In the running for Pampa ISD Board of Trustees Place 4 is lifelong Pampan Collin Rains, whose passion for the success of every Pampa ISD student stands at the forefront of her candidacy.
With two kids of her own attending Pampa schools, Collin wanted to ensure that not only her kids, but all students, received the very best that Pampa ISD has to offer. She has played an active role in several committees including the Strategic Planning committee, District Leadership committee, the Student Health Advisory board, and was also the chairman of the bond committee, helping pass that bond a couple of years ago that has propelled significant and positive action for the high school and beloved CTE program.
Collin has also attended many school board meetings over the last several years, gaining a deeper understanding of the financial and decision making process. Her time on the Strategic Planning and Bond Committee also contributed to her knowledge for the business side of the district, garnering the ability to break down budget and financial reports that would make anyone’s head spin.
“I have watched our school district choose to push forward for bigger and better things and do what they say they’re going to do,” she said. I’m here to come alongside of it and to ensure that we continue to move our schools in a good direction.”
Collin understands that the Board of Trustees is meant to provide a tremendous amount of support to the staff and students of all the schools within the district, and she also understands that not every decision made will be welcomed with grace by everyone.
“If the Board is not going to support our staff and teachers, then what are we here for? We wouldn’t have a school system if the Board doesn’t support them, so I’m not afraid to be the bad guy and make decisions that not everyone may agree with.”
It’s not uncommon for someone to come into a position with a head full of ideas and a specific vision only to realize that many of those ideas may have no chance of coming to fruition. Serving on a panel, whether it be for the school board or city and county commissions, means working with the other members to make decisions for the betterment of the community, and Collin fully embraces that aspect of the service and has no intention of bringing anything to the table that doesn’t align with the values the school and community uphold.
“Who am I to think that I can have some grand agenda and can flip everyone else to said agenda? I think some people may think that’s very possible whether it be a school board or city commission. I have learned a lot about the business of school, but I have a lot more to learn and I’m excited to learn. The more I learn the better I can advocate for our kids and educators.”
Collin’s vision is simple: to provide the best support to allow staff and students to thrive, and in turn, help make Pampa ISD the best choice for parents to send their kids.
“I’m running because I care about my kids’ education and I care about every kid that Pampa ISD serves. I care about their education and if we don’t care about educating the future, then we don’t have a community for our kids, and maybe even our future leaders, to come back to.”
“Good schools create good communities, and this community does a great job of supporting our kids, and that’s exactly what I’m here to do.”
Early voting will begin on April 22 through April 29 in the Pampa ISD Administration building, located at 1233 N. Hobart, between 8 AM and 5 PM. Election day is May 3 at MK Brown between 7 AM and 7 PM.
