Yantis ISD Board of Trustees Candidate Profiles
Yantis Independent School District has three candidates running for two full-term at-large seats on the school board.
Early voting by personal appearance in the election began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 7 p.m. April 22; resume from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, April 22-26 and April 30; from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 29, in the Early Voting Room inside Wood County Courthouse, 100 South Main St. in Quitman. Election Day voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in Yantis Elementary School foyer.
To help voters learn a little more about the people seeking office, each school board candidate was asked to provide information about themselves and their candidacy, including their reasons for seeking a seat on the school board. Those responses are shared here, in no particular order, in two separate posts.
APRIL JOHNSON
Family: I am married to Cole, and we have 3 children. Nikolas is 13 and is in the eighth grade here at Yantis Middle School. Lucas, my step-son, is 18 and attends SSISD High School and is a senior. We also have a 2 year old little girl, Rudi Jo, which will be a future Owl.
How long have you lived in the district? I have lived in Yantis since 2005, and my husband is from Yantis.
Education, training, special skills: I graduated from TAMU-C in 2006 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. I have been on YISD school board for 2 years and currently hold the Secretary position
Occupation, job description: I have worked in the pharmaceutical industry since 1995, and have been a Certified/Registered Pharmacy Technician since 1999. I currently am a stay-at-home mom; as well as run our local business. Cole and I run/own/operate Johnsonville Mx Farm, a motocross track, here in Yantis. We have several races and practices throughout the year.
Why are you seeking this office? I’m seeking re-election for a seat on the school board for numerous reasons.
I, along with my fellow board members, want to continue to have a great environment that encourages learning and attracts the best teachers and administrators.
I care about the health, welfare and safety of the children and staff at YISD. I have had a child in YISD since he was in pre-k (10 years), as well as one that will be attending in the future.
Compliance is very important to me. I performed daily audits and assisted insurance companies in pharmacy audits for 30 pharmacy locations as well as keeping those pharmacies compliant with DEA, TXDPS, TSBP and all insurance companies for Medicine Chest for 10 years.
What do you think is most important for voters to know about your or your candidacy? I will continue to strive to make sure the taxes that are paid are being spent wisely and in the best interest of the students/district.
I am also involved with the Yantis Area Chamber of Commerce. I am the secretary/treasurer.
JENNIFER LARKIN
Occuation, job description: I am the Sales Support Coordinator at M&F Western Products in Sulphur Springs where I have worked for 7 years.
Family information/how long have your lived in Yantis ISD? I have lived in Yantis for 8 years with my son Brant, 12 and daughter Kennlee, 7. They both attend school at Yantis ISD.
Education, training, special skills: I am a member of Trinity Harvest Church in Sulphur Springs and my children also attend Wednesday Night Live at First Baptist in Yantis. I have served on our church infant and toddler ministry team for 5 years. I am an active member of my community. I am currently the president of Yantis Baseball Association and have served on the board for three years. My family and I also enjoying helping with the annual Hoops Dreams buddy basketball.
Why are you seeking this office? I am running for school board because I would like to be a voice for children’s education in our community.
What do you think is most important for voters to know about your or your candidacy? I am passionate about helping our children grow through a positive community based school district. I would also be a strong supporter in helping our teachers and administers in reaching and exceeding their educational goals. I look forward to hearing suggestions and ideas to help move our children forward and always build them up.
JEFF QUINN
Family information: wife Christie, high school science teacher at Yantis ISD; 2 boys, Creager 13, 7th grade and Jorie, 8, third grade
How long have you lived in the district? I have lived in the Yantis area going on 24 years.
Why are you seeking this office? I’ve been off of it for a year. My first term was for 3 years. I didn’t seek election again at that time in order to study for driver and was busy on TIFMAS. As a fireman I know how to work as a team. Now days, with the state trying to take funding from our smaller schools to give to bigger schools, we need to look out for the kids. My wife was raised and graduated YHS, so our connection goes way back. We have a hreat admin right now. The teachers, administrators –everybody’s awesome. I’m try again, because as a public servant, it’s my job to serve our community.
Education, training, special skills: I am a member of the Yantis VFD . I have a Bachelor in Agricultural Science. I am a firefighter, paramedic with wildland and other specialized training for TIFMAS .
