Newcomer, seat holder file for BISD
By Lori Mellinger Bullard Banner News

Smith and family

It was Sam Smith's involvement in Bullard ISD's $28.5 million bond issue that caused him to begin thinking about running for school board.

"Having lived all over the country, I have a very good understanding of what a strong school district means to a community, not just for the kids, but anyone that lives within its district, " Smith said.

Smith already had a deep commitment to the district - it's where he graduated from - but when he and his family moved back to Bullard in 2005, the biggest impetus was the quality of Bullard schools.

He said since the success of the bond issue, he wanted to stay involved and see the project through to its completion.

"I worked very diligently to get this bond initiative passed, and now I believe I have a responsibility to the community to ensure that the community is rewarded for placing their faith in this initiative.

"Having lived all over the country, I have a very good understanding of what a strong school district means to a community - not just for the kids - but for anyone who lives in the district.

"This area is growing at a remarkable pace and we must ensure that our community and school district's growth is dealt with properly. I have had the good fortune of living in other communities that have had to deal with this type of growth and the areas that succeed and thrive have done it by having the ability to look ahead and institute a plan that allows the growth to work for, instead of against, the community."

But Smith also said he knows too much growth too soon is not necessarily good either.

"We have a wonderful community here in Bullard, and we don't necessarily want it to grow too large," Smith said. "Growth can and should be managed, and the key is to be sure that we be active in keeping our school district moving towards the peak of academic performance in Texas.

"If we keep this as our mantra, all in the community will benefit, regardless of whether you have kids or not, a great school district drives the economy of the community."

Smith said he has ideas on what the district needs to keep doing to ensure its future success.

"We must address current issues such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, and safety so that our teachers and administrators will continue to reach the academic standards that we as a community insist upon," he said. "We wisely passed this bond initiative at the right time, and it is going to allow us to have the chance to build facilities that will sustain the growth that continues to move our direction."

But it doesn't end there.

"The school district must reflect its community. We have a lot of people in this area that are very proud of Bullard and its history," Smith said. "We also have people who continue to move here to become a part of this great community.

"It is imperative that the district continues to develop into truly the glue that brings everyone together. The new elementary school must be a facility that the entire community can be proud to show off to their friends."

Smith said he made a conscious decision to return to Bullard for one reason - its schools.

He and his wife of 15 years - Jill - have two children: Sheridan, a fourth grader; and Jensen, a kindergartner.

"We learned a long time ago that a school district is only as good as the families that volunteer and partner with the administration and teachers to provide that environment for success," Smith said. He said his wife does more than her share for the school.

"Jill is a dedicated wife, mother, and vice president of the PTO, and you will see her every week volunteering in the schools, planning class events, helping out the teachers, etc.," he said.

Smith moved to Bullard as a high-school freshman and graduated in 1984.

His graduating class totaled 49.

"Times sure have changed, haven't they?" he said. Smith went on to graduate from Stephen F. Austin University - where he met Jill.

Sam is currently president and owner of the SheriJen Corporation and consults with companies and major corporations around North America in terms of brand development, marketing & sales strategies, as well as personnel development.

"I am in the process of also trying to bring this expertise to the East Texas marketplace and look forward to playing a role in the development of this wonderful area," Smith said.

Smith also talked about the multi-purpose stadium included in the bond package, and how he believes it to be a boon for the entire community.

"We may not be able to do everything, but it is important that we try to ensure that this stadium is designed for the community, " he said. "I use a description when I work with many of my clients: `Create a reason for people to want to come and try out your product. '"

"We can create a facility people can't wait to visit and experience.

"It can be done, but you have to have foresight into what can make this happen. The facility will bring people into the city, and thus all business in the area will prosper," he said. "This opportunity does not come along often and we must ensure that we get the most out of every dollar we spend.

"It will pay off for us all in the end."

Above all, Smith knows the confidence of voters is paramount.

"It is now our responsibility to ensure that we position our schools to succeed no matter what the future holds," he said. "I know many members of the community believe this, too, and I ask that they give me the honor of representing them.

"A person's vote is a sacred commitment - a commitment that I will never take lightly."

Smith is running for place six on the board

Filing for board elections ends at 5 p.m. March 12

Early voting by personal appearance is from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 30 through May 8 at Bullard City Hall.

Election day is May 12.