Peter Rabner

Peter Rabner

---

Peter Rabner was a candidate for Place 6 representative on the Lewisville Independent School District school board in Texas. Rabner was defeated in the by-district general election on May 6, 2017.

Elections

2017

See also: Lewisville Independent School District elections (2017)

Two of the seven seats on the Lewisville Independent School District board of trustees in Texas were up for general election on May 6, 2017. In her bid for re-election to Place 6, incumbent Kristi Hassett defeated challengers Jon Hanna, Eric Parker, and Peter Rabner. Place 7 incumbent Tracy Scott Miller defeated challengers Shari Chambers and Sandra Weinstein. A third challenger, Colleen Shaw, originally filed in the Place 7 race, but she formally withdrew her candidacy on April 19, 2017, citing personal reasons. While she no longer campaigned for the position, Shaw's name still appeared on the ballot.

Results

Lewisville Independent School District, Place 6 General Election, 3-year term, 2017
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Kristi Hassett Incumbent	67.69%	8,027
Eric Parker	13.53%	1,604
Peter Rabner	10.36%	1,229
Jon Hanna	8.42%	999
Total Votes		11,859
Source: Denton County Elections, "Cumulative Report–Official: Denton County–2017 May General and Special Elections," accessed June 6, 2017

Funding

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

Rabner reported no contributions or expenditures to the Lewisville Independent School District as of May 3, 2017.

Campaign themes

2017

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

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

“	The current budget practices of the board are troublesome to me. To be seeking additional debt (bonds) when we are still paying off the last 2 (2005 and 2008) doesn't seem financially wise. I understand that improvements are needed but to spend the money in 5 years and then take at least 20 years to pay it off isn't wise. I believe that if the community is willing to work at it, the current $1.2 billion in debt will be paid off as planned (2030), we can "cash flow" a large portion of the projects in the proposed bond, and eventually get the district into a financial situation where taxes for these projects (I&S) can be maintained at 1/2 to 1/3 of the current rate and provide the resources that students will need on an ongoing basis.	”
—Peter Rabner (2017)

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

“	Better budgeting so that future generations are not still paying for what we want now. Working to find and provide for the best teachers possible; for they are the ones teaching and serving our children.	”
—Peter Rabner (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?

“	Yes. They need to listen to the community and seek their input. Board members are meant to represent to views, needs, desires of the people, and help provide the best education possible for the children. Communication is a key factor. The community needs to be aware of why key decisions will be made and given the opportunity to provide feedback prior to the final decision being made.	”
—Peter Rabner (2017)

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

“	Hands on experience is one of the best ways to drive in learning. To be able to provide these experiences to the children would help them to see and understand real world application of their learning. We need to look for ways to continue hands on and interactive learning, without costing the future.	”
—Peter Rabner (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?

“	I'm not fully aware of how they're meeting their needs, but I am aware of them closing a school (Hedrick Elementary) that services a large population of low-income students. I don't see how this will meet the needs to these families and can place additional burdens upon them. I am willing to ask voters for a tax increase in the short term, to clean up previous messes and to put the district on a more sound financial path that will lead to significant long term tax reduction and financial security.	”
—Peter Rabner (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 believe that a community that supports the children and helps educate them, benefits far more than what they're asked to pay. I believe that the creative measures need to start with how the district is spending the current funds and not to continue doing things because that is how everyone else is doing them. I believe that through a short tax increase and better budgeting, the district will be more financially stable, taxes will significantly decrease for the long term, and the district will have the cash to pay for the needs of the students.	”
—Peter Rabner (2017)

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

“	Accountability will always be required. The state is applying the same method of grading that we apply in the classroom; however, I believe that this type of system is very difficult to apply on a state scale, where as it is easier for a teacher. A teacher is able to see, understand, and meet the needs of their students and to evaluate the students on a more even playing field. I believe that we need to measure progress more than to measure against a benchmark. Yes, an ultimate benchmark needs to be achieved, but we can't be so focused on the goal that we lose sight of the journey. Some students and schools have further to travel and we must be able to take this into consideration. I believe this is a system that still has issues to be worked out.	”
—Peter Rabner (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?

Rabner did not respond to this question.

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

Rabner did not respond to this question.

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

Rabner did not respond to this question.

How would you assess your superintendent’s performance?

“	I believe Dr. Rogers is trying his best to provide for the children. As with any leader, there is always room for improvement, and listening and counseling with others will help achieve improvement.	”
—Peter Rabner (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?

“	I believe that early-childhood education is very important. Yet to increase class sizes to allow pre-K would require a study on the effects of such a decision. What would it cost? Where would we cut to cover the cost? How much would the class-size ratio increase? What additional facilities would be required? To due such a program as this would require extensive research and study to make the best educated decision.	”
—Peter Rabner (2017)

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

“	To deliver services in the most cost-effective manner, the district needs to be debt free in essence. When you're not spending $10's of millions on interest year, you have cash to pay for the resources you're lacking and they don't cost you up to 50% more because of the interest.	”
—Peter Rabner (2017)

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

“	I believe that they need to try harder to get community involvement and input prior to key decisions. Mailers can be sent (in the mail or through school newsletters/folders) when key policy changes are being discussed and not just mailers as for more money (bond voting).	”
—Peter Rabner (2017)

See also

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

External links

Suggest a link

• Lewisville Independent School District