Fort Worth Families Forward

Families working to create a better education system for our children, no matter what it takes

Deborah Peoples

by

Deborah Peoples

District 05

Deborah Peoples

District 05

Below are the full questions and all answers provided by Deborah Peoples.

Purpose & Leadership

Why are you running for this position, and what qualifications do you bring?
I am running to ensure that the residence of district 5 receive the absolute best representation possible. I have 34 years in managerial and executive experience. I served nine years in an elected position as the chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Party. I serve on boards and commissions that serve the community, including past service on the north Texas Red Cross board, Fort Worth, sickle cell anemia board, leadership, Fort Worth and leadership ISD. I currently serve on the southside community Gardens board and forum Fort Worth.

What are the top three priorities you will focus on if elected (list three maximum)?

  • Taxes
  • Public safety
  • Economic development

Candidate Commitments

Candidates were asked to rank their level of agreement with the following statements:

I will actively support policies that protect and expand families’ ability to choose the best school for their children, including charter schools and traditional ISD schools.
Strongly Agree

I will champion high-quality education by advocating for policies and resources that support the growth and success of all schools, including charter schools.
Strongly Agree

I will foster collaboration between charter schools, traditional ISDs, and local government to improve education outcomes and expand opportunities for families.
Strongly Agree

I will support city-led initiatives to improve school safety, including pedestrian safety, traffic management, and security measures around school campuses.
Strongly Agree

I will advocate for increased mental health resources for students and families by supporting city partnerships and funding for school-based services.
Strongly Agree

I will push for transparent and consistent communication from city officials regarding education policies that impact families and schools.
Strongly Agree

Optional: Please explain any of your responses above.
No Response

Policy Questions

Public service requires balancing priorities that impact education, school safety, and community well-being. Candidates were asked to answer the following questions and provide a brief explanation for each response.

Will you advocate for policies that expand families’ access to high-quality public school options, including charter schools and 1882 partnerships (which allow school districts to collaborate with charter schools, universities, and nonprofits to expand educational opportunities), to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed? Yes

We absolutely need to be sure that we are taking advantage of every avenue possible to educate our children, whether in public schools or private school schools. Failing either of these educational structures is not an option.

Will you actively support policies and initiatives that ensure high-quality schools have the public and political backing to exist, grow, and thrive as education options for families in our city? Yes

Absolutely I believe that education is the great equalizer, and we should use every resource in our toolbox to make sure that we are meeting the needs of every student.

Will you support policies to improve transportation access for charter school students, including expanding bus services and ensuring safer walking routes? Yes

The physical and mental safety of every child should be a top priority.

Will you ensure that charter school families have a voice in city policy discussions that impact education, facilities, and community resources? Yes

Absolutely, I intend to create focus groups that are parent lead that include students from both public and private facilities to ensure that we are focusing on issues that will elevate and enhance the educational experience for our children.

Do you support equitable access to city resources for charter schools, such as allowing access to vacant city-owned buildings and ensuring fair funding opportunities for facilities and infrastructure? Yes

Educating our children has to be a top priority, and we must find creative ways to enhance and grow the experience of all children.

Will you support city initiatives to improve traffic and pedestrian safety around schools, including enforcement of school zones and investment in infrastructure like crosswalks and speed bumps? Yes

Absolutely as I stated above, we have to ensure that the safety of our students is a top priority.

Beyond general support, what specific actions will you take as a city council member to improve educational opportunities for all students, including those attending charter schools? (Open response)

I will continue to advocate for students in both public and private school as I do today by actively engaging in school activities, mentoring programs, and lobbying for increased educational opportunities for all. I believe there should be a partnership between city government and the ISD’s to ensure that we are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to educating Our young people.

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