Thaddeus Harden
Candidate Name: Lynda Warner
Occupation: Community volunteer for CISD, GRACE Grapevine and other organizations
How long have you lived in Southlake? What brought you to town?
My husband and I have been in Southlake for more than 23 years. At the time, we both worked for different companies, but we transferred to Southlake at the same time.
What inspired you to run for this position?
My role with the Carroll Education Foundation (CEF) led me to begin attending school board meetings last March. In May, I started to see a need for leadership on the board to deal with the long-term effects of COVID on our students and teachers. That inspired me to get involved.
What in your background has prepared you for this position?
I have two kinder-grads with different talents and skills who have successfully navigated through CISD to the colleges of their choice. I also have a master’s degree in I/O psychology, as well as a history of working with organizations through transitions and growth. I also regularly attend continuing education classes that are relevant to being a CISD board member.
What do you hope to bring to this role?
I am a bridge builder, and my goal is to find common ground so that CISD can move successfully into the future.
What do you hope to accomplish in this position?
Identify and fill gaps that students and teachers might be facing due to COVID. I’d also like to help develop new programs for CISD to continue and enhance our students’ competitive advantages in a fiscally responsible manner.
Why do you believe you will be successful in this position?
I have a proven track record of success working with other CISD programs as well as other organizations outside of CISD.
What are your top priorities if elected?
Aside from what I mentioned previously, we have to work to stop the restraining orders and lawsuits so that we can become a productive board again.
What actions do you believe are necessary to help unify the community?
The school board needs to give Dr. Ledbetter its full support. In his own words he said, ‘We will not solve our problems in court, on social media or public comments.’ I believe that the community needs to collaborate on issues in order for CISD and Southlake to have continued success.
What’s your relationship with CISD?
When my children were in school, I was an active volunteer and leader in many positions in all of the CISD schools. My children are very different, so I’ve experienced everything from AP and GT to having a child with a 504. One is an athlete, the other is in the arts, so I’ve been from the football field to the pool to the stage.
What does being a Dragon mean to you?
The fact that you are a Dragon from kindergarten through high school creates a sense of pride and community that you don’t find in many places. I’m proud to be a Dragon!=
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
I am running for school board because I have extensive experience with the CISD and as an empty nester, I have the time and dedication to fully participate. I think innovation and change in our student offerings is important so that we can maintain our competitive advantage. It will be my main priority.
Each candidate in this race was provided the same questions. We are publishing their answers in their own words. The views expressed in these articles do not directly reflect those of Southlake Style.