Houston Chronicle Endorses Trautman for HCDE Board

"For this year’s elections to the Haris County Board of Education, we strongly endorse candidates who’d keep the Harris County Department of Education healthy and continue its important work.

Democratic challenger Diane Trautman would bring expertise and professionalism to the job. As a professor of education at Stephen F. Austin State University, she taught courses in ethics and leadership–areas that would be useful on the county board, which astoundingly lacks an ethics policy. With previous banking experience she’s strong in finance. And knows first-hand how the department helps schools. As principal of Tomball Junior High, Trautman saved enough by ordering supplies through the co-op that she was able to fund a science program.

Her opponent, incumbent Michael Wolfe, has hardly covered himself in glory during his six-year term. In 2008, the board’s other members voted to censure him. Among other problems, they cited his frequent absence from meetings; his failure "to notify the Department or other board members of his whereabouts for over three months"; and that he "threatened board members during an executive session." In 2009, the board tried to remove him from office."

Trautman stated, "I would like to thank the Houston Chronicle for their endorsement and their confidence in my campaign and for supporting our public schools. I would also like to remind everyone to please, please vote early starting Monday, October 22 and please tell everyone you know to do the same. We have much to do before this race is won."

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"Every child deserves access to a quality education "