What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? To me, the important part is — being that I’ve been on the school board before — I know it’s a team effort. It takes a community to raise good kids. I’m here for the kids. My kids are at the school. I do all the fire prevention for Yantis VFD. I see how good these kids are. They just need the best opportunities.
Country’s Jake Penrod “King of Texas Twang”Appears at the Reilly Springs Jamboree
Jake Penrod’s career is climbing high in the minds and hearts of his fans, and there are a number of them in Hopkins County! At the most recent Reilly Springs Jamboree, Jake was the headliner performer. Roger Reed and the Jamboree house band got a big thrill in backing him up on traditional country standards and his original songs, compiled on his 2018 CD release, “Out of Control”. Jake travels all over the country, and particularly loves to play the Texas dance halls. With his Million Dollar Cowboys band which he often travels with, Jake is at home at world-famous venues like Goodnight Charlie’s in Houston, the Luckenbach Dance Hall in Fredericksburg, The White Horse Honky Tonk in Austin, and The Lonesome Rose in San Antonio.
Because the 34-year-old lives nearby at Athens, Texas, and because he has a particular affection for visiting halls where the country greats once played, Jake sometimes books in at small venues like the Reilly Springs Jamboree like he did over the 2019 Easter weekend. His special love is for the everyday people who come to hear his brand of “Texas Twang”. Early on, he was influenced by the late Texas country star Tony Douglas, who toured with his band The Shrimpers around NE Texas in the 1970’s and 80’s. The late Tom Perryman, radio pioneer and Tyler DJ, took Jake under his wing, helping him polish his already strong fan appeal. Another early mentor was David Stallings, a Nacodoches promoter and comedian whose prank-call character Willie P. Richardson had sold 1.25 million recordings and was heard nationally on radio for over 20 years. Stallings used his connections to help Jake gain attention in the already-crowded country music world, and Jake’s individuality generated instant appeal for people hungry for the “traditional country” sound birthed by Hank Williams Sr, Jimmie Rodgers and other early recording artists. Among awards for his music are the 2017 Ameripolitan’s Honky Tonk Male, and 2015 Pure Country Male artist by the Academy of Western Artists.
At some venues and on television, Jake has performed his one-man show, ‘The History of Country Music’ spanning the time from Jimmie Rodgers to George Strait; from it’s hillbilly start through bluegrass, honky tonk and western swing, then outlaw country and up to the present. Within this 2-hour presentation, he performs the original hits and plays twelve different instruments throughout the showcase. He says, “We can’t forget where we came from. If country music is going to carry on, you have to keep the roots alive.” So, whether playing a small concert venue, keeping the dance floor crowded in honky tonks or performing on TV, the next time Jake Penrod performs, be sure and catch his show!
Early Voting Begins Today In City Council, School Board Elections
Early voting by person appearance began at 8 this morning for Sulphur Springs City Council, Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees and Yantis ISD Board of Trustees elections.
City Council
Voters in Sulphur Springs will have six choices, two per seat, for three place on the City Council. Candidates are incumbent Freddie Taylor and challenger Reiko Alexander for Place 4, incumbent Emily Glass and challenger Jeff Sanderson for Place 5, and incumbent (appointed) Doug Moore and Landon Thornton for Place 6.
Early voting will be conducted weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22-April 30, with the exception of April 23 and April 25. As is the case for Election Day, May 4, ballots may be cast from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 25. All voting in the city council election will be conducted in the conference room on the second floor of City Hall.
Como-Pickton CISD
Residents within Como-Pickton CISD may cast ballots early by personal appearance in the board of trustees election from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 22-April 30, with voting extended from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, April 22 and Thursday, April 25, in the Como-Pickton CISD Administration Office.
On Election Day, May 4, voting in the C-P CISD school board election will be conducted from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m. in Room 114 at Como-Pickton School (in front of building where the general election was held).
Voters will be asked to choose from seven candidates for four full-term at-risk seats on the school board. Candidates include incumbents JJ Cummings and D.J.Carr, and challengers Brittney Smith, Felecia Smith, James “Jim” Murray, Lee Skidmore and Shane Wilton.
