Klein ISD 2009 Board of Trustee Elections And The Importance of Balance

By Averiest Gilliam:

I pray all has been well with you and your families. As many of you remember, I ran for the Klein ISD Board of Trustee’s in 2005 and in 2007. Although I did not win, I received 500 votes in 2005 and over 2500 votes in 2007. WOW, that says a lot about the people in Klein and how they can turn out and vote. I would like to thank you again for your trust and your vote that you gave me both times.

While visiting with friends and family in the community, many employees, residents and business owners in the district ask when I am going to run again. Although my time has come and gone, I still pay attention to what is going on in the district. The district has made great strides in many areas, but there is still work to do.

During my run for school board I met many people and made many new friends. One of these friends is Jim Smith (incumbent) who is up for re-election. Over the last three years, Jim has done a GREAT job in addressing issues and holding people accountable in many areas. For example, Jim has recognized the need to ensure that the Klein ISD police department receives training that will help them keep our children and staff safe and ready to face the different issues that police are facing through out this country, as well as making sure that their pay and benefits are inline or better than that of other school districts. This will help ensure that we are keeping good people who will protect and serve the students, teachers and employees in the district. 

Another friend I would like to tell you a little about is Jean Casagrande who is running for an open seat. I met Jean during my 2007 campaign when she actually supported my opponent. Jean has lived in for 22 years, and what she has done speaks volumes.  Jean is a lady that will get things done and she is very involved in many other areas of our community. For more information about Jean Casagrande, visit her website at  www.casagrande4kisd.com

In closing Klein ISD is a GREAT school district and things are going well, but like any district or business there needs to be a balance and all people need to be held accountable in every way. I am asking you to join me and vote for Jim Smith and Jean Casagrande in the Klein ISD 2009 Board of Trustee Elections November 3, 2009 at your local precinct. Early voting starts October 19,2009