Meet John!
MY BEGINNINGS
My time in the community of Allen began in 2003 as a first-grade teacher at Bolin Elementary. I’d already known Allen very well. My hometown is McKinney.
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My passion for public education started back in my high school days in McKinney. I had the opportunity to volunteer at a few of the elementary schools. It was through those experiences that my love for teaching children began.
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I started college at Collin County Community College in McKinney. I obtained my Early Childhood Education degree from Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University) where I earned the honor of Lyndnon Baines Johnson Outstanding Senior. My teaching career began in Plano ISD (New Teacher of the Year at Rose Mary Haggar Elementary). I also taught in Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, and McKinney ISD before coming to Allen ISD, where I earned the honor of Cheatham Elemenary Teacher of The Year in 2010.
MY JOURNEY
After teaching in several communities, Allen became home. My years teaching first grade at Bolin Elementary were very memorable. I have fond memories of taking my students to Mr. Bolin’s farm to help feed the cows. Mr. and Mrs. Bolin were always kind and worked well with the kids. After a few years at Bolin, I moved to Anderson Elementary as a first-grade teacher. Anderson had a strong school community. The love for kids and families was very evident throughout the entire building. I had a personal connection with Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. I had known them both since my childhood. I left Anderson to open Cheatham Elementary in 2010, earning its first Teacher of the Year Award. Cheatham was my school home for 13 years. The memories and relationships formed there will never be forgotten. Seeing Mrs. Cheatham at the school was always special. You can feel her warmth and love as she interacts with all the children. Even after retirement, I find myself up at the school to interact with kids and staff. These former Allen school campuses hold a special place in my heart.
I’m running for Allen ISD School Board Trustee, Place 3 because I want to continue my work for kids I started here over 20 years ago. I get excited about the opportunity to represent ALL students here in Allen. We have one of the premier school districts in Texas. I want to ensure that our students and teachers have every opportunity to continue with that success. We Are Allen! We Are One!
Why should you vote for John Holley?
I have a love and commitment to our community. It was shown through my work as a teacher in Allen and my involvement with the City of Allen. I served on the Parks and Recreation Board for 12 years. I chose this Board so students could advise me on new playgrounds for the City. I’ve also worked with the Allen Public Arts Board Sub Committee, Allen Senior Recreation Center Committee, Allen Public Library Sub Committee, and the Allen USA Celebration Committee. I would be a great addition to the Allen ISD Board of Trustees because of my continued commitment and service to our kids and community.
My wife, Gretchen, and I would like your support and vote to help me return to work for our children here in Allen! All Aboard!!
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Campaign Platform
T.A.B.S.S.
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Teacher Retention and Recruitment - It’s difficult having a first-class school district without a first-class staff. We must continue to find ways to retain and recruit first-class teachers. We can help do this through compensation, recruitment, positive teaching environments, and quality professional development. We will need to be creative. All other school districts are looking for teachers as well.
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Academics - Allen ISD has a long history of academic success. Our schools are a big reason families move to our community. I want to continue supporting our students and teachers in this process by ensuring they have what they need to succeed. The continued academic success of our students is a top priority.
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Budget - I want to help ensure responsible financial management so that resources are allocated to benefit our students and teachers. With less money coming from the State, we will likely need to navigate rough waters. I will work with the Board and District staff to do what's best for our Allen students.
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School Safety - The safety of our students and staff is essential. I will prioritize school safety by supporting comprehensive safety measures, including emergency preparedness, infrastructure improvements, and mental health support.
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Student and Teacher Mental Health - I want to ensure that we continue supporting mental health programs, counseling services, and initiatives that help support our students and teachers.