Demetric Brown

Demetric Brown

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Demetric "Dee" Brown was a candidate for Place 3 representative on the DeSoto Independent School District school board in Texas. Brown was defeated in the by-district general election on May 6, 2017.

Elections

2017

See also: DeSoto Independent School District elections (2017)

Three of the seven seats on the DeSoto Independent School District board of trustees were up for general election on May 6, 2017. Place 3 incumbent Karen Daniel defeated former board member Van Stripling and challengers Demetric Brown and Jeremy Woods. Tiffany Clark defeated Place 4 incumbent Jerry Hall, DeAndrea Fleming, and Krystal Denise Sams in the race for the Place 4 seat. In the race for the Place 5 seat, incumbent Aubrey Hooper defeated challengers A'Londa Barber, Laneshia Jordan, and Darrell Porter.

Results

DeSoto Independent School District, Place 3 General Election, 3-year term, 2017
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Karen Daniel Incumbent	40.12%	828
Demetric Brown	38.76%	800
Van Stripling	13.52%	279
Jeremy Woods	7.61%	157
Total Votes		2,064
Source: Dallas County Elections, "2017 Joint Election," accessed September 20, 2017

Funding

See also: Campaign finance in the DeSoto Independent School District elections

Brown reported no contributions or expenditures to the Dallas County Elections Office as of May 1, 2017.

Campaign themes

2017

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

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

“	I am running because I believe in the potential, promise, and purpose of every Desoto student. It’s up the individual voter to determine why me over my opponent. I’m certain each candidate has a unique qualification to offer. As for as me, I am running simply to do the right thing for our students, parents administrative and support staff within the School City limits of DeSoto and Glenn Heights. I truly believe that it takes a village to ensure success and I believe this office is a vital part of building and ensuring the strength of that village. How I can benefit our school district is through my business acquisition background, volunteer service and diverse background.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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

“	If elected the first issue I would give attention to is to identify academic performance deficiencies and technological advances as it relates to student academic performance in comparison to other students globally, and how to get our students competitive on a global scale. Secondly, I would give more support to the individual educators who work tirelessly every day to educate each and every child of this district. One does not have to look far to recognize and understand that educators often times have a thankless job. What I would like to see is a district where educator’s innovative and effective ideas are heard, respected, and implemented.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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 board meetings. Through my attendance I have learned that every board member can be effective through listening to the concerns and passions of each and every person who attends. School board meetings are for those who voice concerns. I’ve learned that a trustee must be accountable for those issues that are on the agenda. True accountability can be obtained through unbiased research, transparency, diversity and a collective cohesive mindset amongst all involved . Simply put one must put their feelings aside and seek to chase righteousness. Through this one can make an impactful and informed decision that builds a stronger and more cohesive district.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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

“	As far as innovation is concerned I believe the most innovative idea in education is the support of the educators who educate. When teachers are free to teach, then students learn. I believe in supporting educators in their efforts to command and control their classrooms and schools. Schools that have a learn friendly environment produce students who perform on higher levels. Call me old fashioned, but identifying and ensuring every student who wants an education is able to get one is still the most innovative idea in education and improving classroom performance. I believe Desoto can do this successfully by giving our full support to the educators we employ.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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?

“	A number of Desoto's low income student needs are met through Title One. Per the district website, the purpose of Title I, Part A, is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. It provides supplemental funding to state and LEAs for resources to help schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families to provide a high-quality education that will enable all children to meet the state’s student performance academic standards. Title I, Part A, supports schools in implementing either a school-wide program or a targeted assistance program. These programs must use effective methods and instructional strategies that are grounded in scientifically based research. As fair as it pertains to asking voters to approve a tax increase I am not in favor of that move currently.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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?

