Rebecca Rutledge seeks reelection to BCISD Place 3

My name is Rebecca Rutledge.  My husband David & I met when we were both at Bridge City High School; soon we will celebrate our 49th wedding anniversary. We have been blessed with three daughters, three son-in-laws and five grandchildren.

We are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church where I serve on the Vestry (governing board).  I also serve as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, serve on the Altar Guild, and participate in the Daughters of the King, which is an Order of prayer & service.

Since 2007 I have been associated with Leadership South East Texas and currently serve on the Governing Board.  This organization does a phenomenal job of promoting Southeast Texas.  In 2014, I received the Frances K. Monk Award for lifetime service to this group.

I serve as team captain on a USTA adult tennis league.  I also play golf occasionally.  My other hobbies include gardening and cooking.

I recently retired after working 48 years in the road building industry.  I spent most of my career in management serving as Materials Sales Manager the last 15 years.   

It has been an honor to serve as a Trustee of the Bridge City Independent School District. My work on this Board has enabled me to give back to this community that means so much to our family.

During my time on the Board I have earned close to 400 continuing education hours in School Governance.  In 2013 I was chosen to participate in the Leadership TASB program.  TASB is the Texas Association of School Boards. My participation in this group took me all over the State touring schools and interviewing great educators. Upon completion of the course I earned the designation of "Master Trustee."

Being on the Board is like balancing on a three-legged stool.  We must balance the interests of our taxpayers, our employees, and our students.  My tenure on the Board of Trustees brings valuable experience.  I have a comprehensive understanding of complex school finance issues and know how to navigate fluctuations and shortfalls in funding from the State of Texas. 

Fiscally, I am very conservative when it comes to spending the district's money.  When I was first elected to the Board our funds were at an all-time low.  Through some tough decisions and belt tightening our fund balance began to grow.  We must be diligent in how and when we use our fund balance.  But the good news is the funds are available in case of an emergency, and for important capital projects for our district.

We have so much to celebrate in our District.  Our test scores are up, our children are engaged, and good things are happening on every campus.  In every program our kids are not only able to compete, but they excel.

I am very proud of all that we have accomplished during my time on the Board, especially in creating opportunities to show our appreciation for the dedication and hard work of our employees. We have implemented a longevity bonus, as well as free lunches for all employees.

These achievements don't happen by luck.  They happen because we have dedicated teachers and administrators committed to bringing out the best in our kids.  It happens because of Board members willing to step up and make hard decisions for the betterment of our schools. 

I am looking forward to working with our new Supt., Mike Kelly and I share his fantastic vision for our District. I want to encourage everyone to "Get on the Bus" and help move our District forward. 

I sincerely thank you for allowing me to serve on the Board of Trustees.  I humbly ask for your vote and promise to do everything in my power to "keep Students first."