20-year-old SMU student elected to DeSoto school board

by Jill Quarles of DeSoto TODAY

DeSoto Independent School District voters elected Warren Seay Jr. to the Place 6 trustee position in the May 9 election.

Seay, a 20-year-old Southern Methodist University student and 2006 graduate of DeSoto High School, received 73 percent of the 1,068 votes, compared to 14 percent for each of his opponents, Dr. Susan Bryza and Amed Clinton.

Throughout his campaign, Seay told constituents that as a “product of the district” and a 12-year DeSoto resident, he felt qualified to hold the position in spite of some voter concerns regarding his age and lack of professional experience.

“I worked hard studying the issues,” Seay said. “I talked to school boardmembers, teachers, students, parents and community members to find out what their concerns were and the specific changes they want to see.”

He believes his efforts to educate himself regarding community concerns set him apart from his opponents, both of whom are career educators.

Bryza's campaign had been focused primarily on teachers' rights and on solving problems she believes exist in central administration. Clinton described himself during election forums as an “advocate for parents' rights” and said his primary concern was making the school a “professional learning community.” Clinton was the only candidate who has children attending DISD schools.

Seay called his election “an affirmation” that voters want “a new voice” on the board, but said because of his large margin win, there will be increased pressure on boardmembers to make changes and demand accountability.

In the Concerned DeSoto Citizens April forum and in a Today Newspapers questionnaire, Seay said his main goal is to raise academic and disciplinary standards within the district and maintain accountability among students, teachers, parents and community members. He hopes to involve teachers directly in all district decisions and to begin measuring student success based on criteria other than TAKS scores.

“Voters will expect a lot from us,” he said. “I appreciate their support, and I know I'll have to put in a lot of hard work and time learning.”

Donald Gant, school board president was also reelected to the Place 7 position. Gant was unopposed and received 848 votes.