“	I’m in favor of parents having the ability to place their school taxes towards the school of choice. Meaning, parents should have the right to have their school taxes go towards the school system that their child is attending. With that being said, students that live outside of the school district that they are attending should also pay the school district their child is attending. Example, if your school district is open district, those students that live outside of the district, should be required to pay, at the minimal, the average homeowners school tax rate or at least a percentage. At this time, I am open to listening to potential proposes of cost savings and increasing revenue and reducing excess spending regarding school funding. I am opposed to anything that would hurt the masses as it relates to reducing school funding substantially.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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

“	This accountability system is one that I oppose. First let me state that I don't oppose the system because I believe it lacks usefulness. It is necessary for every organization to have a system of metrics in which it is held accountable for tracking its successes and its failures. The A through F accountability system is rendered ineffective because it lacks the variables to track the tireless efforts of each administrator, educator, and student. It suggests that same variables, measures, and issues are equal to every district. To asses a grade to any district without those variables present is not only unfair, but also unjust. This system is also not a fair marketing tool for new parents and residents who are considering transferring to a district. A low grade does not dictate a lack of success for your child as equally a higher grade does not solidify your child's success.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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?

“	In 2016 the graduation rate for Desoto high school was 87%. If elected as future trustee I would like to further promote and advocate the school's Collegiate Magnet Program (CMP). Per the district website the mission is to provide students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate's degree in preparation for future endeavors and global challenges. Staff, parents, students, and community stakeholders will work together to instill in each student the academic social skills necessary for responsible and productive citizenship through professional development, community service, and scholarship opportunities. Furthermore, the CMP students receive the opportunity to earn an Associate’s Degree in high school and at no cost. CMP students complete their traditional high school diploma while simultaneously completing college courses online, at the high school, and at the college.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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

“	Cockrell Hil Elementary, Ruby Young Elementary, and West Middle School. C. McCowan Elementry	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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

“	I am currently satisfied with Desoto's school choice efforts and have not assessed any current changes necessary at this time.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

How would you assess your superintendent’s performance?

“	I believe that like many in the district our Superintendent has a difficult job. Rather than assess performance, I am running to support the communities views and efforts through critical assessments, constructive viewpoints, and open dialogue. My one assessment would be that just like everyone else Dr. David Harris is concerned about the success of every student in the district, but just like everyone else he cannot achieve this success alone. The reason I am asking to be elected by the voters of Desoto is to ensure that everyone is held accountable, but still empowered in their position.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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?

“	The earlier the education process can impart the better it is for that individual and their community. Pre-k is one the mainstays of early-childhood education. A child's educational catechesis sets the very foundation for the love or contempt for the classroom. Simply put, the earlier a child falls in love with learning the greater his/her pathway to achieving her/his goals and will manifest. While I am convinced in my belief in early childhood learning increasing class size ratios at other grade is not the solution to expanding a Pre- K program. I am committed to collectively coming up with a solution that involves the great innovators and thinkers in Desoto in which Pre-k expansion happens, but not at the risk of negating an already difficult intimate learning environment for an older student. Supporting such a measure would be counter distinctive to the head start given in Pre-K.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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

“	The resources lacking in our school district are full-time certified qualified specialized instructors teaching in the advanced core classes. The long term most cost effective way is to develop a compensation package to retain the teachers but also motivate the teacher not to even want to leave the district. It is financial more cost effective to retain an experienced teacher whose not only familiar with our students and families but also understands the culture of the district.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

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

“	As a former parent in Desoto ISD I can attest that communication is at a premium. Through newsletters, websites, email communications, and robo calls parents are not short on communication with the district. Improvement in parental involvement involves our willingness to understanding the differences in demographics in every school. For instance, parents at one elementary school may not have the same availability as another simply because they both have elementary children. As a district we have to be flexible to meet the needs of those parents who want to be actively engaged in their child's educational process. This measure of involvement is increased by greater communication and cooperation with parents, teachers, and administrators.	”
—Demetric Brown (2017)

See also

• DeSoto Independent School District, Texas
• DeSoto Independent School District elections (2017)

External links

Suggest a link

• DeSoto Independent School District