Shiloh Childress is unopposed for the unexpired term of Greg Anglin, who resigned at the end of 2018, after being elected county commissioner for Precinct 2. Childress was appointed to serve through the election and is unopposed for the unexpired term seat on the board. Thus, Childress will serve the remaining length of Anglin’s term on the school board.
Yantis ISD
In Yantis, voters will be asked to choose two of the three candidates for Yantis ISD Board of Trustees. Candidates include incumbent April Johnson and challengers Jennifer Larkin and Jeff Quinn.
Voters may cast ballots early by personal appearance from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, April 22 and April 29; and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Friday, April 23-26, and April 30, in the Early Voting Room inside Wood County Courthouse, 100 South Main St. in Quitman. Election Day voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in Yantis Elementary School foyer.
Meal a Day Menu for April 22nd-26th
Meal A Day Menu
April 22nd – April 26th
Monday
Beef Spaghetti
English Peas
Cheese Pockets
Tuesday
Hopkins County Stew
Cheese Cubes
Crackers
Tossed Salad
Wednesday
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wraps
Rice
Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
Roll
Thursday
Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Roll
Friday
Chili Cheese Dogs
Chips
Cole Slaw
Pickle Spears
North Hopkins Defeats Cumby, 15-0 as Wharton Throws Shutout
The North Hopkins Panthers had eight hits and pitcher Wyatt Wharton tossed a one-hit shutout as the Panthers defeated Cumby, 15-0 Saturday, April 20, at North Hopkins. The Panthers scored three runs in the first, five more in the second, six more in the third and a lone run in the fourth.
Cumby committed six errors. The Panthers had no errors. Wharton got the pitching win, allowing no runs and one hit over four innings while striking out seven.
Cumby’s Braden Porter broke up the no-hitter with a first inning single. Zain Strickland took the pitching loss for the Trojans.
Brycen Gillespie got North Hopkins going with a first inning RBI on a ground out. Gillespie was 1 for 2 with two runs scored and three RBIs. He also stole a base.
In the Panthers’ six run third, they got singles from Caleb Wyatt and Geoffrey Stewart, walks from Gillespie and Branson Thomas and a ground out RBI from Kevin Clement.
Wyatt was 1 for 2 with three runs scored and an RBI. Wyatt also stole two bases. Stewart was 1 for 3 with an RBI. Thomas was 1 for 2 with two runs scored and an RBI. Thomas also stole a base. Clement was 1 for 3 with two RBI’s. Jessie Rivera was 2 for 3 with two runs scored and two stolen bases. Victor Rojo had an RBI and a stolen base. The Panthers swiped a total of ten bases. Colby Cameron stole three bases to lead the Panthers.
Lady Cats Softball Bi-District Schedule versus Whitehouse Announced, Begins Wednesday
The Lady Cats’ softball team’s best two out of three bi-district series schedule with Whitehouse was announced Saturday.
Game one will be on Wednesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Whitehouse. Game two is scheduled for Friday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Lady Cat Park. Game three, if necessary, will be Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m. at Whitehouse.
The Lady Cats are district champions and the number one playoff seed from District 15-5A. Whitehouse is the fourth place team in District 16-5A.
The teams last met in the playoffs in 2015. Whitehouse won that series two games to one. Whitehouse took game one 1-0 at Schwab Field at Brook Hill High School. The Lady Cats evened the series winning game two at Lady Cat Park, 8-3. Whitehouse won the decisive game three at Lady Cat Park 12-7.
Members of the 2015 Lady Cats included Makayla Glosson, Jaye Doughtie, Kasey Moore, Kristen Allen, Sarah Womack, Molly Johnston, Sierra Nickerson, Summer Wyatt, Hannah Crowson, Alyssa Abron, Mandi Stonaker, Ashley Moore, Jacklyn Semlar, Ragan Sachs and Macee Hollins. David Carrillo was head coach with assistants Kevin Tanton, Chris Valdovinos and Allison Irvin.
Paris District Road Report For The Week Of April 22
Quite a bit of work is planned for roadways throughout the district during the week of April 22, according to a release from
TxDOT Paris District Public Information Officer Tim McAlavy.
