Endorsements
Strong leadership is built through trust, relationships, and a clear commitment to serving the entire community. Throughout my career in education, I have worked alongside students, families, educators, and community leaders who understand that the strongest schools are shaped by collaboration, thoughtful decision-making, and a willingness to listen to every voice.
The endorsements shared here represent more than support for a campaign—they reflect confidence in experienced leadership, sound judgment, and a vision for moving Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District forward with purpose. I am grateful for those who believe in this work and who recognize the importance of leadership that brings people together, respects differing perspectives, and remains focused on what matters most: strong schools, strong relationships, and a strong future for every student.
Dr. Lowell H. Strike - Superintendent Emeritus
It is with great respect and honor that I give my full endorsement of Darrell Brown for a position as a GCISD Board of Trustees member. In my 42 years as a public-school educator, I have never met anyone more passionate about the success of every student than Darrell. I had the privilege of serving alongside Darrell in three Texas school districts and can testify that he combines his passion with intelligence, integrity, and, most importantly, great wisdom. As a retired Texas superintendent, I would have coveted having Darrell as a board member for my district. Darrell has a strong understanding of a school district's systems, from the classroom to the boardroom. He grasps the importance of supporting the classroom teacher, the most important individual in the delivery of instruction. In addition, he grasps the importance of strong, capable administrative leadership from central administration to campus leadership. His experiences have also exposed him to the importance and practice of governance through his work with board regulations and policies, and their impact on students, staff, parents, and the GCISD community at large. GCISD will be stronger with Darrell Brown on the Board.
Carmen Badger - Educator
I am proud to endorse Darrell Brown for election to the GCISD school board. As a former teacher at Major Cheney elementary, I had the privilege of working with Darrell Brown while he served as our principal. Under his leadership, our school thrived—not only academically, but as a caring, inclusive community, where students, family and staff felt seen and supported. He consistently demonstrated integrity, vision, and a deep understanding of both students and educators needs. Darrell earned the trust and respect of our entire community. I believe Darrell will bring that same dedication and wisdom to the school board.— Advocating for quality, education, responsible, leadership, and strong partnerships between home and school.
Kristine Leathers - GCISD Parent & Resident
Darrell Brown is the kind of leader you immediately want others to meet. He is humble, professional, and genuinely listens to understand different perspectives. Even before he decided to run for the school board, it was clear he is a game changer.
With experience as both an educator and administrator, Darrell brings insight and balance to the role. He values community input, prioritizes trust and transparency, and is ready to lead with integrity. I’m excited to support Darrell Brown—he is exactly the kind of change GCISD needs.
Darrell Brown has been my mentor for almost two decades. When I think of leadership in education, I think of Darrell. He cares passionately about the role of the schools in creating a positive, lasting impact for the community. I cannot think of a better candidate to represent the interests of the students and families in GCISD.
Mark Bulthaup - Education Technologist
Jen & Andy Ryback - GCISD Parents
We are excited to be supporting someone like Darrell, a fresh voice for our GCISD school board, but bringing with him an immense background in public education. He believes in transparency and reasoned decision-making, but those are not just talking points--he has delivered that kind of leadership in his work as a teacher and administrator over a number of decades. We admired the way he spoke during public comment at a number of the school board meetings this year and hoped he would consider running. We would encourage anyone in GCISD who has been frustrated during this past year to get to know Darrell and all he would bring to serving in this role. It would be thrilling to have another advocate for public education on the board!
Robert - Former Student
I first met Mr. Brown over 20 years ago as his student, and he has remained a mentor in my life even after the final bell rang. Then, as now, he was a fierce advocate of every student's academic advancement regardless of whether they were inherently good students or not. He was one of the first people I remember to teach that being 'smart' wasn't enough if you weren't also kind to those struggling to perform the assignments that might come easily to you.
He has spent decades as a teacher and administrator while remaining steadfast in his commitment to every student's right to a quality public education and even in retirement he has a gravitational pull to continue to serve. The students of GCISD would be lucky to have him as an experienced and compassionate voice as a trustee.
The Leslie Family - GCISD Parents & Residents
As a family of two elementary school children, this district isn’t just where they go to school, it’s a place we chose and care deeply about.
That’s why this election matters.
We support Darrell Brown for school board because he brings something our district is missing right now: real experience in education. With more than 30 years as a teacher and leader, he understands both the classroom and the decisions that impact it. He knows strong schools are built by supporting and retaining strong educators—and that matters. Our teachers show up for our children every single day. They deserve leadership that shows up for them. Darrell is that leader.
We are proud to support Darrell Brown, for our children, our teachers, and the future of our district.
Taylor Bernstein - GCISD Alum, Parent, & Resident
I support Darrell because he is committed to transparency and community collaboration. I believe in his vision for GCISD where families feel confident, teachers feel supported and decisions are made openly.
