Dr. Mingyuan “Michael” Wei

1) A week ago, the board passed a nearly $1 billion bond to be put on November’s ballot, focusing on upgrading the district’s aging facilities. I fully support the bond election because our kids and schools deserve a well-maintained environment and growth opportunities. Better facilities, bigger classrooms, safer environments, and solid program support will give our kids a brighter future. Such investment in our children’s future is necessary and worthy.

I watched the board meetings and realized most of the board members spent hours and hours discussing bond details, trying to ensure cost-effective and equitable investment among campuses. They narrowed the bond from $1-1.5 B to less than $1 B. I truly appreciate the efforts of the board and the district staff.

2) On August 1, 2024, the board approved a new policy of bereavement leave that allows employees to take time to grieve and support their families during difficult times without worrying about their pay. The board also approved a proposal to provide staff with two additional paid leave days. The district will close on Oct. 4, 2024, and Feb. 17, 2025, as part of its “YOU well-being” program days. I have a “more than agree” appreciation of the board’s decision. The new policy showed the district leadership cares about our staff's mental health. Mental health is an inevitable issue for district staff and students. The bereavement leave will allow our staff to take care of themselves when life is low. The board made the right call!

3) On June 18, 2024, the board passed a $466 million operating budget that includes no job losses and an additional 1% raise for eligible staff if enrollment targets are met. Facing this financial challenge, the board worked hard to treat our teachers fairly with the pay raise and retention bonus. I appreciate the board’s consideration. Teachers are the backbone of our education system. I am also glad to know RRISD is one of the few districts in Central Texas that has a balanced budget.

4) On May 16, 2024, the board made history by approving the district's bullying policy, which now includes explicit coverage of identity-based bullying. This groundbreaking step makes RRISD the first district in the state to address this critical issue. I commend the board for their commitment to protecting all children from bullying. As a school board candidate, I personally experienced the harmful effects of identity-based bullying on social media. A local parent falsely claimed that my foreign birth disqualified me from serving on the board and singled out my college in Wuhan for attack. This racist behavior is unacceptable and deeply concerning. I strongly support the board's decision to include identity-based bullying in the district's policy. By doing so, we send a clear message that such harmful behavior will not be tolerated and that all students, regardless of their background, deserve to feel safe and respected in our schools.