Motorists are reminded to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. The TxDOT official also recommends driver avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems — especially in or near work zones, for the safety of all motorists as well as that of workers.
Of course, weather conditions along with equipment failure or other unforeseen issues could impact work schedules. Barring those complications, McAlavy has provided the following list of planned road work, by county, to motorists prepare for their travels through those areas.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties)
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin County Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins County Maintenance (903) 885-4031
- State Highway 37, Franklin County: From Mount Vernon to Winnsboro. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform striping operations; flaggers will direct traffic.
- State Highway 19, Hopkins County: At FM 71 in Birthright. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews begin performing milling operations and shoulder work for turn lane construction project.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta County Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar County Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River County Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
- North Loop 286 and State Highway 19/Church Street, Paris, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews perform repairs to concrete pavement.
- US 271/Loop 286 Interchange, Paris, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane and ramp closures while crews perform slope repairs.
- US 271 pavement repair, Lamar and Red River Counties: from Loop 286 in Paris southeastward to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and/or shoulder closures as final work is being performed.
- FM 197, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures as workers widen and reconstruct existing pavement.
- US 271 safety upgrades, Red River County: from FM 410 to the Red River-Titus County line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as work continues.
- State Highway 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for work zones as workers upgrade metal-beam guard fence, replace or extend new structures and install safety end treatments.
- FM 2648 widening, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures as work continues. Pine Creek Bridge will be down to one lane in order to upgrade the bridge rail. Temporary traffic signals and signs will be in place to direct traffic.
- State Highway 24 expansion, Delta County: from Cooper, Texas, southwestward towards Commerce. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas. Final surfacing of southbound lanes is in progress.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt County Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains County Maintenance (903) 473-2682
- State Highway 66 and FM 36, Hunt County: The new traffic lights at this intersection are flashing red, please be careful when crossing this intersection. The signal lights will be programmed for red-yellow-green operations after the railroad installs all necessary components for signal pre-emption at this intersection to keep traffic stopped at the light off of the railroad tracks.
- FM 2642 bridge/underpass project at I-30, Hunt County: from FM 1565 westward to the Hunt-Rockwall County line. Construction of bridge to route I-30 over FM 2642 is in the final stages. Please continue watching your speed while traveling through this construction area. Temporary traffic signals are in place at FM 2453 and FM 35 to aid detoured traffic.
- State Highway 19 pavement project, Rains County: from US 69 and State Highway 19 south to the Van Zandt County line. Crews have completed paving operations on the project. Final striping and rumble strips will be placed soon as weather permits. Crews are finishing up driveway paving. Additionally, mailbox installation and metal beam finishing work at some culverts is all that remains. Be cautious when driving across intersecting streets.
- ADA ramp construction, Hunt County: State Highway 11 in Commerce. Workers have completed installing ramps, sidewalks, steps, curb ramps, handrails, pedestrian push buttons and other pedestrian elements to aid the mobility of disabled citizens. Project manager will conduct a final pre-inspection for project acceptance to follow soon after.
- US 69, Hunt County: from O’Neal St. in Greenville to the intersection of US 69 and US 380. Work on this paving project is finishing up. Seeding has been completed and final punch list items will be addressed soon.
- State Highway 34 and FM 816, Hunt County: from State Highway 276 south to the Hunt-Kaufman County line on SH 34, and from SH 34 to the Hunt-Fannin County line on FM 816. Watch for temporary lane closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
- FM 1903 at Interstate 30, Hunt County: at the southeast corner of this intersection, a contractor will begin work April 8 to install concrete curb and a drainage flume. Please slow down and drive safely through this and other work zones.
Traffic Safety Notes
- State Highway 24 – Maintenance crews have placed rumble strips on SH 24 northbound near the Animal Services Barn of Texas A&M University-Commerce to caution drivers of vehicles crossing at that location.
