Christopher Riddick

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Christopher Riddick
Image of Christopher Riddick
Elections and appointments
Last election

May 7, 2022

Contact

Christopher Riddick ran for election to the Grand Prairie Independent School District school board to represent Place 6 in Texas. Riddick lost in the general election on May 7, 2022.

Elections

2022

See also: Grand Prairie Independent School District, Texas, elections (2022)

General election

General election for Grand Prairie Independent School District school board Place 6

Incumbent Emily Liles defeated Christopher Riddick in the general election for Grand Prairie Independent School District school board Place 6 on May 7, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Emily Liles (Nonpartisan)
 
58.2
 
846
Image of Christopher Riddick
Christopher Riddick (Nonpartisan)
 
41.8
 
607

Total votes: 1,453
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2017

See also: Grand Prairie Independent School District elections (2017)

Three of the seven seats on the Grand Prairie Independent School District school board in Texas were up for general election on May 6, 2017. In his bid for re-election to the Place 2 seat, incumbent Chester McCrary ran unopposed and won another term. In the race for the Place 4 seat, appointed incumbent Aaron King defeated challenger Johnny Boucher. The race for the open, at-large Place 3 seat included candidates Gloria Carrillo and Christopher Riddick. Carrillo won election to the seat.[1][2]

Results

Grand Prairie Independent School District,
Place 3 General Election, 3-year term, 2017
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.png Gloria Carrillo 52.16% 1,572
Christopher Riddick 47.84% 1,442
Total Votes 3,014
Source: Dallas County Elections, "2017 Joint Election," accessed September 20, 2017

Funding

See also: Campaign finance in the Grand Prairie Independent School District elections

Riddick reported $3,792.00 in contributions and $2,397.80 in expenditures to the Grand Prairie Independent School District, which left his campaign with $1,394.20 on hand as of April 28, 2017.[3]

Endorsements

Riddick was endorsed by community members in the district. Click here to see a list of his supporters.

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Christopher Riddick did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2017

Candidate website

Riddick highlighted the following statement on his campaign website:

Why you should support Christopher Riddick

Hello! I'm Christopher Riddick and I'm running for Grand Prairie ISD School Board Place 3 At Large. AT LARGE means everyone in GPISD can vote for me! My wife and I have been married for 20 years. We have lived in Grand Prairie for 17 years along with our three wonderful children.

I care about our students, teachers, staff, parents, and the community. I have dedicated my professional and personal life to working with children. Professionally I have over 15 years in education as a School Administrator. I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas for 18 years. One of my specialties is counseling adolescents. Personally, I have been actively involved in the children’s ministry at my church for 17 years, coached little league, and am an active parent in GPISD where my 3 children are students.

GPISD is doing some amazing things and I am excited to contribute to the advancement of all students . I want to make sure that there is opportunity, inclusion, and equity in achieving its goals. With your vote, you have a father, school professional, and a citizen who is focused and committed to doing what is right for our children. our staff, and our community.

Thank you for your support and be blessed![4]

—Christopher Riddick (2017)[5]

The Dallas Morning News survey

Riddick participated in the following survey conducted by The Dallas Morning News. The questions provided by The Dallas Morning News appear bolded, and Riddick's responses follow below.

Why are you running for this office, and why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?

I have three children currently enrolled in Grand Prairie ISD. Like every parent, I want the every best education for my children. I care about their futures and the futures of their classmates and all the students of Grand Prairie ISD. I am dedicated to ensuring that Grand Prairie ISD continues to produce the positive outcomes that it has achieved.

I have spent my entire professional career training and educating myself to improve the lives of others. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas at El Paso and a master’s degree in counseling from the University of North Texas. I have spent the past 15 plus years working in school districts as a Central Office Administrator. This has provided me an intimate knowledge of the internal workings of a school system that allows me to have a heart, the patience and dedicated perseverance of impacting growth and change. My experience of growing up in a multicultural environment provides a differing perspective in achieving common goals. People have characterized me as a caring, dedicated, and experienced servant of the people who is intelligent and possess integrity.[4]

—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

If elected, what two issues would you give the most attention and resources?

I believe that “education is the new currency for the 21st Century”. It is imperative that we prepare and invest in the next generation of citizens to be equipped for the challenges and opportunities that the future brings. The process will involve creating engaging learning experiences, enhancing leadership skills, and maximizing student potential. The focus must also support the employees that embrace these challenges while at the same time being a great steward of the taxpayers’ investment.[4]
—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

For non-incumbent trustees: Have you attended any school board meetings? If so, what have you learned about how a board member can be effective?

