The questions below were presented to each of the AISD Board of Trustees Candidates. 

Place 1 

Sarah Mitchell 

1. Please provide a brief personal and professional biography.

I have been on the board for 6 years. I am the current Board President and have served as Secretary and Vice President. Prior to that, I graduated from Leadership Allen-Fairview Chamber Class 21, the Inaugural Leadership Allen ISD program, Board for Foundation of Allen Schools, Chandler PTA President, and various other roles in the community. I bring leadership and experience to the board and the district. Both of my daughters have been in Allen ISD since kindergarten, one is in college and the other is a junior at Allen High School. In my professional life, I run marketing strategy and customer relationships for a large technology company in mission-critical businesses. I lead several direct reports and work closely with many departments to achieve our goals as a company. I am also a registered and licensed dietitian.

2. How do you see further implementation for the safety of our students, staff and teachers in regard to the limited funding in the district?

Allen ISD has a Safety and Security Committee attended by staff, board and community members. We conduct external and internal routine audits. We provide training for staff and students. We are constantly monitoring for ways to improve technology and processes. We have recently added additional security on every campus and have been able to utilize grant money to help with programs.

3. With regards to the important programs mandated by the state which are underfunded or not funded at all, what can be done by AISD to support staffing and funding the paraprofessionals and teachers at grade levels, including but not limited to Special Education, Library and Cafeteria workers? 

Our top fiscal priorities must be supporting Allen’s extraordinary teaching and paraprofessional staff with sufficient resources to do their jobs, fair compensation for their work, and strong advocacy for financial reform from the State.

4. How do we embrace the diversity in our district to ensure equity for all students?

Allen is committed to student success. We remain focused on providing high quality instruction and intervention. Student mastery of grade level curriculum, growth, and progress is monitored throughout the year. Needs can vary from campus to campus and student to student. Through all of this, student goals can be met and help in individualizing instruction. The board receives regular reports on progress.

5. What can be accomplished to promote retention and further recruitment of our teachers?

Allen has top quality teachers to whom we entrust the daily education of our children. We tend to the well-being of staff through ensuring they have sufficient resources to do their jobs, fair compensation, and the fullest benefit support the district can provide. Our district provides customized professional development training opportunities. This provides support for teachers through individualized and customized learning for continued individual growth and personal development.

Questions regarding this page may be sent to legislative@allenisdcouncilpta.org