- State Spur 1570 and State Highway 66 – to help the traveling public at this intersection, maintenance crews have placed rumble strips on FM 1570 and SS 1570 to alert drivers of the upcoming stop sign. They have also placed rumble strips on SH 66 and “intersection ahead” to help warn drivers traveling SH 66 of the intersection. Intersection ahead signs with flashing beacons will be installed at this location in the near future.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson County Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin County Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
- FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers continue widening FM 691 to an ultimate five-lane roadway. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
- FM 1417, Grayson County: from FM 691 to US 82. Watch for traffic shifts and slow moving vehicles as workers widen the roadway from FM 691 to US 82.
- US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between FM 120 and Crawford Street. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts as workers work on constructing the retaining walls and new on ramp for this project. The southbound US 75 exit ramp for Crawford Street is closed and traffic wishing to use this exit should use the FM 120 (Morton Street) exit.
- US 75 Ramp Reversal in Sherman, Grayson County: on the northbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Choctaw Creek and FM 1417. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the main lanes and a left lane closure on the frontage road as workers work on constructing the new exit ramp and entrance ramp. The existing ramps will remain open during construction of the new ramps.
- US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night thru Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete locations. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
- US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile operations as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the day-time.
- US 82 and US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary day time lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
- State Highway 56, Grayson County: from FM 901 to SH 289. Watch for temporary day-time lane closures as maintenance crews work on prepping the roadway for a seal coat this summer.
- US 69, Grayson County: from Spur 503 to US 82. Watch for temporary day-time lane closures as maintenance crews work on prepping the roadway for a seal coat this summer.
- State Highway 11, Grayson and Fannin County: from US 69 to SH 121. Watch for traffic shifts and occasional one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
- ADA Curb Ramp project, Grayson and Fannin County: various locations. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as crews work in Bonham to install new sidewalks and curb ramps along State Highway 56 and State Highway 78.
- FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to State Highway 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
- US 82, Fannin County: from State Highway 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two lane roadway to a four lane divided section. Watch for lane closures on FM 100, State Highway 78 and State Highway 121 as crews work to construct the new westbound US 82 bridge overpasses.
- FM 1752, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 898. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
- State Highway 11, Fannin and Hunt County: from State Highway 78 to State Highway 34: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on overlaying the roadway with hot mix.
- FM 816 and Recreation Road 3, Fannin County: from Fannin-Hunt County line to State Highway 78 on FM 816, and from FM 273 eastward for two miles on Rec. Road 3 south of Lake Bonham. Watch for temporary lane closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
- County Road 2275 at Coffee Mill Creek, Fannin County: CR 2275 at Coffee Mill Creek is closed to traffic as crews work to replace the bridge.
- State Highway 34, Fannin County: from the Hunt County line to FM 68. Watch for temporary day-time lane closures as maintenance crews work on prepping the roadway for a seal coat this summer.
Como-Pickton CISD Board of Trustees Candidate Profiles, Part 2
Early voting by personal appearance begins Monday morning, for the May 4 school and municipal elections.
Voters within Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District will have plenty of candidates to choose from when casting ballots in the school board election.
Seven candidates have filed, seeking candidacy for one of four full-term at-large seats on the school board; they include D.J. Carr, JJ Cummings, James R. “Jim” Murray, Lee Skidmore, Brittney Smith, Felecia Smith and Shane Wilton.
Shiloh Childress is unchallenged in his bid for the unexpired term seat. Shiloh Childress was appointed to fill the seat following trustee Greg Anglin’s resignation in December, to become the commissioner for Precinct 2 starting Jan. 1; Childress has filed to serve out the remained of that term.
Ballots in the CPCISD Board of Trustees Election may be cast in person from 8 a.m. To 4 pm. April 22-April 30 and Como-Pickton Administration Office. Voting hours will be extended to 8 p.m. April 22 April 25. Election Day voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in Room 114 at Como-Pickton School (in front of building where general election was held).
To help voters learn a little more about the people seeking office, each school board candidate was asked to provide information about themselves and their candidacy, including their reasons for seeking a seat on the school board. Those responses are shared here, in no particular order, in two separate posts.
D.J. CARR
- Family: Wife Katy, former Como-Pickton teacher, stay at home job; two sons, Mason and Jacob, a 6-year-old kindergarten student at CP and a 2-year-old
- Occupation, job description: self-employed cattleman
- How many years have you lived in the district? 34
- Education, training or special skills: Como-Pickton CISD 2003 Graduate, University of Texas Arlington 2007 Bachelor of Business Administration
- Why are you seeking this office? Re-Election to represent our communities by serving in a leadership role for the district
- Experience/qualifications: served 4 years on the Board.
