MS. VALERIE JONES DANA T. BEDDEN, Ed. D.

Board President Superintendent of Schools

STATEMENT FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. DANA T. BEDDEN

REGARDING MEETING WITH SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE

It is unfortunate that our interaction with a school board candidate has become news.
While we are dealing with large-scale budget cuts, preparation for the new state
accountability system, staffing for next school year and the day-to-day issues of
educating children, the nature our meetings shouldn’t be used as fodder for a school
board race. But it is and therefore I will respond in hopes of putting it to rest.

Mr. Jones surprised me by attending a meeting that was scheduled with Ms. Wells,
another school board candidate. The meeting was difficult, to say the least, because Mr.
Jones would interrupt and make personal comments that were both combative and
confrontational. Once it became clear the meeting was unproductive, I politely asked
Mr. Jones to leave. He was neither forced nor coerced to leave. He was just asked.

Over the course of the past few weeks, several of our district employees have made
attempts to answer Mr. Jones’ questions, only to be insulted or treated rudely. We will
continue to provide Mr. Jones and any other citizen with public information. We respect
differing opinions on issues. But we also expect common courtesy and respectful
dialogue during the process of gathering information. We have not seen or heard that
from Mr. Jones.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 152637 Irving, TX 75015-2637

2621 West Airport Freeway, Irving, Texas 75062
Tel (972) 600-5001 Fax (972) 215-5003