Candidate Name: David Almand, Carroll ISD School Board Trustee, Place 7
Occupation: USAF Colonel, retired
How long have you lived in Southlake?
"In 2014, I retired from the Air Force as a Colonel and Commander of the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. We executed our long term plan: We came home to Texas, and we moved to Southlake for the great schools. My wife, Cathy, returned to her job as a pilot at American Airlines and I began volunteering (CMS volunteer of the year 2017) and substitute teaching for Carroll ISD. I served on committees, served on the Carroll Education Foundation board, attended CLASS (Carroll Leadership Academy for Supporting Success) and worked hard to understand our district and the challenges we face. In 2017, I was honored to be appointed to the school board and extremely grateful for the community’s support in the 2018 election."
What inspired you to run for this position?
"I love all of our students and want to help any way I can to prepare them to succeed in life! I strive to be a servant leader to our country, our community and our students."
I believe education is a national security imperative. Making sure the next generation is prepared to lead our exceptional nation is an obligation we all have to those who sacrificed to protect our freedom. Continuing to serve gives me great purpose. I am extremely proud to represent veterans transitioning back into the community and endeavor to inspire others to serve in our Armed Forces."
What prepared you for this responsibility?
"I humbly bring my experience commanding organizations at multiple levels, raising two children in schools all over the country and spending three years in Carroll schools to serve on our school board. I work hard every day for every student in our district."
What do you hope to bring to this role?
"I will continue to be a great team member governing, providing oversight and advocating for the success of all our students."
What makes you different from other candidates?
"Experience. I have experience leading large organizations, and I have experience in our schools substitute teaching and volunteering on many levels."
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
"I am very proud of the work our district has done this past year and absolutely want to continue to be a part of the team as we move forward!
Our biggest issue is culture. We must stay true to our values (Excellence, Character & Integrity, Relationships, Innovation, Open & Honest Communication and Compassionate Service) and our mission to foster a safe, caring and creative learning environment that inspires all students to realize their full potential. We must value diversity and ensure every student is treated with dignity and respect.
We are working hard on some big projects: Improving school safety in coordination with our outstanding City of Southlake partners, implementing very important cultural competency and resiliency programs, working with our legislators to fix school funding and lower taxes and ensuring the bond construction is executed in accordance with voters’ approval."
Collaboration with families and the community is critical to ensure every student is fully supported as we make these changes while maintaining our high academic standards and execute our mission."
What else do you want people to know about you?
"Since arriving, our boys have thrived as Dragons. Both have earned Eagle Scout with Troop 928, participated in many extracurricular activities, and our oldest made a very successful transition to SMU. We are forever grateful to Carroll ISD and this community."