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest or concern in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address the concern(s)? Our students are my top priority. One of the top factors in supporting those students is finding an keeping the quality teachers and staff that help them reach their goals. Each year it is harder and harder to fill the open positions in our most needed areas. I Plan to continue supporting Administrators in implementing pro-active recruiting methods and compensations plans for our staff. All of which will positively impact our students and make CPCISD the best district to work for in our area.
- What you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? No matter the level of decisions that are made for our district, my candidacy will give you the confidence that those decisions are informed, unbiased, and in the best interest of our students and staff.
BRITTNEY SMITH
Brittney Smith, candidate for a full-term seat on Como-Pickton CISD Board of Trustees.
- Family: Husband of 12 years, Anthony Smith, a graduate of CPCISD; two daughters, 10-year-old Saylor and 7-year-old Mercy, students at CPCISD
- Occupation, job description: I am a Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist at Texas A&M University-Commerce and owner/operator of a poultry farm with my husband, Anthony Smith.
- How many years have you lived in the district? 27 years
- Education, training or special skills: I graduated from Como-Pickton CISD in 2004 and attended college at Tyler Jr. College and Northeast Texas Community College where I received my Associates Degree. I am a Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist at the Student Health Services Department at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
- Why are you seeking this office? I believe our children are our future. I am a strong supporter of continuing the highest level of education at Como-Pickton CISD. Having graduated from ComoPickton CISD, I know we have a great school and I want to contribute by striving for the best avenues for each individual student, faculty and administration.
- Experience/qualifications: This will be my second endeavor as a school board member; however, I have kept abreast of the past issues with the school board and have a great interest in serving in this capacity. The children attending Como-Pickton CISD have a special place in my heart and I want to be a part of giving each child every opportunity to do their very best and become great leaders and successful business men and women.
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest, need or concern in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address the concern(s)? I do not come with a specific agenda in serving as a school board member. I want to serve the people, the students, the faculty and administration of Como-Pickton school district in the best possible way. I want each individual concern of parents and students addressed in a timely and informative manner. I want to make sure our children have the best educators available to them. I have complete respect for those serving as board members at this time and want to diligently serve along with my peers to continue Como-Pickton CISD’s reputation as a highly respected school with a great education system.
- I believe our children are the most important concern. I have a great interest in not only my children’s future but ALL children in the Como-Pickton school district. I want to diligently serve in this capacity to give each child every opportunity possible to excel.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? My husband, Anthony Smith, and I both graduated from Como-Pickton CISD. We have two children who will also be graduates of CPCISD; one is currently a third grader and another who will be starting Kindergarten next year. I am thankful I was afforded the opportunity to attend and graduate from such a great school. I want to continue the tradition of excellence in education. We have some of the best faculty available in our school district. The people of this school district deserve someone who wants the best for each child, someone who wants to be a voice for their concerns and someone who wants to assist in the management and everyday activities of our school district. I would be honored to serve in this capacity as a Como-Pickton Consolidated School District school board member.
JJ CUMMINGS
- Family: Wife Mayra Cummings, Spanish instructor, PJC; son Parker Cummings, graduated CP last year, attending TCU; and daughter Presli Cummings, will be graduating this year from CP, plans to attend A&M Commerce.
- Occupation, job description: Rancher and poultry producer, previously a dairy farmer.
- How many years have you lived in the district? 44 years
- Education, training or special skills: 1993 Graduate of Como-Pickton High School, attended CPCISD 1980-1993.
- Why are you seeking this office? Being raised in Pickton, Texas and a 1993 graduate of Como-Pickton High School, I would like to seek office because I want to serve and support the students of my community.
- Experience/qualifications: I joined the Como-Pickton Board of Trustees in 2015 and served as the Vice President in 2016. I currently serve as Board Secretary.
