Cameron Riggs

Please introduce yourself and describe your connection to the Celina ISD Community.

 

My name is Cameron Riggs, and I’m running for Celina ISD Board of Trustees, Place 2. My family and I moved to Celina in 2018 because we were drawn to the excellence of the Celina ISD school system. My wife and I have three children—our oldest, a 13-year-old, is currently a 7th grader at Moore Middle School, and our twins, who are 5, are in Kindergarten at Martin Elementary. Since 2020, I’ve been attending school board meetings to learn about the role and to prepare myself for serving on the board. I also had the privilege of serving on the Bond Committee, and I’m very involved in FFA and Ag Mechanics, further connecting me with our local school community.

 

What personal experiences in education or community service have prepared you for a role on the School Board?

 

As a Flight Paramedic, I've developed strong decision-making skills in high-pressure situations, where every decision has the potential to significantly impact someone's life. I believe this experience translates well into a school board role, where every decision affects the lives of students, educators, and staff. I’ve also built strong relationships within the community through active listening, where I focus on truly understanding the concerns and perspectives of others, not just responding. This approach has helped me build trust within the community, and I believe it’s essential for a school board member to listen carefully to all voices in order to make informed, balanced decisions.

 

On average, how many Celina School Board meetings have you attended in person in the last 12 months, and have you ever addressed the board?

 

I’ve attended numerous school board meetings over the past five years to stay informed and engaged with the issues affecting our district. However, I have not addressed the board directly during these meetings, as my focus has been on listening and understanding the discussions before taking a more active role.

 

What is your long-term vision for Celina ISD, and how do you plan to balance the district’s rich heritage with the demands of rapid growth?

 

My vision for Celina ISD is to “Keep Celina, Celina”—maintaining the small-town values and traditions that make this community special, while also embracing the growth and opportunities that come with it. I believe that with the right leadership, we can preserve the values of Celina ISD even as our district expands. The key is finding ways to balance that growth with maintaining the personal connections that are at the heart of our school community. Leadership will ensure that we don’t lose sight of our values, even as we evolve to meet new challenges.

 

In what ways do you see the School Board evolving to meet future challenges?

 

The biggest challenge our district faces is the rapid growth of our community, which is putting pressure on our schools and infrastructure. We will need to be proactive in planning for multiple new school constructions, all while ensuring that our small-town values remain intact. The board will need to adapt quickly to construction challenges, budget constraints, and community concerns. This means being flexible, listening to all stakeholders, and making decisions that keep the best interests of our students, educators, and families at the forefront.

 

How will you work to maintain and enhance academic excellence across all Celina ISD schools?

 

Our educators and administrators are the backbone of our district, and I believe that actively listening to their input is essential for ensuring academic excellence. I will work to support them by creating channels for ongoing communication so that their needs, concerns, and recommendations are heard. This includes ensuring that we are providing the resources and support they need to succeed, and working to keep standards high across all schools in the district.

 

What strategies would you propose to ensure that the curriculum remains innovative and relevant for today’s students?

 

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial that our curriculum remains innovative and prepares students for the future. I would advocate for integrating modern technology and real-world skills into our curriculum, ensuring that students are not just learning academic subjects but also how to apply their knowledge in practical settings. I would also work closely with our teachers and administrators to keep the curriculum aligned with industry standards and the evolving needs of our community.

 

 

What steps will you take to support and retain quality educators within Celina ISD?

 

To support and retain quality educators, we need to ensure that Celina ISD remains an attractive place to work. This means offering competitive pay, opportunities for professional development, and creating a positive, supportive work environment. I would focus on ensuring that teachers feel valued and equipped with the resources they need to thrive in the classroom, which in turn will directly benefit our students.

 

How do you plan to promote ongoing professional development to keep our teachers at the forefront of modern education?

 

I believe that professional development is essential in an ever-changing educational landscape. I will advocate for the allocation of resources toward continuous training and development, ensuring our teachers have access to the latest teaching tools and methodologies. Additionally, I believe that providing teachers with opportunities to collaborate with peers and stay connected with industry trends will help them stay at the forefront of modern education.

 

With enrollment projected to grow significantly, how would you ensure that the district’s budget is managed efficiently while meeting the needs of expanding facilities?

 

With rapid growth, the district's budget will face increasing demands. To ensure efficient management, I will prioritize budgeting for the construction of new schools and the maintenance of existing facilities, while also being mindful of operational costs. We’ll need to find a balance between meeting the needs of our growing population and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Transparent budgeting and regular review of our financial resources will be key.

 

What priorities should guide the allocation of funds between new construction, renovations, and educational programs?

