“School board members serve countless hours working to make public education the best it can be for every child,” said Dr. Darrell G. Brown. In a climate of change and challenge, they develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues that affect the entire community and the lives of individual students. They bear responsibility and oversight in Birdville for an annual budget of $240 million; more than 23,600 students, in grades pre-K to 12; more than 3,000 employees; and 33 campuses.
“Ensuring today’s students position themselves to excel with integrity in an ever-changing global society through innovation and responsive learning environments is a tremendous task. As elected officials, school board members are the voice of their communities, serving first and foremost in the best interests of our children,” said Brown.
“We proudly salute these education advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding, and school facilities. Their service ensures that decisions about local public schools are made by those most familiar with the needs of our community’s children and families,” said Brown. “These dedicated individuals deserve recognition and thanks for their unfailing commitment to the continuing success of our students now and in the future,” he said.
The men and women serving BISD are:
- Joe Tolbert, Board president, was elected to the BISD Board of Trustees in 2006. He is married to Heather and has three children‒Hunter, Sloane and Sophie. Tolbert is an attorney with Brackett & Ellis, P.C.
- Richard Davis, Board vice president, was elected to the BISD Board of Trustees in 2006. Davis is married to Brenda, a retired BISD teacher. Davis is a 1974 graduate of Richland High School. Davis is the director of sales for Lift Aids, Inc.
- Ralph Kunkel, Board secretary, was elected to the BISD Board of Trustees in 2002. He and his wife Sharon (a graduate of Richland High School) have two children—Laura and Andrew. Kunkel is a 1978 graduate of Haltom High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of North Texas. Kunkel has worked as an employee benefits consultant for more than 30 years.
- Kelvin Dilks was elected to the BISD Board of Trustees in May 2017. Dilks is a retired BISD teacher. He is a member of the Haltom City Lions Club; the Birdville Association of Retired School Personnel (BARSP,) where he is the third vice president; and is a director and actor with the Artisan Center Theatre.
- Whitney Harding was elected to the BISD Board of Trustees in May 2017. Harding is married to Michael and has two children, Casey and Callaway. She has been an active member of the BISD Education Foundation since 2011, and served as president from 2012–14. She is an Honorary Life Member of the Texas PTA. Harding is a private investigator with Wallace Investigations.
- Jack McCarty was elected to the BISD Board of Trustees in 2011. McCarty is married to Dana and has two children—Rebecca, a 2009 graduate of Birdville High, and Sara, a 2014 graduate of Birdville High. He attended Birdville schools and graduated from Richland High School in 1980, TCU in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and SMU in 1996 with an MBA. McCarty is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas and the chief operating officer for United Healthcare Student Resources.
- Taylor Anderson was elected to the BISD Board of Trustees in 2016. Anderson is married to Nicole and has two children–Luke and Emma. He attended Birdville ISD schools and graduated from Richland High School in 2004. In 2008, he received a B.A. in political science from Texas Tech University and a J.D. from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in 2011. Anderson is an attorney for McAlister & Garcia.
“Great leadership always begins with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference. Please join us as we applaud these local volunteer leaders for helping our kids soar to success.”
