May 3, 2025 Election

Early Voting: April 22 - April 29

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Humble ISD Board of Trustees, Position 1
Gracie de Leon

Nonpartisan Race

www.voteforgracie.com
Gracie de Leon
Qualifications: What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I serve on the Humble ISD Career & Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee, where I contribute to educational initiatives. As Executive Director at GO Imaging, I led operations & collaborated with educators to offer student internships. With experience on the U.S. Service Academy Nomination Board, strong communication skills, and deep ties to the community, I am dedicated to making informed decisions that benefit students & families.
Opportunities: What opportunities for improvement do you identify in the District and how do you feel the Board should work towards those goals?
There is an opportunity to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs by building partnerships with local businesses for internships & aligning the curriculum with job market needs. The board should prioritize stronger business relationships & educator development. Academic performance also requires attention, and regular meetings with the superintendent to review performance measures will ensure strategies are effectively implemented.
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?
I believe it’s important to conduct regular audits to ensure that our tax dollars are being spent efficiently. Additionally, I propose that every three years, we begin with a zero-based budget for all departments. Our district's needs are constantly evolving, and by starting from scratch, we would thoroughly review all expenditures to ensure that each one is necessary and aligned with our priorities.
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?
Teachers often express the need for more planning time and less administrative work. Evaluating team meetings and tasks will help maximize their time for teaching. Additionally, ensuring that our benefits, PTO policies, and pay are competitive with other districts is crucial. To retain top talent, we must provide teachers with strong benefits and competitive compensation packages that reflect their hard work and dedication.
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.
To prepare students for democracy, the district should focus on civic education that teaches government fundamentals & encourages participation. Programs such as mock elections, student government, and community service can provide real-life experiences. The school board can support this by prioritizing civics in the curriculum, providing resources for teachers, & partnering with local organizations.