Ben Stewart has been a member of the GISD Board of Trustees since November 2016 when he was appointed to fill the Place 7 seat.
In the five years he’s been a Georgetown resident, Stewart, who has two daughters at Carver Elementary, has taken an active role within multiple levels of the GISD system; as a volunteer from the onset, then serving as the PTA Treasurer and later the President of the PTA at Carver, as well as a member of a district committee.
Stewart’s experience at Dell played a key role in his focus on enhancing technology integration within the GISD, and he was active in the formation of the Citizens Advisory Committee which was integral to the passage of a recent bond that included a great deal of technology. “I am always looking for more technology; not just gadgets but integration in the learning paths and technology as part of the curriculum. We can always do more.”
As a committed proponent of Community-Based Accountability, Stewart also actively engages with the district, community and constituents for accountability and focus.
Regarding achievements in his first term, he believes the Board is handling the growth of the district very well. “We are pleased that our community is very supportive of bond elections and the subsequent infrastructure to keep our campuses safe and effective.”
The Citizens Advisory Committee is currently looking at growth and will make recommendations. Stewart says the Board is looking at additional bonds and being strategic about passing them. “We were entrusted with a $160 million package in my first term and we saved $10 million so far. We want residents to know that we are good stewards of their tax money. And, thanks to our consistent growth, if the current CAC asks for a bond, we can pass up to $130 million without tax implications.”
Stewart added that the Board is focusing on the southeast quadrant of the city, which accounts for 50 percent of the development and the Board is prepared to accommodate those numbers. “We have made Georgetown a great place to live and people are coming.”
He also encourages all residents to vote. “In small elections, a few votes matter and your school board and city council have a direct impact on your tax dollars.” Early voting begins April 23 and elections are May 5.
