Two members of the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees, Lewis Isaacks and Judy Poe, will not seek reelection after their terms end this May. Both cite work and family obligations for choosing to step down, but state they will remain actively involved in supporting McKinney ISD. Mr. Isaacks has served on the Board since 2003 and Ms. Poe since 2007.
"After much deliberation and thought, I have decided not to seek reelection for the Board of Trustees," said Board President Lewis Isaacks. "My personal and professional time commitments have expanded to the point that it is not possible for me to continue to serve. One of the reasons I feel confident in stepping down at this time, is because of the current leadership in place on the Board and within the District. One of our primary responsibilities is to hire a great leader, I feel confident we have accomplished that in the hiring of Dr. Kennedy."
Mr. Isaacks works in civil litigation and mediation for Gay, McCall, Isaacks, Gordon and Roberts, PC. He is active in a number of organizations, having served as a member of the McKinney Rotary Club for more than 10 years, and on the board for the Collin County Community College District Foundation. He has also served on the board for the Collin County Boys and Girls Club. Despite his involvement in multiple organizations, he states that he will remain actively involved in McKinney ISD. Gay, McCall, Isaacks, Gordon and Roberts, PC has endowed a scholarship for the McKinney Education Foundation, they are a Foundation Donor, and a "Dream Builder" supporting MEF's commitment to provide college advisors at McKinney ISD high schools.
"Paula and I will continue to seek ways to actively serve students in McKinney ISD," Isaacks added. "Paula teaches at McKinney North High School, so we will continue to be involved there as well. I am proud of what McKinney ISD has accomplished. As a board member, I have to say that I am most proud of our focus on serving all students, and providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds."
Mr. Isaacks received his undergraduate degree from Angelo State and earned his law degree from Texas Tech University. He and his wife, Paula, have two sons who are graduates of McKinney High School. One son graduated from Texas Tech University and the other is currently in graduate school at Harding University. Paula has taught English and coached girl's basketball and track at McKinney North High School.
The position held by Lewis Isaacks, Place 7, is an at-large position. Ms. Judy Poe also announced her intent to step down as Board Trustee for Place 3.
"Upon completion of my current commitment, I have decided not to run for another term as District 3 School Board Trustee for McKinney ISD," said Poe. "The decision was not an easy one, but after much thought, prayer, and deliberation I believe it is the best decision for my family. In addition, I have family members that are McKinney ISD/MHS alumni and have a desire to return to McKinney and work for the district. They will be able to pursue opportunities for their professional careers in the district if I'm no longer on the board."
Ms. Poe served as PTO president for two consecutive years at Burks Elementary and also participated in the McKinney Community Action Network (McKinney CAN). In addition, she served on a rezoning committee for the district prior to serving on the Board of Trustees. She is currently the PTO Teacher Appreciation Chair at Burks. She is also an active member of First Baptist Church and prior to serving on the board served as co-coordinator of Mother's of Preschoolers, (MOPS), a ministry for mothers of preschoolers.
"I have truly enjoyed serving my community as a member of the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees," said Ms. Poe. "I am thankful for the experience. The accomplishments I am most proud of are the approval of a mid-year bonus for staff as well as a $250.00 classroom supply stipend for teachers, the opening of the Herman Lawson Early Childhood Center, and the recent development of a long-term strategic plan. I will miss working with my wonderful board colleagues, administration, and district staff. I will continue to be actively involved as a volunteer in our schools, something I have been committed to before and during my tenure as a board member."
Ms. Poe was born and reared in Terrell, Texas and graduated from Terrell High School in 1987. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from Baylor University.
Ms. Poe has worked as a licensed speech therapist in a variety of environments including long term care, hospitals, home health and public schools. She worked as a contract speech therapist at Slaughter Elementary School in McKinney ISD. Ms. Poe currently works as a contract speech therapist for Excel Therapy and works part-time at her husband's local physical therapy clinic. She has also served as the Board Liaison for the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) and is currently a board member for Past, Present, Action - A Distinguished Lecture Series for McKinney ISD high school students.
The deadline to apply for serving on the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees is March 8, 2010. Board candidate packets are available in the Office of the Superintendent.
