Interview with James Green, Port Neches-Groves ISD Board Member

Mr. Green worked in the Business Department of PNGISD for 17 years. He served from 1974-85 and one term starting in 2002.

Important skill—The most important skill a board member could have is communication. That means they know how to talk as well as listen. They have to be able to use good judgment and to run the district like a business. They may not be able to make everybody happy, but their most important job is to have a healthy system.

Most difficult experience—The most difficult experiences have been dealing with grievances. People with a grievance have very strong feelings and sometimes the board has to use tough love. I asked if there were any decisions that he wished he could change. He said that every decision he made was well thought out and he wouldn’t change any of them.

Greatest Accomplishment—Changing the Head Football Coach/Athletic Director. Although it was very difficult to do at the time, it was the best thing to do for the district. The football team went 11-1 last year. Coach Faircloth has proved to be a great asset to the district and he supports all programs.

Vision for the future—Mr. Green is very concerned about finances for the district in the future. Since PNGISD is Chapter 41, there may be times that the fund balance has been dipped into for regular operating matters, and this will not be able to continue for long. The fund balance is usually only used for unforeseen expenses like school buses, not regular expenses like salaries. He is also very concerned about the plans to consolidate the elementary schools, one in Port Neches and one in Groves. He supports the plan 100%, but he thinks it will be difficult to get a second bond passed to carry it out unless there is an economic upturn. He wholly supports the last bond and the technology that is going in the schools.