| |
Derrell K. Morrow
Age: 44
Candidate for: Sperry Board of Education seat
Birthplace: Tulsa
Lived in District 5: 25 years
Job Title/Employer: Jim Morrow Plumbing & Mechanical Inc.
Married to: Janetta Morrow
Number of children/schools they attend(ed): Five children, three of whom attend Sperry Public Schools
Religious or civic organization affiliations, including any leadership positions: Chairman of the Sperry Utility Service Authority; Sperry Town Trustee for the past seven years
Registered voter? Yes
Previously sought or held elected office and if so, when and what office? Yes, Sperry Town Trustee
Highest level of education, name of institution, and year graduated: Sperry High School, 1981
Why are you seeking this position? Because of my concern for our school system and my commitment to a more involved community, I have attended the majority of open school board meetings over the past two years. I am very aware of many of the issues that currently confront our school. I believe because of my background as a Sperry graduate, a Sperry Pirate Parent, and my position of leadership on town boards, I will bring valuable expertise to the Sperry School Board.
What do you believe are the chief responsibilities of a school board member? To be an active and vocal representative for each and every patron of our school district. To be committed to openness, independent thought, accountability and respect for patrons of our district. To always place the needs of our students first.
How much time would you plan to spend in the schools in your voting district on a weekly basis? As much time as needed
What should the relationship of the school board be to the superintendent? I believe it is the superintendent's job to implement school policy as set forth by the school board. I feel that it is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep abreast of any problems, potential problems, and inform the board accordingly.
What are the greatest strengths of the school district? Our school district is full of people willing to help our school be the best that it can for the size that we are. We have a beautiful facility, and that is because as patrons of this district we are willing to do what is needed to achieve what we have. And that is to support bonds that are thoughtfully put forth to our community.
What are the greatest weaknesses of the school district? We need to have more focus on the academics at our school. We have been blessed with back to back Academic State Golf Team Champions that most people don't even know about. Last year our graduating class was awarded over $1 million in scholarships. That was to a graduating class of approximately 80 students. Our community is full of these bright and talented students.
What changes and/or new initiatives, if any, would you like to see in the district? Increased community involvement is important to me. There is a growing consensus that public schools and the broader community of parents, policy makers, school board members, and others need to be more closely connected. I believe our school system and, more importantly, our children would greatly benefit from successful community partnerships that bring the resources of the community into the schools.
Please include any other comments or concerns you have about the school district here: I look forward to working with the entire Sperry community to achieve a reduction in safety and security risks, a continued focus of our resources on a well-rounded education for Sperry students, and to ensure that our schools remain an integral part of our community. School safety and security is of utmost importance for our students and employees. In a time when national attention focuses on school violence, every reasonable measure has to be taken to ensure that our school system provides a safe environment in which to learn and work.
|
|