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest need or concern in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address the concern(s). As current trustee of the Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District I want to continue to ensure the community that I will support the students of the CPCISD. I want to advocate for the academic programs in addition to the CP agriculture department and extracurricular programs so that the district provides the students with equitable opportunities.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? Being a lifelong resident of Hopkins County, I want to give back to the community that has meant so much to my children and family. I want to confirm that the students are my first priority and that all students should be provided with the best equitable educational opportunities. Therefore, it is important to communicate and collaborate with teachers, staff, administration and the community to attain the goals to make CPCISD a great place to attend school and prepare our students for the future. Lastly, I will also make certain that the board remains responsible stewards of the district’s funds to better the school as well as community.
SHILOH CHILDRESS
- Occupation, job description: Sales/Project Manager for Aveo Roofing
- How many years have you lived in the district? 9 years
- Education, training or special skills: Associate’s of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Physiology
- Why are you seeking this office? To serve my community and school. My kids go to school at Como-Pickton as well and I want them and all the other kids to have a great educational experience.
- Experience/qualifications: Current member of the Board and Instructor at Northeast Texas Community College Dental Hygiene Program for 3 years.
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest, need or concern in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address the concerns(s): Our testing scores concern me along with finding great teachers and retaining them. By retaining great teachers to help our kids and provide an exceptional learning experience, this should bring our schools’ scores up. This can be accomplished by working with the other Board members and Administration.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? My wife and I moved back to Pickton 9 years ago. This is the area we always called home and wanted to raise our kids. We wanted to give them the small town/small school experience. I believe by giving my kids and all others the small school experience we give them a better learning opportunity. A better learning opportunity for everyone is my main focus.
Como-Pickton CISD Board of Trustees Candidate Profiles, Part 1
Early voting by personal appearance begins Monday morning, for the May 4 school and municipal elections.
Voters within Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District will have plenty of candidates to choose from when casting ballots in the school board election.
Seven candidates have filed, seeking candidacy for one of four full-term at-large seats on the school board; they include D.J. Carr, JJ Cummings, James R. “Jim” Murray, Lee Skidmore, Brittney Smith, Felecia Smith and Shane Wilton. Only one candidate is unchallenged in his bid for the unexpired term seat. Shiloh Childress was appointed to fill the seat following trustee Greg Anglin’s resignation in December, to become the commissioner for Precinct 2 starting January; Childress has filed to serve out the remained of that term.
Ballots in the CPCISD Board of Trustees Election may be cast in person from 8 a.m. To 4 pm. April 22-April 30 and Como-Pickton Administration Office. Voting hours will be extended to 8 p.m. April 22 April 25. Election Day voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in Room 114 at Como-Pickton School (in front of building where general election was held).
To help voters learn a little more about the candidates,each candidate was asked to provide information about themselves and their candidacy, including their reasons for seeking a seat on the school board. Those responses are shared here, in no particular order, in two separate posts.
JAMES R. “JIM” MURRAY
- Family: Wife, Jean, retired after 34 years with Texas Instruments; grandson Shawn, majoring in mechanical engineering at Blinn College in College Station.
- Occupation, job description: Retired January 2000 from the City of Mesquite (32 years service) as Director of Purchasing and Telecommunications
- How many years have you lived in the district? Nineteen years
- Education, training or special skills: Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences, president of the National Purchasing Institute, president of the National Association of Chamber and Ambassadors, served as Como-Pickton School Board president for 2 years.
- Why are you seeking this office? I have no agenda. My goal is to serve, uphold and promote a learning educational opportunity for all students in our district to prepare them for their future. We have a “Great” Administration and Staff at CPCISD, which I look forward to working with as well as the other Board members and a new superintendent, if elected; to encourage that CPCISD personnel and the students excel into the future. Thanks for your vote.
- Experience/qualifications: Served 9 years on the Como-Pickton School Board 2008-2017, served two years as the President (2013-2014 and 2015-2016)
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest, need or concern in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address the concern(s): With students as my priority, the most significant responsibility of this office is seeking to always do the right thing for all concerned. As a former board member and a team of seven school board members, we accomplished this through in-depth discussions, lots of questions, and input from the district staff, parents, and the community. My primary interest is the achievement and success of our students. Also, security is a major concern for students and staff at the Como-Pickton campus. I believe our past and future Board members have and will continue to address this concern.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I value honesty, fairness, loyalty and strong dedication. When I have a job to do, I tackle it with the best of my abilities, giving it my all from start to finish. I am 100 percent in favor of Senate Bill 3 that will give our teachers the raise that they deserve.
