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

I served 30+ years in HISD as a teacher, special ed teacher, and administrator. My professional journey also includes serving as an instructor at Houston Community College and teaching at the San Antonio Summer Academy. I've been a GPISD board member for nearly 20 years, building strong relationships and using my experience to advocate for students and schools. My background enables me to approach challenges with practical insight and compassion.

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

We must ensure that teachers have the resources and support needed to enhance instruction and student learning in the classroom.This includes access to quality materials, technology and ongoing professional development. Addressing the rising cost of medical insurance is critical.The Board can support these goals by working collectively with the Superintendent to prioritize funding, advocate for better benefits & ensure that teacher needs are met.

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?

The Board can help secure the financial future of the District by being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.This includes thoroughly reviewing financial reports and proposed expenditures presented by the Superintendent to ensure funds are being used efficiently & effectively. While I do not currently have specific expenditures to target as cost-saving measures, I do believe in maintaining transparency.

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?

One of the most pressing issues teachers face is the rising cost of health insurance. Too often modest salary increases are overshadowed by significant hikes in insurance premiums. The Board can support and retain teachers by advocating for better benefits and ensuring compensation packages lead to real financial growth.

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.

The District can prepare students for civic engagement by promoting voter registration at age 18, integrating civic education into classrooms, and supporting student participation in mock elections, service projects, and discussions about democracy. The Board can support these efforts by promoting student-led civic initiatives, partnering with local election officials to host voter registration drives on campuses.