My name is Ferris Anderson and I have had the privilege of serving on the Plainview Board of Education for the past eighteen months. My husband Drew and I met at the University of Oklahoma and have been married almost 18 years. We have three children attending Plainview Schools in 8th, 7th, and 4th grades. We own Chick-fil-A Ardmore and are so thankful our restaurant is a small part of this great community. I have been an educator in Oklahoma public schools for almost two decades. I spent many years as a classroom teacher and am now a reading therapist for a local nonprofit, A+ Reading. We are members of Christ Community Church where we lead a community group and help teach the elementary kids class. In my spare time you can find me on the bleachers of a Plainview game cheering on the Indians!
What made you want to be on the school board?
I have been an active part of public education for 18 years. I have always enjoyed learning the ins and outs of education guidelines and how those guidelines affect our students and teachers. I believe a Board works best when each individual brings something different to the table and I believe my background in, and passion for, education allows me to offer important insight to the Board. As a mom of three Plainview students, I am deeply invested in the decisions made and the overall success of the school. I have always worked hard to champion students, advocate for teachers and support our schools; serving as a School Board member allows me to do all of these things.
What does Plainview need to do to prepare for growth in the district?
Plainview Public Schools currently has a little more than 1500 students. There are several planned housing developments on the horizon, making it vital we stay prepared for future growth. Due to our central campus model, we have been aware that one day we will simply be out of room to expand. The Board is very excited about the recent opportunity to purchase 90 adjacent acres, which gives us a lot of room to grow as needed. Of course growth in student population will also lead to a growth in staff. There is a statewide teacher shortage, but we feel very lucky that Plainview Public Schools is set up to recruit and hire highly qualified teachers. Plainview recruits and retains excellent teachers by offering a supportive administration, active parents, high achieving students and a community like no other. This sets us up well for growth as needed.
What improvements would you like to see on the campus?
We have an incredible maintenance staff that does a wonderful job maintaining all of our infrastructure. However, as our buildings age and our population grows, improvements will inevitably be needed. We are getting very close to opening our new fine arts wing at the high school and are currently making improvements to the sound and lighting in the auditorium. The sound and lighting have been frustrating for students and parents over the past several years, so I know we will all be excited when the updates are complete. As a Board of Education member, I will always root for improvements warranted for safety, those that positively impact student academic and athletic success, or those that are overwhelmingly supported by community members.
What do you think is the proper role of the school board?
Board of Education members have a huge responsibility to make decisions that are best for all patrons and community members. Board members approve all staff hires, review and adopt policies, and understand the complexities of the budget and the state student funding formula. As a School Board member it is my role to work with other Board members to make sure the district leadership continues to make decisions that positively affect our students and the community. School Board members should never have an agenda outside of doing what is best for the district as a whole. Members of the School Board should be competent, reliable, and open minded. Board members should be available and willing to help solve problems for parents, staff, and community members.
Do you think the state helps or hinders local education?
I believe decisions made at the state level have the opportunity to help or hinder local education. For example, the recent state decision to help fund maternity leave for teachers and the decision allowing students to earn a 4th math credit for certain vo-tech classes are huge benefits to local students and teachers. However, the state hinders local education when decisions are made that are not in agreement with what local School Board members and administration believe are best for our students. I am thankful that school districts are set up to offer local control and I believe this model allows us to make decisions that are best for our students at Plainview Public Schools