I have attended a school board meeting. However, with the integration of technology, I have viewed the videotaping of the school board meetings for the past 6 months. A board member can be must effective by listening to the constituents that he or she represents. These constituents include students, staff, parents, community members and[4]
—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

As you look around the country, what innovative ideas would you recommend for improving classroom performance?

I believe implementing a process known as Restorative Practices will be instrumental in improving classroom performance. Restorative Practices is a '... relational approach to building school climate and addressing student behavior that fosters belonging over exclusion, social engagement over control, and meaningful accountability over punishment.' The research shows that Restorative Practices has strengthened school communities, reduced classroom referrals, addressed disproportionately in disciplinary actions, and improved classroom instruction.

I would like to also look at Zero-Based Budgeting as a cost saving measure. 'Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is a method of budgeting in which all expenses must be justified for each school year. Zero-based budgeting starts from a "zero base," and every function within an organization is analyzed for its needs and costs. Budgets are then built around what is needed for the upcoming school year.'[4]

—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

Given the current funding structure, how does your district meet the academic needs of its low-income students? Are you willing to ask voters to approve a tax increase to create or expand these programs?

Grand Prairie ISD's economically disadvantaged student population is seventy-three percent (73.7%). This means roughly 3 of 4 students in the district comes from a low-income home. The district must continue to do an astounding job with managing its financial responsibilities while focusing on needs of its students and staff.[4]
—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

Many districts are exploring creative ways to save money or shift costs to parents and students. What creative measures would you favor or oppose and why?

In a school district that is identified as 'district poor' it is important that we are sound managers of the district's funds and that priorities for spending are driven by three things: (1) Needs; (2) Wants; and (3) Desires. These decisions would be implemented in a way that focuses on student achievement and the future. All financial decisions would provide a return in cost savings, be transparent, be credible, and increase the property value of our communities. Most importantly, these decisions will continue to enhance the growth that the district has already achieved.[4]
—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

The state has adopted an A through F accountability system for district and campuses. Do you favor or oppose this system and why?

I believe accountability is imperative in public education. Determining what to measure and how to measure things continues to be an ongoing debate. I believe that both student achievement and student progress must be factored into any accountability system.[4]
—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

How would you assess the district’s efforts to improve graduation rates and increase the number of students prepared for college? What further improvements would you advocate?

Grand Prairie ISD's graduation rates are steadily increasing. I believe this increase is directly correlated with the district's School of Choice Programs. Now students and their families have options that guide them to their success. Graduating students are then well prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

Upon graduation, our students must have the following options: enrollment into higher education (including vocational opportunities), gainful employment, or enlistment into military service. My role as an advocate would be to ensure that these opportunities are available to all Grand Prairie ISD students.[4]

—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

What schools in your district have been particularly effective in getting every child up to grade level in reading and math?

The wonderful news is 'All of Grand Prairie ISD schools currently meet or exceeds state standards'.[4]
—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

How would you assess your district’s current school choice efforts, and what changes are needed?

Grand Prairie ISD's School of Choice Programs options are outstanding.

Here just a list of some. * Aerospace Academy * Construction Management & Technology * Firefighter Academy * Landscape Design * Registered Nursing Academy * Sports Medicine * Veterinary Studies * Law and Public Safety * Government and Public Administration * Dentistry * Automotive Collision * Graphic Communications * Culinary Arts * Cosmetology * Architecture * Fine Arts Academy I would support the pursuing or pursuing of certification for all these programs[4]

—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

How would you assess your superintendent’s performance?

Dr. Hull has done an outstanding job as the leader of Grand Prairie ISD. I have found her to be a visionary, pragmatic, and engaging. After speaking with her, I am reassured that the future of the district is bright.[4]
—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

Where do you stand on the importance of early-childhood education? Would you support increasing class-size ratios at other grade levels in order to introduce or expand pre-K?

It is important that all the students in Grand Prairie ISD developed a solid foundation in which to build on academically. The importance of early-childhood education is first opportunity to lay this foundation. I am interested in looking at all the options that give our students the best opportunities at meeting their potential.[4]
—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

What resources are lacking in schools in your district? How could the district deliver services in the most cost-effective manner?

This is a great question. What resources are lacking...? I believe the continual outreach and engaging students, staff, and the community will help in uncovering the answer to this question. The lack of financial resources will continue to challenge the district in meeting the needs of its students.[4]
—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

In what ways can your district’s communications with parents be improved? Likewise, how can parental involvement in your district improve?

Technology has come a long way in supporting the district in engaging parents and I would continue to support its use. However, I would not move away from placing flyers into students backpacks. I would also reach out to PTAs and PTOs as a place to communicate information. District mailings ensure that the entire community is made aware of what is happening in the district. All material should be distributed in both English and Spanish.[4]
—Christopher Riddick (2017)[6]

See also


External links

Footnotes