Margaret Turner-Carrigan

Questionnaire Responses 

Did you or your children attend PISD ? If so, when?

Yes - Daughter 1993 - 2002 attended and graduated; grandsons currently attending

Why are you running for this position, and how has your experience prepared you for a position on the board ? Please include  your current and past civic involvement that are relevant to the PISD board position (e.g. PTA, public offices sought or held etc.)

I am running for this position because I am truly interested in the children of this district and believe that I can make a positive impact on the board and continue to make an impact in the community. I have served as a volunteer with PISD, a PTA member and PTA officer. I have served as a Voter Registrar, and organized voter registration drives. I have worked with Medicare education. I am an attorney, mediator, certified hearing officer and educator. I am a leader and have taught leadership skills for more than 10 years.

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What is your plan to manage the deficit driven by recapture, to create the best outcome for Plano schools, to ensure that teachers have sufficient resources and capacity to provide the best possible education to children ?

The first thing that I would do is truly pay attention to the budget and not just accept the report the report from the administration. Look to see where the budget can be adjusted. Advocate for the children living in Plano to attend public school in Plano. Continue to lobby the legislature to enact budgets that totally fund public education. A collaboration of like situated districts may be more effective that single district requests to the legislature.

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Would you empower teachers to define and teach the curriculum based on state provided guidelines and specifically issues such as slavery being integral to American history, the historical importance of sexuality,  racial and gender identities, socio-economic status etc.? Please add your thoughts as to your position on empowering teachers.

No, Teachers can be empowered by being assured that they will not be disciplined or terminated because they teach as reflected above.

Do you believe that there is an issue within PISD with respect to book banning, social and emotional learning etc.? Please provide insight into your response to the question above. Is there an issue within PISD with respect to book banning, social and emotional learning etc.?

Maybe, I have "heard" that there is much scrutiny on books and a microscope on social and emotional learning. I do not personally know if this is correct. I do strongly believe that social and emotional learing is important. I also believe that books should not be banned out of some hysterical reaction but should be based on sound logic that shows harm to children.

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Do you believe  student mental health issues such as anxiety, fear of violence/suicidal thoughts should be addressed at a district wide level? What steps, if any, will you take to alleviate student mental health issues such as anxiety, fear of violence/suicidal thoughts etc.?

Yes. First, I think that students should be made to feel free to express their fears. Second, I think counseling should be made available to students on a one on one basis and group sessions for those who don't feel comfortable requesting individual sessions. The group sessions should cover issues that are universal to all students.

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What measures will you advocate to improve the security of students, faculty and staff in the district without adding to the work load or out of pocket expenses of teachers?

Administration in consultation with local law enforcement should develop safety plans for each campus. The plans should be practiced,and the protocols should be strictly adhered to.

Do you believe trans students should be able to access the restroom that aligns with their gender identity? 

No

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