Jonathan “Buck” Sorenson for Tatum ISD

05/07/2022

It’s the Saturday we’ve been waiting for Eagle Nation. Election Day! You showed up strong for early voting and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity today holds. I’m asking you to Vote for Buck, let’s go work together for the students and teachers of Tatum ISD.

Place 5, Position 1

Polls Open Until 7:00 PM

05/02/2022

I hope you all have had an awesome Monday and look forward to seeing some of you at tonight’s athletic banquet. I’ve fielded some questions over the last few days about my stance on the tax rate for the district and wanted to provide my position. I am not in favor of raising taxes. Should be a simple answer, I know I dang sure don’t want to pay any more myself, but let me explain why they should remain flat.

Inflation. The Consumer Price Index through March of 2022 shows an all items increase of 8.5% over the last 12 months. That means our property values have increased as well. This will see our individual total tax bill and the subsequent revenue to the district increase even though the rate remained flat. There is enough concern with the price of goods and services that we all currently utilize that an increase in the tax rate is a burden to be avoided if at all possible.

Competitive to the Mean vs. Surrounding School Districts. Our current total tax rate is $1.207 calculated by a Maintenance & Operations (M&O) rate of $.9634 and an Interest and Sinking (I&S) rate of $0.2436. We have long touted, and for good reason, our tax rate as the lowest around and how it benefits our resident’s vs our neighboring districts. It is no longer the case that we are the lowest. We are not lower than Carthage, Henderson, Beckville, Waskom, Harleton and Sabine to name a few but we are however, competitive. It is within $0.01-$0.02 total tax rate difference from the majority of the surrounding districts higher or lower. There are some outliers either way but in general, we continue to provide value for our taxpayers by maintaining a competitive rate that allows for investment into the district without being a burden for the people of the district providing that investment.

What I do believe is that we must utilize the revenue to its maximum effectiveness by looking at things like base teacher pay to put us at the higher end of the scale for a competitive advantage in recruiting and assist our tenured teachers as they achieve their best five years in preparation for retirement. We should be evaluating potential upgrades to transportation as well as the facilities and equipment associated with the maintenance department while simultaneously ensuring that the existing facilities are kept in a way that ensures their longevity and effectiveness. We should be looking at how we can enhance the Middle School along with what could be done to bring back to life it’s aging gym. We should be expanding our students access to cutting-edge technologies by looking to acquire additional equipment and systems as well as ensuring our existing systems like for use with NFHS and the newly upgraded scoreboard are functioning at their highest capabilities.

I cannot say that at no time during my tenure on the board would I not vote in favor of a change to the current rate. It just isn’t possible to say what the next 10 years hold. The tax rate previously rose in the 2012-2013 school year, remained static until rising in the 2016-2017 school year, rose ever so slightly in the 2017-2018 school year and has remained exactly flat ever since. That’s just the last 10 years. There may be changes but they will not be without rigorous debate, public discussion and consensus amongst all the members of the board.

Check it out for yourself. Here is a link to the TEA website for School District Property Values and Tax Rates. Choose the excel for the adopted rates from 2006-2022. Use the find function in excel and compare. https://tea.texas.gov/finance-and-grants/state-funding/additional-finance-resources/school-district-property-values-and-tax-rates

Keep Voting Mighty Eagles!

A district's property tax rate consists of a maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate and, if applicable, an interest and sinking (I&S) tax rate. The M&O tax rate provides funds for maintenance and operations. The I&S tax rate provides funds for payments on the debt that finances a district's facil...

05/02/2022

It's Monday in Eagle Country and there are still 2 days left to Early Vote! What an awesome first week turnout from our great community. Let's build on that momentum and make today and tomorrow even better. Vote from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the TISD Administration Building thru May 3rd.

04/27/2022

Early voting is still open and I’ve had several people ask when and where. You can vote at the TISD Administration Building from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are well prepared which makes it quick and easy. Find a time that works best for your schedule and vote for Buck, I did! 😉

04/25/2022

Early Voting Starts Today!

All the hard work has been in an effort to encourage you to make your voice heard for the teachers and students of the district today, and to prepare for the ones to come. I pray you share my vision. Let's go vote!

