By Rodney Hays

Editor

With the election filing season just a couple of days away, a school board member has announced he does not intend to seek re-election this may.

After 15 years on the school board, Dan Tolleson said he is not running this year.

"With the ongoing opportunities with the town, I've decided not to run," Tolleson said last week. Tolleson is the director of the Prosper Economic Development Corporation.

Tolleson has long ties to Prosper and PISD.

He mother, aunt and uncle graduated from Prosper High School. Tolleson is a 1971 graduate of PHS. And his children all graduated from Prosper High School.

In 1995, when Tolleson first joined the board, the district was just wrapping up construction of the first separate elementary school, which is now Rucker Elementary. During his tenure, Tolleson has seen the construction of Reynolds Middle School (which was then to be Prosper High School), Folsom Elementary, Baker Elementary, Rogers Middle School, and the new Prosper High School. He has sat on the board for at least two bond packages, including the $710 million package that was passed in 2008.

He has seen a lot. And he says he has enjoyed every minute of it.

"It's just been a wonderful experience. For someone who has grown up here to be able to maintain and participate in the community and to have a little piece of the direction of where the community is going is just tremendous," Tolleson said last week.

He credits the other members of the school board, the administration and the community for the support to the school district during his time.

"To see the things that have taken place in a relatively short period of time, it's just almost unbelievable," he said.

PISD Superintendent Drew Watkins said, "I am thankful and proud to have served with Dan Tolleson for my eight years in Prosper. Tolleson's 15 years of service on the Prosper ISD Board of Trustees has been vital in helping the district preserve Prosper's rich traditions while transforming into the district it is today.

"Although Mr. Tolleson is not seeking re-election as a school board member, his work with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will continue to be extremely important to the growth of PISD. Mr. Tolleson bleeds green - Kelly Green for those that know him best. He will certainly be missed, but stepping down does not mean stepping away. The ISD will continue to work along side the EDC in our combined efforts to help grow Prosper in the very best way."

Tolleson said it's just time to "step aside and for someone else to come and run. They need to have those same experiences I've had."

Before the EDC, Tolleson worked for Mahard Egg Farm for 10 years and has worked as a farmer and rancher in the area.

Tolleson said he would encourage the community to get involved in this election.

"I've enjoyed every minute of it. I would certainly encourage the people of the community to participate in this election process. That's how you make a difference," he said.

Watkins said if anyone has an interest in running for school board to sign up between Feb. 8 and March 8.

Call Pam Webb at 469-219-2000 to help facilitate the application. Webb is located at the Central Administration Complex located at 605 East 7th Street, Prosper, TX 75078.

The election is scheduled for May 8. Please refer to Board Policy BBA (LEGAL) regarding Eligibility/Qualifications, which can be accessed through the district Web site at www.prosper-isd.net.