Ronald Hansen
Ronald Hansen ran for election to the Coppell Independent School District to represent Place 7 in Texas. Hansen lost in the general election on May 5, 2018.
Hansen previously ran for the Place 4 and Place 3 seats on the board in 2017 and 2016.[1]
Biography
Hansen is a business owner in Coppell. He has volunteered with the Boy Scouts, the Coppell Economic Development Committee, the North Texas West Point Parents Club, the Coppell Youth Wrestling Program, and the Coppell High School Football and Wrestling Booster Club.[2]
Elections
2018
General election
General election for Coppell Independent School District, Place 7
Incumbent Tracy Fisher defeated Ronald Hansen in the general election for Coppell Independent School District, Place 7 on May 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Tracy Fisher (Nonpartisan) | 62.8 | 3,101 |
 | Ronald Hansen (Nonpartisan) | 37.2 | 1,840 | |
| Total votes: 4,941 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2017
Two of the seven seats on the Coppell Independent School District board of trustees were up for general election on May 6, 2017. Incumbent Thom Hulme defeated former candidate Ronald Hansen for the Place 4 seat. David Caviness defeated Vara Kuppam for the open Place 5 seat, for which no incumbent filed.[3][4]
Results
| Coppell Independent School District, Place 4 General Election, 3-year term, 2017 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Thom Hulme Incumbent |
52.52% | 1,780 |
| Ronald Hansen | 47.48% | 1,609 |
| Total Votes | 3,389 | |
| Source: Dallas County Elections, "2017 Joint Election," accessed September 20, 2017 | ||
Funding
Hansen reported no contributions or expenditures to the Dallas County Elections Office as of May 1, 2017.[5]
Endorsements
Hansen was endorsed by Empower Texans.[6]
2016
Three of the seven seats on the Coppell Independent School District school board were up for by-district general election on May 7, 2016. Place 1 incumbent Susie Kemp did not file for re-election. Newcomers Mary Duran and Leigh Walker faced each other in the race. Bac Cao Nguyen, Jonathan Kirby, and Jill Popelka filed to replace incumbent David Apple for the Place 2 seat. For Place 3, incumbent Anthony Hill faced challengers Pankaj Jain, and Ronald Hansen. There was no primary.[7]
Walker defeated Duran in the Place 1 race while Popelka took the seat in Place 2. Hill won his re-election bid defeating Jain and Hansen.[8]
Results
| Coppell Independent School District, Place 3 General Election, 3-year term, 2016 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Anthony Hill Incumbent |
48.70% | 2,581 |
| Ronald Hansen | 28.19% | 1,494 |
| Pankaj Jain | 23.11% | 1,225 |
| Total Votes | 5,300 | |
| Source: Coppell Independent School District, "Minutes of the May 16, 2016 - Special School Board Meeting," accessed February 28, 2017 | ||
Funding
Hansen reported no contributions or expenditures to the Dallas County campaign finance reporting office as of April 19, 2016.[9]
Endorsements
Hansen received no official endorsements for his campaign during the election.
Campaign themes
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
- See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Ron Hansen participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on April 3, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Ron Hansen's responses follow below.[10]
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
| “ | 1) Improving our teacher compensation system 2) Lowering property taxes/Efficient allocation of resources |
” |
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?
| “ | I'm very passionate about policy related to public education. I personally believe that a quality education is one of the most, if not the most important tool for overall success in child development. Article 7 of the Texas constitution calls for a "free" and "efficient" public school system, meaning that public leaders must possess the skills necessary to optimize available funds and take care of our community members both as students and as taxpayers. I am passionate about public education because I want future families to have the same education opportunities my wife and I had while raising our 4 children through the Texas Public School system. Texas is changing, and for the sake of our community, we need leaders with the skills to adapt and improve.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[12]
|
” |
Ballotpedia survey responses
- See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Ron hansen participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on April 6, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Ron hansen's responses follow below.[13]
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
| “ | 1) Lower property taxes / efficiency 2) Address child safety. Internal/external threats. |
” |
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?
