In an in-depth interview in March 2020 on A Miner Detail Podcast, Stephen Austin, a former Montgomery County Board of Education candidate, he presented a detailed overview of his policy platform and vision for the future of Montgomery County schools.
Stephen Austin’s Background & Motivation for Running for Board of Education
Stephen Austin’s motivation for running for the Montgomery County Board of Education stems from his diverse experiences and desire for improvement in the local education system.
Growing up in Texas, facing poverty and school changes due to his parent’s divorce and his father’s job loss, Stephen Austin developed a deep understanding of the challenges that can impact a child’s education.
His background in finance and his role as a parent in Montgomery County made him concerned about school capacity, boundary changes, and fiscal management within the school system.
This, combined with his experience moving schools as a child and his commitment to community engagement, propelled him to seek a Board of Education seat, where he could advocate for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and policies that prioritize students and families without disrupting the community fabric.
Mr. Austin was driven to run for office because he was concerned about school capacity and boundary changes and wanted a more analytical approach to school board decision-making.
Stephen Austin’s Montgomery County Public Schools Policy Platform
Stephen Austin’s policy platform was built around addressing critical issues in the Montgomery County school system, focusing on:
- Fiscal responsibility
- Community engagement
- Equity.
He advocated for operational efficiency in Montgomery County Public Schools’ budget.
He pushed for greater transparency in decision-making while maintaining the integrity of neighborhood schools to avoid disruptive boundary changes.
Mr. Austin emphasized the need for improved safety measures and student mental health support.
Moreover, he proposed a data-driven approach to manage school resources efficiently and ensure equitable educational opportunities, balancing diversity efforts with community cohesion.
Fiscal Responsibility
Austin criticized the school system’s budget management and advocated for greater operational efficiency and transparency.
His fiscal responsibility platform focused on:
- Scrutinizing Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) budget;
- Advocating for increased operational efficiencies and
- Third-party oversight.
He highlighted the lack of external audit mechanisms for the school’s $2.8 billion budget.
Mr. Austin emphasized that 90% is allocated to salaries and benefits, leaving a small fraction for operational expenses, including transportation.
Additionally, Mr. Austin proposed not expanding the bus fleet due to logistical and financial constraints.
He suggested directly reallocating resources to impact student learning and teacher support, aiming for strategic investment in educational quality over administrative costs.
Community Engagement
Stephen Austin emphasized the importance of enhancing community engagement between Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and its stakeholders.
He advocated for establishing a robust platform for parental involvement, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in board decisions.
Austin’s approach includes leveraging social media for broader community outreach and fostering transparent communication channels.
He aimed to bridge the gap between the board’s actions and community expectations, ensuring policies reflect the community’s needs and preferences, especially concerning school boundary changes and educational equity.
Safety and Transparency in MCPS
Stephen Austin’s plans for safety and transparency in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) focused on zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and ensuring the safety of students.
He advocated for strict measures against any staff or students involved in sexual offenses, emphasizing the need for transparent communication from the school board regarding such incidents.
Mr. Austin believes in the importance of providing mental health support for students, addressing the current shortage of mental health professionals, and enhancing the overall safety and well-being of the school community.
Addressing Educational Inequities
Mr. Austin’s approach to addressing educational inequities in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) involved a nuanced understanding of the complex factors contributing to these disparities.
He emphasized the importance of not using disruptive boundary changes as a primary solution.
Instead, Mr. Austin advocated for targeted strategies that focus on the following:
- Resource allocation;
- Supporting diversity within schools in a manner that doesn’t burden families or displace students;
- Enhancing educational programs and support systems that would address the needs of underrepresented student populations; and
- Aiming for equity through improved educational outcomes rather than mere redistribution of students across the district.
Stephen Austin Addresses Targeted Personal Attacks in 2020 Montgomery County Board of Education Race
In the 2020 Montgomery County school board race, Mr. Austin faced significant personal attacks, notably around accusations of spreading misinformation and his opposition to boundary changes.
His critics alleged his approach mirrored divisive national politics, a charge Mr. Austin vehemently refuted by emphasizing his data-driven, factual stance on issues.
Mr. Austin’s engagement in social media discussions and the creation of a community parents group underscored his commitment to parental involvement and transparency.
However, his community parents’ group attracted scrutiny from progressive activists and elected officials, which heightened the race’s contentious atmosphere.
Stephen Austin’s Vision for Inclusive and Efficient Governance
Stephen Austin’s vision for Montgomery County Public Schools was centered around fostering inclusive and efficient governance, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and equitable education.
He envisioned a school system where decisions would be data-driven and transparently communicated and where every stakeholder’s voice is heard.
He pushed for educational policies that would serve the diverse needs of all students without compromising community values.
Mr. Austin’s candidacy reflected a commitment to challenging the status quo through thoughtful dialogue and innovative solutions, aiming to create a more accountable, responsive, and inclusive educational environment.
