When Forney ISD School Board Trustee candidate Mike White graduated from Forney High School in 1995, he knew he was heading for a career in the business field. He attended The University of Texas at Austin and obtained a BBA in Finance. He went on to gain his MBA from Baylor University, where he graduated at the top of his class. Mike White wants to use his education and years of work experience in the school finance field to help Forney ISD out of their current budget crisis. More importantly, White says, “If I’m elected I can assure it won’t happen again.”
Q: Mike, how is Forney ISD different since you attended?
A: When I graduated I think only 85 kids crossed the stage, it was much smaller than today's graduating classes. The growth in Forney has been amazing. I think people flocked here for the same reason my parents brought our family here, the great schools. Academic performance is at an all-time high and the facilities today are so far above and beyond what we had back then.
Q: So tell us Mike, why are you running for School Board?
A: I've worked for schools for most of my career. I started out as Business Manager at Sunnyvale ISD , then I went to work for Canton ISD in the same position. I am currently the Chief Budget Manager of Dallas County Schools, which has a $100 million budget. I wanted to get more involved in my community and give back in some way. When the budget crisis at Forney ISD happened, that decided it for me. Here I am working in school finance for all these surrounding districts, and my children's district is struggling with budget issues. I felt like I needed to step forward. I grew up here, my children attend Forney schools, how could I not try to help?
Q: Speaking of the budget crisis, what bothers you the most about it?
A: Well, I think the most unfortunate part of it, the part that bothers me the most, is that it was entirely preventable. I think it's fair to say that our community is frustrated and dismayed by what happened. It never should have happened. At this point, I think the best thing we can do is to move forward and get back on the right track. The new Superintendent and CFO inherited a mess, but they have done a great job in dealing with an impossible situation. Many school boards struggle with the complexities of school finance. I think that my background in this field brings an understanding of how school districts operate, financially speaking.
Mike White knows that the coming months are extremely important for Forney ISD. The School Board will be adopting their first budget since the financial crisis was brought to light. White says, “It is critical that the budget for next year is done right. It will lay the groundwork for years to come. In order for me to help our school district, I am asking Forney voters to support me at the polls on May 12th.”
Q: Mike, how is Forney ISD different since you attended?
A: When I graduated I think only 85 kids crossed the stage, it was much smaller than today's graduating classes. The growth in Forney has been amazing. I think people flocked here for the same reason my parents brought our family here, the great schools. Academic performance is at an all-time high and the facilities today are so far above and beyond what we had back then.
Q: So tell us Mike, why are you running for School Board?
A: I've worked for schools for most of my career. I started out as Business Manager at Sunnyvale ISD , then I went to work for Canton ISD in the same position. I am currently the Chief Budget Manager of Dallas County Schools, which has a $100 million budget. I wanted to get more involved in my community and give back in some way. When the budget crisis at Forney ISD happened, that decided it for me. Here I am working in school finance for all these surrounding districts, and my children's district is struggling with budget issues. I felt like I needed to step forward. I grew up here, my children attend Forney schools, how could I not try to help?
Q: Speaking of the budget crisis, what bothers you the most about it?
A: Well, I think the most unfortunate part of it, the part that bothers me the most, is that it was entirely preventable. I think it's fair to say that our community is frustrated and dismayed by what happened. It never should have happened. At this point, I think the best thing we can do is to move forward and get back on the right track. The new Superintendent and CFO inherited a mess, but they have done a great job in dealing with an impossible situation. Many school boards struggle with the complexities of school finance. I think that my background in this field brings an understanding of how school districts operate, financially speaking.
Mike White knows that the coming months are extremely important for Forney ISD. The School Board will be adopting their first budget since the financial crisis was brought to light. White says, “It is critical that the budget for next year is done right. It will lay the groundwork for years to come. In order for me to help our school district, I am asking Forney voters to support me at the polls on May 12th.”
