Bio
My name is Chase Stevens and I was born and raised in a small community where I was taught the value of investing in the future. I watched the leaders in my community take on the responsibility of ensuring community progress and growth, and witnessed the positive impact it made on my small town.
Through the years, I have learned that doing this starts with our children. I have two sons who attend Fall Creek Elementary, and I see on a daily basis the modern methods in which they learn, and the way these methods will affect their futures. If elected, I will work towards ensuring every student in Humble ISD is provided the appropriate technology that will allow them to learn and grow through technology, and that no student will be hindered by not having access to the proper equipment.
Investing in the future of our community also strongly involves the teachers and staff. Through the research I have done in coming to this decision, I’ve been fortunate to see how lucky Humble ISD is to have some of the most exceptional employees around. I feel that not only is Humble ISD a leading district in the Houston Metro area, but it is also a top tier ISD in the state of Texas. I will work with the budget committee and CFO to ensure that the budget is being used to compensate our teachers and staff so that Humble ISD is able to retain the top talent we currently have, as well as to recruit additional talent in the future.
The health of our students, staff and teachers is of utmost importance, and I will be sure to continue working with our ISD to further research the best practices, PPE, and procedures to implement within our schools. There is a safe way that our schools can operate in the face of a pandemic as well as common flu seasons, and I will help implement those measures.
I am taking this leap to be involved in not just mine, but all of our children’s futures. Because of this, rest assured that every decision that I make will be in the interest of the children.
On May 1, I ask that you give me the opportunity to serve you, your children, and our community by voting for me as the Position Number 4 School Board Trustee of Humble ISD.
Q & A
What inspired you to run for re-election for Board Trustee? On that note, what are you hoping to accomplish if re-elected to the Board of Trustees?
I was raised in a small community where I was taught the value of community service, leadership, and the important role a school system serves within a community. I have lived in the Humble ISD district for 11 years and feel it is my duty to serve this community where my wife and I are raising our two sons. When I am elected, I will be focused on continuing the growth and drive for excellence that our community expects and deserves in a school district.
How will you advocate for teachers and staff within Humble ISD? In your opinion, what is important to the teachers and staff within Humble ISD?
I will advocate for teachers and staff by having an open dialogue of communication and commitment to bringing their concerns to the board. When it comes to the safety of our teachers and staff, I would like to form a committee to review the safety practices that are in place now as well as understand the best practices when combating health safety. Our teachers are working on the front lines and need to be protected.
Teacher and staff retention are major concerns for many school districts across our state. In recent years Humble ISD has provided raises, more comprehensive benefits, fall and winter break schedules, and a medical clinic to serve the teachers and staff. I believe those measures will help retain teachers and staff as well as attract top talent as the district grows.
Tell us your thoughts on how Humble ISD has handled virtual learning and ideas for virtual learning going forward?
First and foremost a global pandemic causing all schools to shut down in the matter of days does not, in my opinion, reflect on the capabilities of a school district to roll out a complete virtual learning platform. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of lessons learned from staff, teacher, student, and parent perspectives which had some major growing pains. I believe that the district is doing everything it can to understand the pitfalls and addressing them as soon as possible. Virtual learning is going to be around permanently, and I feel that focusing on ensuring the quality of virtual learning is equal to the in-person learning is a very important task for the ISD. This will entail pushing for 1:1 technology for every student, as well as working with surrounding districts to get ideas of what has and has not been working for them with virtual learning. I will definitely be in support of making the option for virtual learning an equal experience for our students.
Other than virtual learning, tell us your thoughts about Humble ISD and the handling of COVID-19, both for teachers and students.
As a parent of two Humble ISD students I advocated for a return to in-person schooling. I felt my sons needed to be in a classroom learning as they thrive in that type of environment. I fully understand that is not the situation for many who, for health or other valid reasons, feel more comfortable in a virtual learning setting. I like that the district has given families and even teachers the option to choose what is best for their individual situation. With that said and touching on my previous answers, there is room for improvement with the virtual learning platforms, as well as ensuring the health and safety of the teachers, staff and students who are in-person and I commit to being a part of reaching that goal.
As you look at Humble ISD, are there areas where funds are overspent? What areas would you look at to reduce expenses?
Without being involved with the budget workshop and committee it would be irresponsible of me to make a stance on where funds are being overspent without first understanding the actual expenses associated with certain cost buckets. I however have extensive experience in managing a budget while spending 14 years working for an oil and gas service company and navigating through the many cycles that industry presents. I will work with the budget committee to ensure money is being properly allocated so that every student is being provided an equal opportunity to succeed in our school district and into adulthood.
During several Board Meetings, students and parents have brought up topics around diversity and inclusion. What can Humble ISD do to ensure it is welcoming to students of all backgrounds?
Humble ISD serves a diverse community and it is very important that diversity and inclusion is being driven within our school system to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed. I will always support the inclusion of every student and work with the leaders at each school to ensure their voices are being heard.
Humble ISD has several Title I campuses. How do we ensure that those campuses have the resources needed?
Currently there are 11 campuses within Humble ISD that are classified as Title 1 schools. Many of these campuses are thriving and have tremendous staffs and great families who step up and support the school. Under the Title 1 status, these schools receive federally funded grants to provide schools with high concentration of students from low-income families receive a high-quality education. Each school has implemented a Campus Improvement Plan to meet the needs of the students and ensure they are getting a high-quality education. I will review each plan and work with the principals to guarantee they are getting the necessary support to accomplish their goals.
Closing thoughts? Anything you would like to add that we didn’t ask? What can people do (or where can they go) to learn more about you?
[No answer provided.]
All the content above was provided by the candidate and is not necessarily the opinion of the administrators of Humble ISD Parents. Other than formatting, we have not made any edits.