Questions and Answers

1. Who are you?  Tell us about yourself 

I’m Dr. Calvin Lawrence, a motivational speaker, leadership expert, and new author of “The Happy Leader: Relatable Stories of Influence and Hope.”  With over 40 years in education – including roles as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant professor, and college dean I’ve worked in all facets of education from Pre-K to higher education graduate school.

As the CEO of calvinlawrencespeaks.net, I deliver keynotes on leadership, diversity, and purpose, grounded in relationships are the key.  I hold advanced degrees from Baylor, Texas Christian, and James Madison University, and I have been recognized for my leadership and community service. 

I’ve lived in Granbury for 15 years now with my wife of 34 years, Amanda Lawrence.  We have a grown-up son, Caleb Grant Lawrence, and we love doing things in the community and meeting great people!

2. Please list 3 key messages of my campaign.  What are the main points I want voters to remember about my goals for my time in office?

I want to be part of a team that projects and plans for the future growth of Granbury ISD.

I want to be part of a team that makes sure all students get a great education, no matter their background, socioeconomic status, or physical, social, or academic differences.

I want to be part of a team that helps instill, motivate, and innovate leadership strategies that are conducive to great schools and staff.

Team effort from the ultimate team player.

3. What areas of Public Policy am I personally passionate about?

Leadership

Education Reform

Education Funding

4. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Selflessness/Humility/Integrity/resilience/patience/consistency/transparency/communication/Life experiences/Empathy/Positivity/Connectedness

5. What do I believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To become knowledgeable of the educational system, aware of the legislative impact, be in touch with the community and its constant evolution, and be super passionate about helping students.

6. What kind of legacy would I like to leave?

I’m a bridge builder, so I am someone who has searched for common ground and unity, and just being the kind of leader who made a lot of things better for the upcoming generations.  If my future grandkids can benefit, I will have done my duty.

7. What was my very first job?  How long did I have it?

Moving and storage.  I worked there for the first 4 summers of my life after high school.  I learned a lot about moving, people, and life.

8. What was the last song that stuck in my head? 

“To God be the glory.”  – Andre Crouch

9. What is something that has been a struggle in my life? 

Saying no and not taking on too much at once, and gossip.  I truly do not like gossip.

10. What is the primary job of a school board member, in my view?

Craft the overall School district’s vision, which covers curriculum, instruction, policies, and administrative oversight.

11. How would I support the diverse needs of my district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

Great Question!  I would have to stay keenly aware of the needs of the citizens that we serve in relation to concerns and changes in everyday life.

12. How will I build relationships with members of the broader community?  Which groups, organizations, and stakeholders will I specifically target?

The best way is to build relationships, stay engaged, and be available for conversations.  A great leader once said, “that everything begins with a conversation.”  Be available and present as much as possible.  Are there groups who are underserved or feel neglected?  That would be my first task to find out, and then how to best address those needs.

13. What strategies or plans would I advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

By making sure we as a board have great relationships, open communication, etc., with those who appropriate funding.  Stay close to what is happening in Austin, TX, and make sure legislators know the needs of their constituents.

14. What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

It begins for me with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  The very foundation and bedrock of human society is that of a safe and secure environment.  Until you do that you cannot begin to teach effectively.  It has to be established and maintained.  Schools are doing better can always improve.

15. What organizations or individuals have endorsed my campaign?

The local YMCA/Forward Training Center/Leadership Granbury/The Chamber of Commerce (they haven’t committed yet, but I hope all of them will).

16. What will I do to build relationships in the district? 

Spend time with people.  Break bread with people.  Attend activities big and small, school-related and community-based activities.  Continue to work in the community in various aspects.  Remember that everything begins with a conversation. Enjoy sharing and showing that I truly care.  It takes time, but it’s well worth the effort.

17. What are my views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe it is essential to good government.  We are trustees entrusted with two of the most precious possessions that most people have, their children and their money.  We have to be good stewards, and we have to be transparent about every aspect of schooling that the law requires us to share.