Dr. Mark Welding of Highland Village has filed to run for Lewisville Independent School District Board of Trustees Place 3, a seat that was left vacant last year with the resignation of Jeff Knapp.
Dr. Welding is an optometrist and owner of a Highland Village vision care practice for the past 15 years.
One of Dr. Welding’s stated goals is to address the continued rapid growth in certain areas of the district, while maintaining LISD’s reputation in older areas where growth has slowed.
“Every community in the district needs the board’s attention, not just certain pockets,” said Welding, “and I am committed to serving all areas in a fair and equal manner.”
He said that he also wants to focus attention on public school finance, which has suffered budget cuts from the state for more than a decade.
“LISD needs to remain vigilant,” he said, when asked about the district’s evolving priorities, “in order to continue to fund our schools now and into the future, we must be fiscally responsible. At the same time we need to educate our students with the best teachers, technology and facilities.”
Dr. Welding is active in the community, serving on numerous boards and committees, including serving on the LISD Bond Oversight committee; Board Chairman of the LISD Student Health Advisory Council; and regular contributor to the children’s vision screening programs of area Lions Clubs, current member and past board member of Flower Mound Rotary Club; Paul Harris Fellow award recipient; past board member of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors of New Horizon Foster Ranch.
In addition, Dr. Welding is the founder of the Christian Community Action Eye Clinic and provides free services through this program. He is also the founder of the 20/20 Caring Program for LISD students, a district-wide program providing free eye exams and glasses to students in need.
Dr. Welding is a native of Iowa and a graduate of Iowa State University and the University of Houston School of Optometry. He lives in Highland Village with his wife Andrea, a fifth grade teacher in LISD, and his stepson Zack. He said that he likes all sports, especially golf, and enjoys spending time with his family.
“I look forward to serving with this great group of board members,” said Welding. “I’m excited to run for this position and ask for the community’s support as we work to keep this district one of the best in Texas.”
Paige Shoven, a 13 year resident of Lewisville, has also filed to run in Place 3. Shoven ran unsuccessfully for Place 1 on the school board last May.
The filing period for candidates runs through March 1. The last day to register to vote in the May election is April 11.
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