LEE SKIDMORE
- Family: five children, ranging in age from 20 to 11 years, including two who are enrolled at Como-Pickton CISD.
- Occupation, job description: retired police chief/law enforcement; national sales manager for 1 on 1 Nutrition.
- How many years have lived in the district? 50 years off/on except for college and out-of- town work.
- Education, training or special skills: Associate of Applied Science from DeVry.
- Why are you seeking this office? To better the education for my kids and others.
- Experience/qualifications: working in fields with others to accomplish our ultimate goals.
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest need or concern in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address the concern(s)? Safety and environment for our student while being educated.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I am completely honest about knowing and sharing my opinion about how our kids should be educated and being the best they can be after having the best education we can give them.
FELECIA SMITH
- Occupation, job description: Worked at Custom Shutters for 32 years, until it closed in December 2018.
- How many years you have lived in the district? 39+ years (June 1979)
- Education, training, special skills: High School graduate
- Why are you seeking this office? Our 3 kids attended and graduated from Como-Pickton and we have three grandkids enrolled now. I want to make the school the best for all of our kids.
- Experience/qualifications: I am currently on the Como Housing Board and have been for several years.
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest, need or concern in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address the concern(s)? I would like to employ the highest qualified, most professional employees that will work well with our kids, build relationships and a rapport with each student to make them feel welcomed and loved at school.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I’m a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Como and I’ve taught the 3-6-year-olds on Wednesday nights for the last 16 years.
SHANE WILTON
- Family:
- Wife, Misty, employed at CPCISD as s diagnostician; son Cash, age 14, 8th grader at CPCISD; daughter Landri, 10 years, 4th grade at CPCISD.
- Occupation, job description: Real estate and commercial inspections, finance
- How many years have you lived in the district? 2 years in school district (4 years in the area), 2 Children attend school district
- Education, training or special skills: B.B.A-Sul Ross State University 1996, Bachelor of Arts-History Angelo State University 1999, Master’s Degree: Educational Administration-Lamar University 2012
- Why are you seeking this office? To ensure that all stakeholders (students, Faculty, Administrators, parents) are allocated the proper resources that will be beneficial to student success in our district. This in turn will allow students to be successful in their present and future endeavors.
- Experience/qualifications: 16 years of public education experience as a teacher, coach and school administrator. Experience in school finance, curriculum (including college, Vocational readiness), special education, personnel, ESL programs, and athletics.
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest need or concern in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address the concern(s)? The Texas legislature is currently reviewing and proposing major changes to school finance laws that could adversely affect the budgeting process of our school district. I believe that is important that you have school board members that have experience and understanding to work with Community members, School administrators, and district employees to ensure our district’s success.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? This is an important position that can’t be taken lightly. I believe that having experience and knowledge is an asset for this position. But most importantly, I will do whatever it takes to work with others to ensure that ALL students will be successful. Whether, it be in the classroom, extra curricular activities, stock shows, robotics, band or any other student events/ programs, at CPCISD. I also want to work with others to help All students(including my own children) to have the base and education gained at our district to be successful in future endeavors as they proceed in their lives.
Traffic Stop In Cumby Results In Warrant Arrest
A traffic stop in Cumby Friday evening resulted in the arrest of 46-year-old-old Campbell man wanted in Van Zandt County for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Cumby Police Officer Kenneth Jones reportedly stopped a red Ford F150 pickup on Frisco Street just after 6 p.m. April 19 in Cumby after noticing the northbound truck’s registration had expired in February. The driver, identified in arrest reports at Michael Jimmy Thomas, exited the maroon vehicle to talk to Jones upon stopping the truck, Jones reported.
The officer requested a records check using the name and date of birth the man gave him. A dispatcher advised Michael Jimmy Thomas to be wanted in Van Zandt County for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resulting in Thomas’ arrest on the charge, Jones wrote in arrest reports.
Michael Thomas remained in Hopkins County jail at noon Saturday; bond was set at $50,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