 

The top priority in allocating funds should always be the success and safety of our students. That means prioritizing new construction to alleviate overcrowding and maintaining our existing schools to ensure they remain safe, functional, and conducive to learning. At the same time, funding for educational programs and teacher support must be a priority, as these are the areas that will directly impact student success.

 

Celina ISD is experiencing rapid enrollment growth. What measures would you support to prevent overcrowding in our schools?

 

To prevent overcrowding, I would support the construction of new schools in high-growth areas of the district. Additionally, I’d advocate  and explore creative scheduling or programmatic changes to optimize space. Long-term planning will be essential to ensuring that our students can continue to learn in a safe, comfortable environment as enrollment increases.

 

How can we optimize existing facilities while planning for necessary future expansion?

 

Optimizing existing facilities requires a careful assessment of each school’s current capacity and identifying areas where space can be maximized. This could involve things like flexible classroom spaces, expanded use of common areas, or even digital classrooms that can accommodate more students. At the same time, we’ll need to plan strategically for the construction of new schools and facilities to ensure we’re prepared for future growth.

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How will you ensure that parents, teachers, and community members have a meaningful voice in the decision-making process?

 

Open communication is critical to ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice. I will advocate for regular town halls, surveys, and opportunities for input so that parents, teachers, and community members can actively participate in the decision-making process. As a school board member, I will make sure that their concerns are heard and that decisions are made with their input in mind.

 

What methods would you use to maintain transparency about district policies, budgets, and upcoming projects?

 

Transparency starts with clear and open communication. I will work to ensure that district policies, budgets, and upcoming projects are easily accessible to the public through online platforms and regular updates. Additionally, I would advocate parents attend school board meetings where they can ask questions and receive updates on the district’s progress.

 

How can Celina ISD better integrate new technologies to enhance learning and operational efficiency?

 

Technology plays an essential role in modern education, and I would work to ensure that Celina ISD is utilizing the latest tools to enhance both learning and operational efficiency. This includes expanding digital learning opportunities for students and integrating technology into classroom instruction, as well as using technology to streamline district operations, improve communication, and monitor student progress.

 

What role do you see for technology in preparing students for a rapidly evolving, digital future?

 

Technology will play a critical role in preparing students for the future. We need to ensure that our students are not only comfortable with technology but also have the skills to use it creatively and productively. This includes teaching digital literacy, coding, and other skills that will help students succeed in a tech-driven world.

 

What initiatives do you believe are essential to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment?

 

Creating a safe and inclusive environment starts with fostering respect and understanding among students and staff. I will advocate for programs that promote mental health awareness, anti-bullying initiatives, and diversity training. A culture of respect and empathy is crucial for students to thrive academically and personally.

 

 

How would you address issues related to student mental health and overall wellbeing within the district?

 

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and I would advocate for more resources dedicated to student mental health services, including counselors and wellness programs. Providing a supportive environment where students feel safe to discuss their challenges is crucial, and I will work to ensure that these services are readily available.

 

Celina ISD has a proud legacy—how will you honor this tradition while implementing necessary changes for modern education?

 

I believe that honoring Celina ISD’s legacy means preserving the values that have made our community and schools strong. At the same time, we must be willing to embrace the changes necessary to keep up with the demands of modern education. This includes adopting new technologies, evolving our curriculum, and ensuring that our schools are equipped to prepare students for a changing world, all while maintaining the heart of what makes Celina ISD special.

 

What innovative ideas do you have that could enhance the learning experience while respecting the district’s history?

 

I believe that by integrating project-based learning, career-focused pathways, and expanding access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, we can provide a modern educational experience while respecting the district’s history of community-focused, hands-on learning. These programs would give students practical skills while honoring the traditions of hard work and community involvement.

 

How do you plan to work collaboratively with fellow board members, administrators, and community stakeholders to achieve your goals?

 

Collaboration is key to ensuring that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in the best interest of students. I will work closely with fellow board members, administrators, and the community to foster open communication, share ideas, and build consensus. Together, we can work toward maintaining our common vision for Celina ISD.

 

What is the key message you want to convey to parents, educators, and community members regarding your candidacy?

 

I want parents, educators, administrators and community members to know that I am committed to ensuring Celina ISD remains a place where our children receive a quality education that is both modern and rooted in the values that make this community great. I will work to preserve our small-town feel while adapting to the challenges of growth and ensuring that our schools continue to provide an outstanding educational experience.

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How do you envision your role on the School Board making a lasting difference for Celina’s students and families?

 

I envision my role on the board as one where I can help shape a future where Celina ISD remains a beacon of excellence in education. By listening, collaborating, and making thoughtful, informed decisions, I hope to ensure that our district remains a place where students thrive, educators are supported, and families feel connected to their schools. Through a commitment to excellence, transparency, and community values, I believe I can make a lasting difference in the lives of Celina’s students and families.

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