04/22/2022

I am focused on continually learning and growing to be able to serve you as best as I can as a member of the board. I’ve learned so much already and my hope is for you to follow these links and get a greater understanding of the framework of responsibilities for a board member https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/school-boards/school-board-member-training/framework-for-school-board-development, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.11.htm (Subchapter D). It is my ultimate goal to be of service, to help build consensus around ideas and build a world-class culture for teachers and students. I had the privilege of talking to and hearing one of my mentors who now runs a district discuss their core values recently and it was said that loyalty should be the concept the we’ll do what’s in the best interest of kids. If that’s the case, I’m loyal to a fault.

Place 5, Position 1
Mark Your Calenders!

Early Voting: April 25th – May 3rd
Election Day: May 7th

Happy Friday everyone and Go Eagles, Go!

The Framework for School Board Development outlines essential components needed to provide local educational programs and services to promote student academic achievement. Initially adopted by the State Board of Education (SBOE) in January 1996, the framework was first updated in July 2012.

04/22/2022

The what is I'm committed to supporting and developing teachers. This starts by creating and atmosphere of excellence, one that looks to build up and encourage. We must recognize them for their accomplishments, support them with clear expectations, and pay them well to add value to the service they are called to provide. To be successful, we should be focused on retention of our staff as they have already committed to the district, formed the relationships with the parents and students and are in the best place to help us achieve the shared vision and goals put forth. By paying them well, recognizing their hard work and developing them for future opportunities, it can make Tatum ISD a destination district for employment of great teachers.

04/22/2022

The what is I will work to improve outcomes for students. It must be the goal that the potential that rests inside of each child is realized to the best of their ability by furthering their access to industry-leading technologies, best-in-class facilities, cutting-edge STEM, Early College and Employability programs and to provide the resources and development necessary to help them transition into postsecondary education including building relationships with area Colleges and Universities to provide direction in available fields of study that will lead to future careers. We should strive for distinction in all areas, for example the Lone Star Cup, where cocurricular activities like UIL Academics, Robotics, One-Act Play and Band have equitable footing to extracurricular activities like Cheer and Athletics in an effort to impact the wider population of students. In these things, we should seek out students, encourage them and in service of themselves and the district, they achieve great success by being the best they can be.

04/22/2022

The what is I pledge be an advocate for parents. Communication is the key in any successful relationship and as we are trusted with shepherding your most precious resource, it is that much more critical to ensure it is a two-way street. The vision developed must be a shared one and this includes, but is not limited to, the safety and security of our kids, our fiscal responsibilities, expanding access to opportunities and the framework for education and social development. There seems to be new challenges we face as parents every day in the raising of our kids and it is imperative that the school be a stable environment where we can rest assured that our interests are recognized and their needs are met.

04/22/2022

It’s Friday in Eagleville again and I’m excited that the election is just around the corner. Over the last few weeks, I’ve shared with you who I am, what I believe in, and who my family is. Hopefully, it has painted a picture as to why I have made this run to serve our community as a school board member, and now I want to take this opportunity to expand on what is important to me in representing you in this role. I’m going to repost a synopsis of my vision from a previous post about me to reiterate my philosophy and break up the what it means into several posts to follow for lighter reading.

My vision is to be role model for the next generation and to remain focused on the influence we in the community have on our young people. I believe in sports and how they teach our youth to work together for a common goal, how to work with people different than you, how to build up others according to their needs, how to push yourself beyond what you thought you were capable of and, more than I would like, how to get back up when you fail. I believe that success is related to the culture that has been created. I believe that great leadership sets clear expectations, provides the tools to meet them, can be counted on for the support and encouragement necessary to keep going and holds accountability for the progress that should be made. Great leaders inspire people to follow them and bring everybody to the table. Knowledge is power and if you keep it to yourself, you lessen the chance for success. I believe I can provide sound judgement and discernment in the decisions that affect the growth and experiences of our students. I believe I can be a voice and support for teachers by being willing to question the goals, policies, programs, systems, and processes that directly affect their primary goal of providing the best possible education to their students in a safe and secure environment. I believe I can be an advocate for parents by being willing to listen, not being afraid to talk to those with differing opinions, admitting when I’m wrong and standing in the gap for the hearts and minds of all the kids. I have that heart for the students and staff at Tatum ISD and want to bring that energy to the team working to lead them every day.

04/15/2022

It's a great day to be an Eagle, and it's the perfect day to introduce you to the Sorensons!