| “ | Public education. The Texas Constitution (Article 7) calls "an efficient system of public free schools." I believe we need to work to get our schools more efficient. Child safety from external threats (Gunmen, etc.) and internal threats (data security, etc). Parents must know that their children are safe. An unsafe environment will destroy or public schools faster than anything. Safety must be a priority. Concerned about the misuse of our children's data and the misuse of technology in education.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[12]
|
” |
Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Ron hansen answered the following:
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
| “ | There are a number of local leaders that I have looked up to over the years. I would like to emulate what they had in common. A genuine passion for the children. The ability to translate their vision into action and the ability to stick to a budget.[12] | ” |
| “ | 1. The ability to listen. 2. Honesty - always be truthful. 3. Character - stand up for the things you believe. 4. Transparency - always be open.[12] | ” |
| “ | I have a unique skill set derived from my 33 years in the business world. I understand that a group generally makes a better decision than an individual and therefore the entire community needs to be involved in important decisions. I also possess the ability to diagnose and evaluate complicated issues and quickly derive potential solutions. Most important I am pragmatic and grounded. I believe my business skills will serve the Coppell ISD community well.[12] | ” |
| “ | 1. Attend all meetings and dig in. 2. Take care of the front line people - the teachers. 3. Understand your role and do it. 4. Be responsible to students, voters and taxpayers. 5. Put the interests of the kids and the parents first.[12] | ” |
| “ | I would like to be remembered as a person who was passionate about education and was able to build and maintain a public education system that children will benefit from for a lifetime.[12] | ” |
| “ | Farm work in the summers. Did some of everything, hauled hay, thinned beets, moved water pipe, etc.[12] | ” |
| “ | Thanksgiving - Its my birthday![12] | ” |
| “ | To serve the needs of the children. To do it within the boundaries the State has set. To foster an environment where everyone is important.[12] | ” |
| “ | The members of our community, taxpayers, parents and students.[12] | ” |
| “ | Make sure they are all at the table and represented.[12] | ” |
| “ | I believe including a variety of clubs and organizations would be valuable to all parties. I believe that certain organizations could inspire students and help in charting their career path.[12] | ” |
| “ | Good teaching is teaching the material in such a way that the students understand it, including practical application.[12] | ” |
| “ | Fundamentally, success in the 21st century will not be any different than success in the 20th century. While the tools will change (computers, technology, etc.), successful people must learn to effectively interact with one another and communicate.[12] | ” |
| “ | We must take steps to eliminate the Robin Hood legislation and find alternate sources of revenue to fund our public schools. We must also take steps to financially optimize every expenditure. Increasing teacher compensation must be a part of every discussion.[12] | ” |
| “ | Every student and parent must feel like they are safe within our schools. I believe that prevention and training up front are the best way to maintain a safe school environment.[12] | ” |
| “ | We must have the resources to to properly recognize the symptoms of mental health so the students/faculty/staff can be directed to the proper care.[12] | ” |
| “ | I am in favor of technology that actually works. However, I feel that its efficacy must be carefully evaluated to make sure it is not just another expensive "shiny object." All students must be technology literate and proficient.[12] | ” |
2017
Hansen participated in the following survey conducted by The Dallas Morning News. The questions provided by The Dallas Morning News appear bolded, and Hansen's responses follow below.
Why are you running for this office, and why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
| “ | I am running for office because I want to make sure that the Coppell ISD stay strong. Coppell is our home. I want it to be the best it can possibly be. We have 4 children that attended only Coppell ISD schools. Our youngest graduated last spring. I am running because I feel a large portion of our community is not being represented by the current board. We had a very divisive bond election last year where the outcome was decided by just 20 votes. Yet, when the board voted on financial matters concerning the bond (various stages), the vote was always 7-0, with very little discussion in open meetings. I feel if there was a more objective member of the community on the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees our city would be more united.
Voters should choose me over my opponent because I have over 30 years of high level experience in complicated financial matters. Professionally, I am paid to find problems and then find pragmatic and workable solutions to fix them. Uniquely I am not afraid to take positions that may not be popular.[12] |
” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
If elected, what two issues would you give the most attention and resources?
| “ | Financial matters - I would give the most attention to financial matters. Coppell has has the unlucky combination of high tax rates and high property values. This combination makes Coppell one of the highest taxed ISDs in the state of Texas. Coppell ISD's per student debt is also amongst the highest in Texas. Many residents feel that appreciating property values should result in a reduction of the tax rates, but that has not happened. Proper use of Technology - In the past few years the district has spent a tremendous amount of money on technology. Most students in the district are issued Apple iPads. In turn, the district has had to build an infrastructure to provide needed bandwidth and maintenance. My concern is that much of the technology, while expensive, is unproven. In most businesses or organizations, technology is deployed in order to reduce costs and/or improve efficiency. In the Coppell ISD model, the costs just keep mounting, There does not appear to be any economies. Many parents are also concerned that a child's personal information (test results, etc.) will become a part of the world wide web and may stay attached to the student for the rest of his/her life.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
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 numerous school board meetings. I have found that there is not much discussion on extremely important matters in Coppell ISD open board meetings. In addition, the board seems to always vote 7-0 on everything. I believe board members should dig in and understand to the best of their abilities all the facts on pressing issues. I believe board members should represent the best interests of their community rather than those of special interest groups (builders, developers, etc.).[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
As you look around the country, what innovative ideas would you recommend for improving classroom performance?
| “ | Stick to proven ideas that work.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
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?
| “ | Coppell ISD is maxed out on the local M&O tax rate. By law we can not push it any higher. So in order to promote any additional programs for our 1000 plus low income students, we need to reduce the costs of of existing programs.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
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 have numerous ideas to save money. As an example, Coppell ISD uses iPads extensively and exclusively. The school district pays for them. Rather than purchase expensive iPads, Coppell ISD could purchase Chrome books that cost about 1/2 as much as an iPad. And as a bonus, kids could learn valuable key boarding skills that would last them a lifetime.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
The state has adopted an A through F accountability system for district and campuses. Do you favor or oppose this system and why?
