Wingspan: The State Legislature is considering bills that would require the Texas Education Agency to develop curriculum for use in Texas public schools. Frisco ISD has a history of writing its own curriculum with local teacher participation. Should the state mandate use of the state curriculum? Why?

Kershaw: “No. A conflict of interest would arise for the TEA to begin developing curriculum.”

Wingspan: The State Legislature is considering creating Education Savings Accounts that would provide families with taxpayer-supported funds that could be used to offset private school tuition. What are your thoughts on this?

Kershaw: “I am pro-public schools. Any government program will have strings attached, potentially circumventing the freedom from government regulation that private schools enjoy.”

Wingspan: To date, Frisco ISD has maintained a “Student Opportunity” model that keeps high school populations in the 5A UIL classification (generally targeting 2,100 students per high school). As we continue to grow, should FISD continue this effort? Why?

Kershaw: “Potentially. I like the smaller school model, however, it’s not working. Our schools are beyond capacity, and redistricting is negatively affecting families.”

Wingspan: Frisco ISD has a history of engaging in unique public-private partnerships with the city of Frisco yielding shared use of facilities like the Ford Center, Toyota Stadium, Comerica Center, and PGA Frisco. Have these projects lived up to their promise, and should we continue to seek new opportunities? Why?

Kershaw: “Opportunities with clear benefits for the students should be considered. I would like to see transparency regarding the return on investment for those partnerships.”

Wingspan: What is your understanding of Standards Based Grading? Is it having a positive effect on student learning of the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills? Is there evidence to support your assertion?

Kershaw: “This practice of retesting multiple times should be reserved for the students who absolutely need it. Academic rigor is the goal for FISD.”

Wingspan: School library books have garnered attention over the past year both nationally and locally. Frisco ISD has removed and reclassified books in our school libraries and gives parents access to their student’s checkout history. What are your thoughts on this issue?

Kershaw: “The current policy is reactive as opposed to proactive. I support House Bill 900 and Senate Bill 13.”

Wingspan: Property taxes and school funding are big topics of discussion in Austin right now. What do you think of the current system of public school funding?

Kershaw: “Meaningful Recapture reform will help keep more tax dollars invested by local citizens in local public schools.”

Wingspan: For some employees, living outside of the district is a choice, but for others, they can’t afford to buy a home in Frisco. What are your thoughts about many of the district’s employees not living in the district? 

Kershaw: “The teachers should have a pay scale with yearly increases they can count on.”

Wingspan: There has been a lot of talk about teacher shortages both nationally and here in Texas. While there can be many reasons for this, one of the common reasons often cited is pay. According to a ranking from the National Education Association, Texas public school teachers made, on average, $57,641 in the 2020-2021 school year which puts Texas at number 28 in the country. What are your thoughts on what Frisco ISD can do to retain its teachers?

Kershaw: “I support legislation regarding paying teachers competitively. Texas and FISD should support, value, and protect the teachers.”