From the Crowd, a Candidate Has Emerged: An Interview with Jessica G. Gonzalez

 By Diego Garcia III | Editor of The Brownsville Beacon

The Pareto Principle is credited to Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. The principle states that for many things that transpire in the world, approximately 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. Pareto developed this theory after realizing that 20% of Italy's population in the late 1890's owned 80% of the property.

In a nutshell, Pareto theorized the bulk of the world's issues are caused by a small percentage of the population. This principle has been applied in economics, in computing, in sports, in occupational health and safety, and it is definitely true in politics.

Many of our problems come from establishment politicians who have forgotten the real reason the people elected them to office. In a representative republic, politicians are trustees who are supposed to represent the wishes of the people who voted them in. 

A school board is supposed to efficiently govern a community's respective public schools. Looking up roles and responsibilities on an internet search engine, one state's school board association states, "the role of the school board is to insure that school districts are responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of their communities." The site goes on to list five key responsibilities which include "setting direction, establishing an effective and efficient structure, providing support, ensuring accountability, and providing community leadership as advocates for children, the school district, and public schools."

The Beacon has taken something of a sabbatical these last few months. I have also taken a break from our audio podcast. I have decided to sit out this election cycle. I have decided to avoid printing anything negative about any candidate in any race. I do not want to engage in mudslinging or any sort of negativity. There is already too much of that going around the blogosphere. 

That said, I wanted to take a minute to talk about a candidate who has service to the community's school-aged children at the very center of her platform. I had an opportunity to sit down with her for an interview. Jessica G. Gonzalez is seeking the Place 3 seat on the Brownsville Independent School District's school board.

Jessica has three children who currently attend one of BISD's elementary, middle, and high schools. A fourth child successfully made her way through the district and is currently pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Texas San Antonio.

Diego Garcia: What would you bring to the table as a member of the school board; what do you think one of your strongest assets would be if you were elected?

Jessica G. Gonzalez: My biggest strength has to be the experience I have gathered as a parent volunteer. I have had the privilege of being a parent volunteer for over 10 years. Because of all the time I've spent at schools, I've learned the importance of open and clear communication between teachers, administrators, and parents.

DG: What are some of your accomplishments as a parent volunteer? What have you done for students and families in your community?

JG: Several parents have approached me with their concerns. I have listened to parents, and I have taken those concerns to the school board. As a result of my voicing those concerns, parents with Visas were allowed to serve as parent volunteers. I have also been able to network with local businesses and community leaders, asking them to donate items for holiday events. Because of their donations, several children were able to experience Halloween, Christmas, and Easter activities. 

DG: You are a regular fixture at school board meetings. You have served on several committees. Tell us about your experience on these committees.

JG: I have collaborated with the Technology Committee. In partnership with the Technology Committee, the Brownsville Housing Authority invited BISD employees to register the Buena Vida residents' children online. I have also served on the District Parent Advisory Committee, the Site Based Decision Committee, and the School Health Advisory Council. I have also made an effort to make every school board meeting, often times staying for hours. Some meetings have ended past eleven o'clock or midnight. I try to stay at the meetings since several parents reach out to me on social media asking what was covered.

DG: What else can you tell us about your platform? What do you think an effective board member should do?

JG: A board member is elected to be a voice for the community. Students, staff, and their families deserve a voice that will put their interests first. I will work hard to be that voice. 

A board member needs to be available to listen to everyone's concerns. I will be a full-time board member. I am willing to spend countless hours in schools volunteering, and I will attend as many committee and board meetings as possible,

As a board, we also need to ensure all departments across the district get proper funding. I also feel it is important for district employees to have a competitive living wage and access to good health care. If our compensation scale was at the top of the list of Valley school districts, we would be able to keep highly qualified educators. It is important to remember a school is only as good as its educational leaders.

I also am an advocate for smaller class sizes. As an autism parent, I am aware of the benefits of smaller class sizes and specialized instruction. I am also a strong supporter of physical education and a healthy dose of fine arts instruction. Play-based learning is essential for their academic and developmental growth. 

DG: DO you have any final thoughts?

JG: The Brownsville Independent School District needs a strong, knowledgeable advocate for the community. I have been that advocate in the past, and I want to take the experience I have gained in the past 10 years and continue serving the community on the school board.

DG: Thank you for your time. Good luck with the campaign,

JG: Thank you.

Jessica has proven to be a parent who has given all she has to serve her community. She constantly takes calls, emails, and messages from parents who feel as if they are part of a voiceless, misrepresented group of people. I firmly believe she will represent the community well; I absolutely believe she will be a voice for the voiceless.

The Brownsville Beacon believes Jessica G. Gonzalez will make a great addition to a school board that desperately needs change. 

It appears as if there is one among the 80% who is willing to stand up and wants to fix the problems caused by the 20%.