| “ | I favor accountability. I may even favor an A through F system. However, I am a bit perplexed by the current proposal because it appears it can give inaccurate information. If this legislation is passed it is possible that it can be adjusted before its implementation in 2018.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
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?
| “ | Coppell ISD has a strong tradition and track record of effectively preparing students for college. We have a variety of programs designed to help students prepare for and enter college. The constant challenge is making sure that all students are aware of programs and opportunities available to them.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
What schools in your district have been particularly effective in getting every child up to grade level in reading and math?
| “ | Coppell ISD aggressively works with every student in helping them reach goals in reading and math. Coppell ISD's teachers are phenomenal in working with parents, administrators and specialists to prevent children from falling through the cracks.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
How would you assess your district’s current school choice efforts, and what changes are needed?
| “ | Coppell TX has several charter schools that provide a high amount of choice to residents. The current SB3 as it is written would have minimal impact on Coppell ISD if passed. Coppell has very few low income students (approx. 1000) and the amount of money provided via educational savings accounts would not be sufficient to pay for private schools for those students. That said, Coppell ISD should aggressively prepare itself to become competitive with any charter, private or home school option.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
How would you assess your superintendent’s performance?
| “ | I would give him mixed reviews. 50/50 at best. Last year he aggressively led the charge that passed a $249 million bond making Coppell ISD one of the most in-debt school districts per student in the state of TX by a margin of only 20 votes. In many circles this is considered a success. However, the tactics used to pass the bond left many residents questioning the integrity of the Superintendent and Board. Those tactics included rolling polling, misleading statements in marketing material and public speeches. He also supported bond promotions from commercial enterprises that would profit from the passage of the bond.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
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?
| “ | I think early childhood education is important however there is not sufficient funds at this time to pay for it at the expense of increasing class size at other grade levels.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
What resources are lacking in schools in your district? How could the district deliver services in the most cost-effective manner?
| “ | As one of the State’s property wealthy school districts, Coppell ISD is very fortunate to have an abundance of resources. With that being said, funds for education are sacred and should be allocated in the most efficient manner possible. Transparency of communications, fair and open bidding, avoiding conflict of interest, open discussions and use of key community stakeholders who can help the district in their respective areas of expertise can help in the process of delivering services in the most cost-effective way.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
In what ways can your district’s communications with parents be improved? Likewise, how can parental involvement in your district improve?
| “ | I think Coppell ISD’s communication efforts are very strong in our community. They are very effective at reaching parents and getting the message they want out. Parent involvement can be improved through the District’s use of key community stakeholders, open and honest communication and transparent goals set by the District.[12] | ” |
| —Ronald Hansen (2017)[14] | ||
See also
- Coppell Independent School District, Texas
- Coppell Independent School District elections (2018)
- Coppell Independent School District elections (2017)
- Coppell Independent School District elections (2016)
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Dallas County Elections, "Early Voting Totals Only," accessed May 7, 2016
- ↑ Elect Ron Hansen, CISD Board of Trustees Place 3, "About," accessed April 26, 2016
- ↑ Coppell Independent School District, "Board Elections 2017," accessed February 17, 2017
- ↑ Dallas County Elections, "Unofficial Cumulative Results," accessed May 6, 2017These election results are unofficial and will be updated after official vote totals are made available.
- ↑ Dallas County Elections, "Campaign Reporting," accessed May 1, 2017
- ↑ Empower Texans, "May 2017 Endorsements," accessed April 6, 2017
- ↑ Coppell Independent School District, "Board Elections 2016," accessed February 20, 2016
- ↑ Dallas County Elections, "Early Voting Totals Only," accessed May 7, 2016
- ↑ Dallas County, "Campaign Finance Reporting," accessed April 19, 2016
- ↑ Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "Ron Hansen's responses," April 3, 2018 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "BPsurvey" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 12.12 12.13 12.14 12.15 12.16 12.17 12.18 12.19 12.20 12.21 12.22 12.23 12.24 12.25 12.26 12.27 12.28 12.29 12.30 12.31 12.32 12.33 12.34 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
- ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 The Dallas Morning News, "Voter Guide: Coppell ISD, Place 4," accessed April 13, 2017
| Coppell Independent School District elections in 2018 | |
| Dallas County, Texas | |
| Election date: | May 5, 2018 |
| Important information: | What was at stake? |
| Coppell Independent School District elections in 2017 | |
| Dallas County, Texas | |
| Election date: | May 6, 2017 |
| Candidates: | Place 4: • Incumbent, Thom Hulme • Ronald Hansen Place 5: • David Caviness • Vara Kuppam |
| Important information: | What was at stake? • Additional elections on the ballot • Key deadlines |
| 2016 Coppell Independent School District Elections | |
| Dallas County, Texas | |
| Election date: | May 7, 2016 |
| Candidates: | Place 1: Mary Duran • Leigh Walker Place 2: Bac Cao Nguyen • Jonathan Kirby • Jill Popelka |
| Important information: | What was at stake? |
