Briefly provide an overview of biographical data that includes your educational

background, work experience, civic affiliations, and family (your spouse's name, the names of your children).

Jesús J. Gonzalez: I am a native Laredoan, born September 12, 1957. I am single and have four sons, Jesús J. Gonzalez, Jr., José Guadalupe Gonzalez, Christopher Jorge Gonzalez, and Joshua Adam Gonzalez. My education consists of a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Laredo State University, with majors in History and Political Science. I also have certifications in Special Education (1992) and Mathematics (1999) from Laredo Junior College. I worked for Dr. Ike's Economy Center from 1977-1990 as an operations manager. From 1990-1996 I worked as a special education teacher at Lamar Middle School. I was a UIL calculator sponsor and the organizer of the IDEA Club. From 1997 to present I am a math teacher at F. S. Lara Academy and Nixon High School. I conduct TAAS tutorials, which I have 100% success in passing, I am a CEID/DEIC committee member, an F. S. Lara CEIC chairperson, LISD/CEIC organization committee co-chair, UISD/DEIC parent representative, a part of the UISD Redistricting Committee, a LISD Safety Committee member, and currently a UISD school board candidate. I am a member of Laredo Chess Club and sponsor. My interest includes carpentry, computers, all sports, and community involvement.

Roberto Ramos: I have been an employee of the International Boundary and Water Commission for the last 15 years. I'm a 1985 graduate of Texas A&I in Kingsville with a degree in natural gas engineering. My wife Leticia Sanchez Ramos and I have five children -- Carissa, Raul, Krystal, Roberto, Jr., and Liza. All of them have been educated in the United Independent School District. I was a supervisor at Presidio for the IBWC, and a civil engineer at the Falcon project. I came to Laredo as civil engineer. I have served on the UISD board for six years and for five years on the Webb County Appraisal District board of directors. I have been a member of St. Jude Catholic Church parish for 12 years.

From the field of the three candidates for UISD District 6 trustee, only Jesus J. Gonzalez and incumbent trustee Roberto Ramos answered the questions we sent each candidate. Juan Roberto Ramirez did not respond.

Assess the state of the district in terms of board leadership, accountability to state educational standards, and keeping up with unprecedented growth. Assess the performance of this board.

Gonzalez: I personally believe that the board is caught up with personal agendas. We have members that do not show up to meetings because of personal problems. In terms of leadership, sometimes I feel that personal agendas tend to get in the way. We are very fortunate to have members and staffs that oversee the implementation of policy and assure that the district meets or exceeds the standards of the state. As to keeping up with the unprecedented growth at United for the last 14 years, I feel that not only the current board but also previous school boards should have made better plans for this unprecedented growth.

The current board has to be admired for their efforts; however, certain items could have been better implemented. Also the board has failed to keep control of cost construction and failed to approve the money that was suppose to come from the other district; the Robin Hood Plan.

Ramos: This board is a little demanding in terms of accountability. We set very high standards, which has made this district very successful. When you compare historical data from six years ago, TAAS scores were at 71% for reading. They are currently 82.5%. In writing, six years ago we were at 78%, and currently we are at 86.8%. In math we were at 65% and we are now at 84.9% accountability to state educational standards.

Our total debt in bond issues is $202 million, bonds from the 1988, 1992, and 1998 bond issues. Those bonds have been expended in building schools and facilities and in renovations. We pay about $18 million a year in repayment. Our current tax base of 1.27 per $100 value is earmarked for maintenance and the operation of the district; 16¢ per $100 valuations goes to repay the bonds. We have maintained that same tax base. What has increased is property values. Our total tax for UISD is $1.43 per $100 valuation. I believe this board has worked very hard to judiciously spend taxpayer money and to hold the line on taxes.

I'm very clear on the role of a board, which is to approve a budget, oversee the management of a district, set policy, hire and fire the superintendent. You have to have good knowledge of state finances so that you make your decisions within guidelines. You have to know performance and accountability guidelines well, too, because the money you get from the state hinges on performance. I understand both finances and academically. I have a good working relationship with the other board members. I know their expectations, they know mine. We are more or less on the same line.

What experience do you have in public service?

Gonzalez: I have helped out in several charity organizations, helped at St. John Newman Church and at faculty fund-raisers, and tutored students free of charge.

Ramos: I have served on this school board and on the board of the tax appraisal district, and I work for the federal government.

What strengths of character would you bring to the process of overseeing the needs of UISD?

Gonzalez: I have leadership skills, the ability to accomplish things, I am task-oriented, and I am flexible. I take people's needs into consideration and consensus that will benefit all.

Ramos: I know the district very well. I have a vested interest in UISD because of my children. I care for my own children and the welfare of all the others -- 29,000 children, 31 school campuses, 4,000 employees.

I'm easy to work with, I have an open mind. I listen to all sides and try to make the best decision. If we haven't been given enough information, we will ask for more.

What motivates you to seek this position as UISD trustee?

Gonzalez: Change. I feel the world is changing and rules need to change along with the times. The board being a policy maker, I believe it needs people that are willing to meet the challenge of a new world.

Ramos: Six years ago we had major problems in finance and in administration, but the ones who suffered were the kids. The progress over the last six years has been enormous. I want to keep being a part of this kind of progress. I hope to be there when the district receives an Exemplary District designation from the state. Last year we had six exemplary schools, which was the highest we had ever had, and 12 recognized schools, and 13 acceptable.

Please state what you believe are three of UISD's greatest priorities in best serving Gonzalez: I believe that school safety should be increased. Highly-trained teachers should be hired and retained. Provide the best technology and training for student and teachers and seek alternative forms of funding for the construction of school.

I was selected for the UISD Leadership Academy based on the evaluation of other administrators and personnel. Using dedication and service to the district plus the desire to get involved in problem solving.

Ramos: Addressing the growth of the district, we add about 1,300 students every year. Our bond money is gone, so it will be challenging to keep up with growth. We are restructuring the attendance zones for each school in order to maximize the facilities.

Student safety, which we have worked on for the last six years, is also a high priority. As the district grows, the challenges for student safety also grow. We have our own police department and we are installing surveillance cameras in the high schools. We have a Crime Stoppers partnership with LISD and the City Police Department. There's a lot of work left to do in this area.

The third priority is to move the district to a recognized exemplary status. The new testing means we will now test social studies and science, which students must pass in order to graduate from high school. No pass, no promotion. We will have to have methods or programs to help kids who are being retained for not passing those state tests.the educational needs of its students.