As we begin to near the end of the 2014-2015 school year, decisions affecting AISD are constantly being made, revised and finalized. The Colt spoke with Bowie Hogg, president of the AISD school board, to discuss matters pertaining to the current state of education in Arlington.

The Colt: What is the current state of education in Arlington?

Bowie Hogg: We are on the uptake, trending upwards. We have been very stable; we are a good district, but the next step is to become a great district.

TC: If you had 30 seconds to “sell” AISD to a family considering a move to Arlington, what would you say?

BH: AISD is innovative, we are a district that’s willing to push the limit. AISD makes our students real-world ready. AISD excels at giving students more opportunities to provide a higher academic level.

TC: In your opinion, what is the most important project that will be completed because of the bond?

BH: Making sure our facilities are up to academic standards and that everyone meets standards they are supposed to meet is crucial. There’s not specifically one goal. Science labs are critical but the next thing that is the most important is the career and tech center. All students will utilize that career and tech center to find out what they want to do in the future.

TC: Why is AISD partnering with so many colleges? What does the district hope to get out of these partnership?

BH: It allows students to have more college credits once they graduate from high school. They can graduate from college more quickly and save a lot of money. They bring an element of students one step closer to the workforce. All of our students are being trained not only for college but also for the workforce.

TC: What are your thoughts on AISD strengthening their policy on truancy?

BH: We must have less truancy. The more we can enforce students being in the class, the more students will be engaged. We work with the county to really strengthen our truancy policy. Truancy isn’t just an issue that affects AISD its an issue that affects the community as a whole.

TC: What are the biggest complaints that parents have reported?

BH: We can always improve communication. Parents complain about not knowing what’s going on inside AISD. We need to learn how to engage parents more.

TC: Why do you believe Arlington High has such a high transfer rate?

BH: Parents want kids to go where they did. When you look at Arlington High School you actually see pride and tradition. Parents want their kids to have the same experiences that they got. Parents like the thought of their children walking the same halls that they walked. Arlington High School has the most experienced and seasoned teachers, as well as the most alumni faculty.

TC: Why did you want to join the school board?

BH: I’m an Arlington High graduate; I want my children to get the same quality of education as I did.

TC: What do you feel like you’ve accomplished during your time on the board?

Bh: We’ve raised expectations. We have a specific direction we are trying to go as a district. We’ve made our district very innovative. We just won first district in the state. after being nominated by regions around us.

TC: What more do you want to accomplish before your term expires?

BH: We have to put together and fully implement our strategic plan. We also want to continue to raise expectations.