School Board Candidate Ready for Dedication to Students

Chris Martinez 

How many children do you have? 
I have three kids in the district: a daughter, 5, in kindergarten, another daughter who is 7 and in the first grade, and our son is 14 and a freshman at McCluer North High School.  

What issues are important to the Ferguson-Florissant School Board?
Students, students, students. Every conversation we have about priorities must focus first on students.  Then and only then, can we address things like financial strength, program evaluation and measurement and the needs of our teachers and support staff.  If we are always focusing on our kids then we can make the tough decisions, knowing we have done our best by our students and families.

What issues are important for the district as a whole?
Some folks will say that this is not a good time for change.  I would suggest that there is never a good time for change.  Rather, we just need good people during change.  Right now, we must bring everyone to the table in a very open and honest conversation about how we make this district stronger.  This means, teachers, parents, grandparents, support staff, citizens and students must be able to voice their thoughts and feelings in an environment that is all about results and solutions.  We have done well.  We can do better.  And our children deserve it.

What makes you a great candidate?
I am the only candidate with children at more than one level of school right now, elementary and high school.  I understand the feelings and concerns of parents who have kids at every level, right now.  I have proven results in evaluation around programs and policies, and I have built a national program that will involve more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide.  Most importantly, I am focused on two things; students and results.  The only thing that matters is looking at what works for our kids and doing it well. 

Why did you decide to run/re-run for the school board?
Robert Kennedy once said, “We all struggle with the cruelties and follies of mankind. But the struggle will not be won by standing and pointing a finger.  It will be won by action.”  This is my action. There are more than 12,000 kids in this district, and they have millions of dreams.  It is our job to build a place where dreams thrive.  It is our job to build a place where kids feel safe and free to learn. And it is our job to create an environment where they can become their absolute individual best.

Do you have a message to voters?

Yes, three things:
1)   I will not be outworked. There is no replacement for honest hard work.  As a board member, I will always put forth the effort that these kids and their future deserve.  
2)   I will listen to what you have to say. I will not just wait to speak but will actually listen. 
3)   I will apply everything I learn from you and apply my own abilities to always do the right thing.  I will not let you down.  I will not let our children down; it is simply too important.