Pegasus News Election Survey: Cynthia Werner, candidate for Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees - Place 2

Pegasus: What is the one greatest thing that the Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees has achieved in the past year?

Werner: Duncanville ISD Board of Trustee has achieved numerous accomplishments over the past year. Because of policy we have seen an increase in the number of recognized school campuses, increased academic performance because of the increased requirements from TEA set benchmarks and implementation of the 2005 Bond package. If I had to choose one I would choose the Bond package that provided additional academic programs that helped our students to achieve higher accomplishments in their studies.

Pegasus: What is the single biggest improvement that the Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees needs?

Werner: More funding because of unfunded mandates. With unfunded mandates the Board will always have to allocate its resources against its priorities. Regardless of such educating our children must always be our first priority.

Pegasus: What is the toughest problem that you have ever solved?

Werner: Fighting for educational programs for our autistic son. Twenty-three years ago our son was diagnosed with autistim and the quality of education was limited. As a parent I became actively involved in educating other parents of their rights and responsibilities and pushed for extended year programs by lobbying his school, the district and Dr. Moses (former TEA Commissioner). Twenty-three years ago the diagnosis of autistim was rare and today we have over 17,0000 autistic children in the State of Texas school system. There have been tremendous strides in improving educational programs geared towards autistics. This experience taught me the importance of getting and staying involved with improving the educational process for all children.

Pegasus: If you are elected and can only achieve ONE quantifiable thing in your term, what would it be?

Werner: Increase the safety and security of all of our children. Recommend implementing a Peer Assistance Leadership program. This TEA approved program will help to decrease disputes that may arise with students before they get out of hand.