Meet my family. Kelly Beall Sorenson and I will have made it to 19 years of marriage in June. She is my rock, my counselor, my confidant, my companion and best friend. I love her for her kindness, compassion, her willingness to do for others before herself, and for being the best mother to our kids. Her passion is teaching and she is really good at it. In her 14 years at Tatum ISD, she has taught 2nd and 4th grades, been honored as the TPS Teacher of the Year, after earning her Master's Degree led the Elementary Campus as Principal and currently serves as the Reading Interventionist. Her accomplishments and dedication speak for themselves. In running for the school board, I wanted to make sure I didn't interrupt the career she has built in any way. I researched and made sure that she is secure and can advance to any position she earns as long as any action related to her comes with my recusal from deliberations and voting. We are a team and are unwavering in our support for each other, but she doesn't need my help at school, teaching is just one of the many things she is great at all by herself.

We have two amazing kids. Abby turned 17 in March and is a Junior at Tatum High School. She loves volleyball and has had the privilege of being led in her career by a 600+ game winning coach to great personal and team success. Lord willing, they will take that big next step in her Senior year and put that elusive State Championship Ring on their fingers! We have also been lucky enough to be a part of a rising Golf program with a world class golf coach and this Wednesday, she will join her teammates at the Regional Tournament in Bullard for the 2nd consecutive year after taking our first Girl's District Golf Title two weeks ago. On top of that, she currently ranks 4th in her class. Student-Athlete. I'm proud of the young woman she is growing into and love watching her in everything she does. Jett will turn 10 in June and is all boy. He is a part of a fantastic 4th grade class that I have the privilege of coaching and mentoring in multiple little league sports. He loves video games, the beach, playing games as a family and all sports. He is my road partner. When I am off, he can usually be found riding with me to whatever errand is on the list.

This is us. We aren't perfect, but we're striving to get better for each other everyday. I'm blessed to call them mine, proud of all their accomplishments and support them with everything I have. They are my why. I'm committed to serving you for yours because I know how important mine are for me.

Most importantly this Easter Weekend remember...

It's Friday in Eagle Land, but Sunday is Coming!