Darrell Brown is one of the most passionate educators I have ever had the privilege of working with in my 21-year career in education! He is an extraordinary leader who puts students and teachers first in every instance of decision making. GCISD would be exceptionally blessed to have such a dedicated leader as a member of the school board!
Shanna Mikolajchak - Educator
Jennie Culpepper - GCISD Educator, Parent, & Resident
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Darrell the last two years. He has even subbed for me in my classroom a few times! We have had extensive conversations about education and the future of GCISD. His knowledge of our education system is vast and his commitment to our community is sincere. He is exactly who we want helping shape policy and leading us through the important decisions our district will need to make in the coming months and years. If being on the school board was based on resume alone, he would already have the job. I can’t wait to vote for him!
Darrell Brown is dedicated to strengthening public schools by supporting teachers, involving families and providing all students with the best education possible. When I worked for Darrell, he brought with him his vast knowledge and broad range of experiences in public education, he tirelessly worked to provide his educators with the trainings and tools necessary to meet the needs of all students, and created a welcoming and inclusive school environment for the students, their families and faculty.
Bridgette Bumpus - Educator
Amy Warren - GCISD Parent & Resident
We need Darrell Brown in GCISD Trustee Place 7. His depth of experience as a teacher and school administrator would upgrade our school board. Darrell Brown brings practicality, problem solving, warmth, and wisdom — all valuable leadership characteristics. We need a board that excels at communication and transparency. Make a great choice by adding Darrell Brown to the GCISD School Board!
You will never meet another person as dedicated and trustworthy as Darrell Brown. His love for kids and education far exceeds anyone I have ever worked with in education. I had the privilege of working under his leadership. He was always true to his word. And made sure every teacher had the supplies they needed to be successful. He supported each staff member with encouraging words and honest careful correction. He supported the students and was willing to help and teach students that needed extra support. He did not expect anything from the staff that he wouldn’t do himself. He lead trainings for staff that needed to learn new or improve skills. His knowledge of education and skills needed far exceeded anyone I have ever worked with. GCISD would be privileged to have him on their side representing students, administration and all employees.
Ronda Harlin - Colleague
Chris Butts - Educator
Someone has to say the hard things that others don’t want to hear, but need to, as it relates to education. Someone has to make decisions based on what’s right for kids. Darrell Brown can be that voice, and make those tough decisions for GCISD.
I am a retired school teacher having taught for sixty years in several different public school systems . I worked with Darrell Brown for many years and found him to be the finest principal with whom I was ever privileged to be associated. He was always on point with his preparation and wisdom. He exhibited concern for both teachers and students. When I was under his supervision, he was the principal of a school in an under-priviledged , low income area and found him to be both capable and compassionate by making a special effort to become personally acquainted with faculty and students. I also noted that he was diligent in making the most of the funding at his disposal.
I am certain that the GCISD school board will truly benefit from his experience and knowledge of the education system.
Pat Clepper - Educator
The district is at a pivotal moment, and it is essential that we elect leaders who bring integrity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to students, teachers, and families. Darrell embodies these qualities.
I have had the honor of working alongside Darrell, and I have seen firsthand the thoughtful, steady leadership he brings to every responsibility he undertakes. His approach is grounded in listening, respect, and a sincere desire to serve the community. He will work tirelessly to support the district and uphold the values that make GCISD strong.
Darrell has consistently demonstrated his dedication to academic excellence, teacher support, and responsible stewardship of district resources. He understands the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and academically rigorous environment for every student. His ability to bring people together—parents, educators, and community members—sets him apart as a leader who can strengthen the district’s foundation and guide it forward.
The district deserves a board member who will advocate for students first, support teachers, and approach challenges with transparency and integrity. Darrell Brown is that leader, and I am confident he will serve the district with the commitment and care it deserves.
Cindy Hill - Colleague
Robert F. Donahue - GCISD Parent, Grandparent, & Resident
It’s time to return GCISD to its former place as a destination school district. Darrell Brown can lead us there.
I worked for Mr. Brown part time after I retired as a reading intervention teacher. He was always open to my suggestions in ways that could help students improve. I was always impressed how he could remember student names and stories when we had group meetings concerning data. His sense of humor is unique which is something I always connected to. I endorse him for this position.
G. Pristernik - Educator
Maggie Taylor - GCISD Alum, Parent & Resident
Darrell’s broad experience across multiple areas of education, combined with his genuine openness to others’ perspectives, is exactly what GCISD needs to move forward and grow.
Additional Endorsements:
Bidusha Aryal - GCISD Parent & Resident
J.C. & Melinda Fourkiller - GCISD Residents & Grandparents
Donna Guy - GCISD Parent
Lacey Hammons - GCISD Parent
Susan Highfield - Colleague
Bob & Mary Nelson - GCISD Residents & Parents of GCISD Alum
Jon & Sara Marshall - GCISD Parents
David & Caroline Walker - GCISD Parent