighed as to what makes the most sense for DSISD."

DNR

"The Central Appraisal District is mandated by the state budget to raise property values to a certain level each year. All of us need to be working with the State Legislature, our elected Representative and State Senator as well as leadership to make sure public education is
funded because currently it is falling on the local homeowner to fund our public schools. Although HB 3 does address school finance, I have been told by members of the legislature the line item in the budget will not change and there will be an increase each year of the bienniumas to what CAD's are required to raise property val[...]."

"The governing body of each taxing unit decides whether property taxes increase. The Central Appraisal District (CAD) simply assigns property values. Local taxing entities are solely responsible for their own budgets. They control their own revenue, spending, debt and taxation through the adoption of tax rates. Our property tax burden is decided by our locally elected officials and all tax inquires should be directed to those officials, not the CAD. In the case of DSISD taxes, the superintendent and DSISD board of trustees are responsible for the 50% tax increases over the past 8 years."

DNR

"I support a fiscally responsible long term plan for secondary growth that includes options with renderings and budgets. Exploring the option of a 9th grade feeder school now at the cost $30 million allows our community to remain a one high school town for as long as possible and could potentially save us $100 million dollars. I support an approach that tracks actual student population growth and allows for a staged implementation plan which will not spend hard earned tax dollars unnecessarily. I support building modest facilities that are safe & support a positive learning environment."

DNR

DNR

DNR

DNR

DNR

"I believe in full transparency. If, in the future, the DSISD School Board knows and understands that someone will be resigning their seat on the board, I believe the community would be best served by the vacancy being filled by holding a public election. If, in the future, a school board vacancy is filled by appointment, I believe a public/open process is best in order to promote transparency and inclusiveness."

DNR

"I support the creation of a citizen-led DSISD Bond Oversight Committee (BOC). It increases community participation and fiscal accountability, protects the district and builds trust. A recent example that highlights the need for a BOC involves the May 2014 Bond. In May of 2014, voters approved a $92,410,000 bond referendum that included funding for SSE, SSMS, the stadium and expansion of the high school locker room facilities. After the bond was awarded, approximately $10 million was diverted away from schools & locker rooms and reallocated for a field house and press box improvements."

DNR

DNR

DNR

DNR

DNR

"Allowing for superintendent contract term lengths that are longer than DSISD trustee term lengths do not necessarily present public accountability concerns. Historically, our school board trustees have served multiple consecutive three year terms. The main reason for approving longer contract extensions is to lock in high performing superintendents with proven results in order to keep them from being recruited away by other school districts. Additionally, the length of a high performing superintendent’s tenure contributes to a consistent vision that makes a positive impact on performance."

DNR

"This survey asked many thought provoking questions. Although the questions were long and my responses were limited to only 600 characters, this survey provided an opportunity to offer insight and information that will hopefully help voters to be more informed about who I am and how I think. Please feel free to go to www.robsatterfield.com to learn more about me and my qualifications. My desire is to use my gifts to serve the students of this community."

DNR

DNR

"Unfortunately, there was not enough time given to the candidates to answer all of these questions and I do apologize not all 20 questions were answered by me. I encourage you to seek out other publications that requested candidate answers including Community Impact, Dripping Springs Century News and the DSISD website under Candidates.

I look forward to working with everyone in this community and evaluating all the questions posed. I am dedicated to making sure we are working with all the children of the district, seeking the best staff for our children and being good stewards of the taxpayers monies"