In an effort to inform local voters, LH Today has spent time with each of the three candidates currently running for the RISD Board of Trustees Place 3 seat.

Today, we're visiting with Kris Oliver.

Together with his wife Libby, Kris is raising two children who have grown up in RISD.

Both are currently students at Richardson High School, and both are enrolled in magnet programs affiliated with RHS.

With a long history of volunteerism, including PTA related programs and various school activities, Kris is no stranger to the level of commitment required of a trustee.

He currently serves as vice president of the RHS Booster Club, president of the RHS Choir Booster Club, and is chairman of the RHS Eagle Fund - a program very similar to the Lake Highlands Wilds for Cats campaign that benefits academic programs at LHHS.

Oliver also sits on the board of the RISD Excellence in Education Fund.

"One of my biggest reservations about making the decision to run was knowing that I would have to pull back from some of my other volunteer commitments at RHS," he says.

"But I really asked myself, 'Where can I make the biggest difference? Where will I have the most leverage to impact the greatest amount of people?' The timing is really right, and my motivation level is at its peak."

Another important reason for running? Paying it forward.

"Libby and I feel really grateful for all the things the district has done for our kids. They are obviously receiving a very good education, complete with great experiences and great opportunities. I want to give back."

"By being as involved as we are, I have really come to believe that there is nothing more important than public education to the success of our city, our community, and our nation, really."

"I am an admirer of the things the board of trustees has done to this point," says Oliver. "I want to make sure our district stays at the top."

With an accounting background, a CPA certification and an MBA, Oliver currently works as the Chief Executive Officer for Amen Properties, an oil and gas company.

He feels his strong financial background has him well-suited for the demands and qualifications expected of an RISD board member.

"The governance of the district is set up very specifically," explains Oliver. "You’ve got the seven trustees and the superintendent, who together form what’s called the 'Team of Eight' that really governs the district. They work very closely together."

"The goals of the board are to manage the finances, hire and monitor the performance of the superintendent, and set the policy and the vision. Those goals are specifically in line with making sure that what the district is doing is consistent with what the community wants."

"My goal is to be an advocate for the community."

The board currently consists of at-large trustees, versus single-member representation like the districts on the Dallas City Council. It's been argued that might leave Lake Highlands without a true representative. Oliver explains how many in the district might feel this way.

"In truth, 60% of the district is outside of Richardson, as a vast majority of our students come from Dallas, with a small group from Garland."

"Arguably every area of the district might feel like they could be better represented," he says.

"I have spent a lot of time in Lake Highlands during the campaign, to gain the perspective of everyone. I’ve tried hear everything people are saying in different parts of the district."

"I can tell you that I take it very seriously, and that I will really try to have that district hat on, in every decision I try to make."

And how to plan for the continuing changes in student population, diversity and state finance issues?

"There's really no one silver bullet answer," says Oliver. "But you do need to have people making the big decisions who are good at planning, being dynamic and making the tough calls."

Kris Oliver is convinced he's just the person for to get those things done for our district. You can click here to learn more about him and his campaign.