Dwight McGee

Why are you running for the board of education? What are things you hope to accomplish if elected?

I am seeking to be re-elected because I care deeply about our children. I want to foster whatever it takes to provide a quality education for all children. If re-elected I would support acquiring better technology to make teacher-student interaction even better. Watonga Public School serves a diverse population of students and I would like to introduce cultural awareness programs into the curriculum. I feel this would allow students to understand the otherness of different ethnicities. Also, I feel it would foster a greater level of pride and appreciation for the rich heritage they represent. I am also a wholehearted supporter of our teachers because they are the ones that enter the trenches every day, facing obstacles and opposition in providing quality education to our children. Teachers also need our support. We are experiencing unprecedented times and all schools have been bombarded by the pandemic, but our dedicated teachers have faced this daunting task and are doing all they can to make education succeed.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?

I have assisted in various capacities with the Watonga Public School and have integrated with the student body in many different ways. I have served on the Watonga School Board for approximately six years. I have completed many hours of continuing education, seeking out the training necessary to be a better school board member. I have attended many conferences that deal with the legalities of the job. The legislation is constantly changing, and it is imperative to remain on top of new legislation that may affect Watonga Public Schools. I graduated in 2014 from Oral Roberts University with my doctorate degree in theology with an emphasis in leadership. Presently, I serve as an adjunct professor at Southwestern Christian University, where I teach both undergrad and graduate classes. I feel that I have first-hand knowledge of what it is like in the classroom. This enables me to be more empathetic with our teachers and with the educational process.

What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend?

Watonga Public School serves a diverse student body, and I would like to see cultural awareness programs implemented in our curriculum. I feel that this curriculum would better allow students to appreciate and value the diversity of others in our school system. Also, I feel that this would stimulate pride and appreciation for the rich heritage they represent. The pandemic has outlined a whole new playing field for learning. Teachers, students, and parents have all been affected by the bombardment of this season. However, I feel that teachers have chosen to enter the field with a strategy to foster a greater level of learning through flexibility of the curriculum. Through it all, this daunting task has presented many obstacles, but I would encourage better support between parents, students, and teachers.

What do you think is the top issue facing the school district, and how would you address that?

I still feel that the main issue at hand is the pandemic, and I feel complying with the CDC guidelines will enhance the probability of our students to remain in school. Wearing masks, social distancing, and washing our hands is paramount.

What can be done to improve student achievement and ensure everyone who graduates is college-ready, especially after a year of dealing with the consequences of COVID-19?

First of all, not all students want to go to college. Therefore, I would like to perhaps partner with surrounding Career-Tech programs that can offer a broad and well-balanced program of trades to our student body. These trades may be a little more valuable for many in our student body for whom college may be unreachable. I would also like to see art and theater curriculum. I feel that the introduction of more programs may cultivate or energize the minds of our students to spark interest in allowing them to become successful in life.

What are your areas of concern regarding student achievement in your district?

I feel that for better student achievement there must be a greater level of mutual support between the teacher, student, and parent.

What should your school district do to better prepare students as citizens?

Again, I feel that expanding the Career-Tech curriculum and including art and perhaps theater.

Why should you be elected to the board of education?

I feel that I should be re-elected because, as an educator, I have first-hand knowledge of what the teachers face daily. My passion is developing a creative learning environment for the students. I am totally familiar with the present policy and legislation that affects our school district. I want to see change in our curriculum and cultural awareness that will enhance all students and promote excellence. Lastly, I have a granddaughter that is in the first grade and along with the rest of our children in this district, my goal is to research and do all I can to ensure a quality academic environment for all our children.

PROFILE:

Dwight McGee is a current Watonga Public Schools school board member seeking re­election for Seat 1 of the Watonga School Board.

He faces Becky Epsy in the April 6 election.

McGee was born and raised in Duncan and graduated from Duncan Senior High school in 1970. Soon after he attended Presbyterian School Of Radiological Sciences where he graduated with his national Registry in Technology among the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. There he was employed as the Chief Supervisor of the cardiovascular angiographic department and would retire in 1989.

McGee moved to Watonga in 1990 where he began to work for Watonga Public Schools as a substitute teacher. His children and grandchildren have attended school in Watonga.

McGee has also served as a pastor to Union Baptist Church for the past 10 years. Currently retired, McGee has a love for his ministry, fishing, motorcycle riding, and golf.