Qualifications: What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?

I'm a veteran educator with a lifelong commitment to public education and a deep passion for ensuring student success. With 26 years of experience (15 yrs in SBISD) as a classroom teacher in general education and working with diverse learners, including students in special education, I understand firsthand the importance of focusing on student outcomes while supporting educators in their craft and expertise.
NHS grad & parent of SWHS grad

Opportunities: What opportunities for improvement do you identify in the District and how do you feel the Board should work towards those goals?

In years past, policies were made by previous school boards that maybe I didn’t agree with. But now, there is a deep divide of trust in the community with this board and superintendent. Let’s have some honest conversations about what we expect from the school board, and their responsibilities to all sectors of the district, regardless of zip code.

It is time for accountability- that’s why I am running for SBISD Trustee.

Funding: What actions can the Board take to secure the financial future of the District? Specifically, are there any expenditures you feel should be examined as a cost-saving measure?

Firstly, it's critical to push for adequate school funding with elected officials from both sides of the aisle.
In terms of making choices on spending, any proposal should minimize the impact on instruction. Furthermore, community stakeholders should be engaged and informed so they can partner with the district through austerity measures. Lastly, transparency and communication must be intentional throughout this process.

Supporting Teachers: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing teachers in the District? What actions can the Board take to better support and retain teachers?

For years, teachers and schools have been asked to do more with less. Acknowledging this imbalance and having hard conversations about expectations is a great place to start in building trust and cultivating a collaborative partnership with staff. That includes honoring the expertise and institutional knowledge of dedicated staff members, and board trustees should focus in listening to feedback with a growth mindset.

Future Voters: Assess how the District prepares students to participate in their country’s democracy and describe what the Board can do to support civic engagement efforts.

An emphasis on growing democracy within SBISD is a top priority; that includes working with community partners such a League of Women Voters. Building capacity in voter registration could include VDVR (volunteer voter registrar) training offered as an option for professional development for teachers and staff. Communication with each high school principal to determine best practices in future voter engagement should be considered as well.