04/14/2022

Happy Wednesday Eagle Nation! I want to take the time to introduce myself and tell you more about the man that is asking to represent you and yours on the Tatum ISD School Board. It’s important to me that you know what I believe in and am passionate about, and for me to share my heart for kids and this community. I am Jonathan Sorenson, 39 years old, and I’ve lived in or been directly connected to Tatum on and off for the last 22 years. Most commonly, I am known as Buck. I’ve never been the biggest guy a. a coach my sophomore year in high school called me Buck-O-5. It evolved over time to Buck, followed me as we moved to Tatum, and is now so common that most of the people I have worked with over the last 10+ years don’t even know my given first name. I am the oldest son of Mike and Rene’ Sorenson. My dad had the privilege of leading the Tatum Eagles as the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director from 2000—2004 and it is because of that I was able to meet and lucky enough to marry Kelly Beall in 2003 at First Baptist Church in Tatum. We have been blessed with two great kids, Abby (17) and Jett (9), who have only known this district as home. Kelly and I moved back to Tatum permanently in 2008 when she began teaching at Tatum ISD where she continues working to this day.
I love Jesus. What a fitting week to be able to share how my faith impacts my worldview. In the interest of keeping it moving and to limit my affinity for talking, I’m going to reference some scriptures that impact me in the hopes that you look them up as time permits. Take some time and check out Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:12-16, Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 3:23-24, John 14:6, Romans 10:9, 1 Peter 1:3-4 and Galatians 3:26-29 and you will get a sense of what I stand on. In short, God made us, he made us wonderfully, in his image and has plans for us. We all have sin, but grace is available through salvation by believing in Christ Jesus. Through such, we are all brothers in Christ and should walk according to His ways.
I love my family. My parents gave me the gift of love, discipline, instruction, accountability, and responsibility. I will be forever grateful for my childhood and the way they worked to mold me into the man I am today. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” That teaching drives me to be a role model for the next generation and reminds me the importance of the influence we in the community have on our young people. Because of the foundation I was given by my parents and through my faith, it has been the greatest blessing of my life to be able to walk this journey of life in adulthood with Kelly and shepherd our kids together. It is a humbling journey to be sure, but one that motivates me to be the best I can be for them and the world around them. I plan to tell you all about them on Friday.
I love sports. I was just talented enough to have a short stint playing football at Southern Arkansas University and then spent a couple of years on the golf team at UT Tyler. I love them because of what they have done for me and my family. Don’t get me wrong, I like winning. You’ll see I like clichés/proverbs/quotes a lot and one I frequently use is that if someone is keeping score, you might as well win. More than that though, they were an extended family to me and for some I know, they were their only solid family. Sports still teach me to this day. They teach how to work together for a common goal, how to work with people different than you, how to build up others according to their needs, how to push yourself beyond what you thought you were capable of and, more than I would like, how to get back up when you fail just to name a few. For what it’s worth, I was valedictorian of my high school. I understand the importance of and am committed to the best education possible for all our students and student-athletes alike. That education afforded me the opportunity to achieve the business success I’ve had but for me, my experience on a team gave me the skills necessary to become a leader and sustain that success. These experiences are why I am enthusiastic about being involved with the youth of Tatum. I serve on the Board of the Tatum Youth Sports Association and have been coaching in our basketball and baseball little league programs since when Abby was in grade school and again now that Jett is coming through. I volunteer with the high school golf team, spending most of my time on the girl’s side to have the opportunity to be with Abby and am excited about the growth and success of that program. Come see us on Tuesdays and Fridays at Eagle Park. The kids would love your cheers and I would enjoy the chance to talk with you.
I’m committed to my career. I believe in the energy industry and currently work for a local operator as an Oil & Gas Consultant. A great Tatum family at Texas Flood gave a green, 26-year-old kid a shot when we moved back in 2008. With a great foundation, some good teachers, a willingness to ask questions and learn, some challenging work, a great leader I still work for today seeing some potential and taking a chance on me and the Grace of God, I’ve been blessed to advance and have a great first half of my career. I’ve worked as a consultant for and employee of independent operators, mid-major oil and gas companies and Fortune 500 energy companies. I’ve been afforded the responsibility of development, hiring, procurement, implementation and management of multimillion-dollar business plans. I have been personally responsible for the hiring, oversight, and development of dozens of a diverse group of employees and have had the honor of several of them advancing to work beside me to this day. I’ve been a member of global procurement teams to evaluate, recommend and implement systems and technology to be used in the business units I was associated with. I have been accountable for the operations management of multimillion-dollar projects associated with multibillion-dollar capital budgets and have won annual awards for cost saving initiatives. I’ve been chosen to build and teach several behavior-based and process driven safety systems. In all this, I have come to believe that success is related to the culture that has been created. I believe that when we win, I win. There’s enough glory to go around for everyone. I believe that great leadership sets clear expectations, provides the tools to meet them, can be counted on for the support and encouragement necessary to keep going and holds accountability for the progress that should be made. Great leaders are visible and present. They lead by example. Great leaders inspire people to follow them and when the people under their care fall short, they are more disappointed in letting down their boss than they are worried about fear of retribution. Great leaders bring everybody to the table. Knowledge is power and if you keep it to yourself, you lessen the chance for success. I have that heart for the students and staff at Tatum ISD and want to bring that energy to the team working to lead them every day.
This is me. To quote Pat Green “You don’t have to guess what I’m against, when you know what I’m for.” I’m long- winded, confident, outgoing, committed, faithful and fired up for our youth. I believe I can provide sound judgement and discernment in the decisions that affect the growth and experiences of our students. I believe I can be a voice and support for teachers by being willing to question the goals, policies, programs, systems, and processes that directly affect their primary goal of providing the best possible education to their students in a safe and secure environment. For if it cannot be evaluated honestly to its core and withstand the scrutiny; how much time will it take, who is accountable for it, how can it be accurately measured and how will it be utilized to provide value, then it becomes another thing on top of a mountain of so many others already. To paraphrase a quote from Yellowstone, “I’m the brick wall bad ideas go to bang their head against.” I believe I can be an advocate for parents by being willing to listen, not being afraid to talk to those with differing opinions, admitting when I’m wrong (getting better everyday at that one) and standing in the gap for the hearts and minds of all the kids.
I said it earlier and I meant it, there is enough glory to go around for everybody. Let’s go win this together!