To inform readers about the candidates seeking their votes on the November ballot, the San Antonio Report asked all candidates to answer the following questions. We edited answers for clarity, not substance or grammar, and we did not fact-check responses. We restricted responses to 200 words for each question.
Read other candidates’ answers here.
Position sought:
North East ISD, District 3
Incumbent?
No.
Link to campaign website:
https://www.facebook.com/Ione-McGinty-for-NEISD-School-Board-District-3-102722021355361
Age:
58
What is your educational background? Where did you go to school growing up and what is the highest level of education you completed?
I grew up attending the schools in District #3. I graduated as a distinguished honor student in 1980 from Robert E Lee High School. I attended UT in Austin from 1980-1981. After one year, I had to drop out due to finances and began a 10 year career in banking. I went back to school at San Antonio College last year to finish my Kinesiology degree.
If you have completed higher education, what degrees or certifications have you earned and from where? In what years did you complete these degrees or certifications?
I am a certified tennis instructor through National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) and have taught at McFarland for the past 6 years.
What is your current occupation, employer, and job title?
I own my own cleaning and coaching business.
List any previous elected offices that you held and the term you held that office. List any elected offices you sought and the years you sought those offices.
None.
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?
I feel that I am the best candidate for this office as I have grown up in District #3 and attended the schools which I would represent. Having lived in the district for 45 years, I know and care about my community and neighbors. I began teaching tennis when I was 15 years old and have successfully home educated my own 6 children for over 29 years. I know both sides of educating, family life and teaching. I know the issues that are faced in my district as I have advocated for safer streets and better curriculum for many years. My opponent has only lived in District #3 for 5 years and has no children. The best compliment that I received from my school advisor was that I am a born advocate. I know how to advocate and get results. My first success in the district was getting a sexually orientated business removed that was in violation of city ordinance near Jackson Middle School. I will bring my common sense and advocating skills to make District #3 better.
What three issues do you feel are most important to your constituents?
The constituents in my area are irritated at the wasteful spending in the district such as the $40 million theater on the LEE campus and the close to $1 million that was given away to substitutes as “an act of goodwill” while there are failing elementary schools in NEISD. They would also like to have access to the football fields, playgrounds, and tennis courts that they have paid for with their tax dollars. Lastly, the community is appalled at the sex ed curriculum that NEISD School Board passed in May 2016. It puts kids at risk and does not promote family values.
If you are elected, what will be your top priorities once you take office?
My top priority will be to spend tax payer money wisely. I will represent my constituents and not the superintendent. I will advocate for a sex ed curriculum that teaches biology and not promiscuity as the current one does. I will advocate for the opening up of the athletic facilities to the community. Having access to these facilities when I attended school made a huge impact in my life. I had a healthy outlet and met so many wonderful people in my community. I learned valuable people skills as a once shy teenager.
For incumbents: What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time in office? Is there any vote or decision you would change now looking back?
N/A
For non-incumbents: Would you do anything differently from the current representative holding the office you’re seeking?
#1 I would not have voted to give away almost $1 million in taxpayer money to substitutes when there are failing elementary schools in the district. #2 I would not have dismissed the parental grievance that was heard on Aug 31,2020. His vote to dismiss the grievance shows that he has no concern for the safety of the children of the district or any respect for the laws of the State of Texas.
How do you assess your community college district or school district’s performance during the pandemic and the way it served students?
I think that they did the best that they could given the unprecedented circumstances in March. However, I am very disappointed with the NEISD School Board giving away close to $1 million to the substitutes that were eligible to file for unemployment. I believe the district should have delayed the start of school until after Labor Day this Fall semester. How they had everyone start back online was very confusing and difficult for the teachers, parents, and students. I do know there were some major issues with “Zoom bombing” and one incident at Johnson High School where a pervert actually masturbated in the Zoom class for all to see.
How will you approach budgeting for your district given the economic uncertainties? What are your budget priorities you would want to keep intact?
The biggest economic uncertainty is the fact that 3,000 kids have left NEISD since last year. This is mostly due to the poor quality of education that the students are receiving and the online experience. The district seems to be more concerned about building buildings than teaching students reading, writing, and arithmetic. They answer to problems is not always spending more money. I have lived on a very limited income for years and know how to say no to spending on unnecessary things.
How do you plan to work to overcome academic gaps that may have developed or widened during the pandemic?
Kids are very resilient and the gaps can quickly be made up with the correct education.
