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Three candidates are running for Place 7 on the Leander ISD board of trustees in the Nov. 8 election.
Incumbent Elexis Grimes drew two challengers: Joseph Gorordo and Paul Gauthier.
All seats on the LISD board of trustees are at large, meaning each trustee represents the entire school district, and voters in the school district can cast a ballot in each race.
Early voting will run from Oct. 24-Nov. 4.
Read Q&As with the Place 7 candidates below. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
* Incumbent
Why are you running for the Leander ISD board of trustees?
LISD’s reputation for excellence is one of the main reasons why my wife, Chelsea, and I chose to raise our family in Cedar Park. LISD is at a pivotal point in its history, and I knew it was time for me to do my part to support and protect the education of not only my children, but all children (and families) the district serves.
If elected, what are your goals for Leander ISD?
My primary goal is quite simple. I will ensure that every child that walks through the doors of an LISD school is given the same acceptance, support and opportunity that my children received when they walked through those same doors.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve noticed within Leander ISD, and how would you work to address them?
One of the district’s greatest challenges right now is staffing. We need to ensure our teachers are taking home a wage that matches the amount of work they pour into our classrooms while also ensuring that we are supporting them as a community.
Do you support the upcoming voter-approval tax rate election ballot item (Proposition B)? Why or why not?
I absolutely support the VATRE and will be voting yes on Prop B. The VATRE is necessary so that we can not only retain teachers, but also continue to be a district of choice for teachers seeking employment. In addition to being necessary, it also yields a net decrease in the amount of taxes collected from individual homeowners.
How should the district plan for future growth?
The district needs to plan for future growth by increasing the amount of campuses we have districtwide, ensuring our existing facilities are well maintained, and continuing to focus on [diversity, equity and inclusion] initiatives that will ensure our shifting demographics are all met with equal opportunity.
Why are you running for the Leander ISD board of trustees?
I believe LISD can do much better for our children and our community. I am running to fix the financial mismanagement, hold the administration accountable for better education outcomes and restore parental rights.
If elected, what are your goals for Leander ISD?
Stop out of control tax increases and wasteful spending; restore academic excellence through rigorous curriculum, and reset qualifications for grade promotions and graduation to be based on merit; provide more options for trade and technical classes; create a safe environment for children and teachers, both physical and emotional; remove political activism and social justice indoctrination from our schools; and create a culture where parents can partner with the board and administrators.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve noticed within Leander ISD, and how would you work to address them?
Two-way meaningful communication between community members, board and administration. I would identify constructive ways to have conversations that are impactful and demonstrate that action can be taken by all three parties. Parental rights have not been honored by the board and administration. I would re-establish transparency and honesty in the relationship and put parents in control of their children’s education. Academic performance: I would remove unnecessary distractions so teachers and students can focus on learning.
Do you support the upcoming voter-approval tax rate election ballot item (Proposition B)? Why or why not?
No. This VATRE item is a result of financial mismanagement and is treating a symptom instead of finding the root cause of the overspending this administration has had for too many years. A full understanding of LISD spending needs to be accounted for before any additional tax increase is proposed. LISD needs to demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
How should the district plan for future growth?
The growth models need to be revisited for accuracy and adjusted given our current environment, and reproject[ed] accordingly. Additional capacity analysis, monitoring and planning for existing facilities needs to be optimized for the current investments already made. Based on last year’s Community Impact, Vol. 15, Issue 4, on Aug. 12, there is still available capacity to be consumed that will give us time to determine best steps forward before additional debt is incurred.
Why are you running for the Leander ISD board of trustees?
LISD has amazing parents, students and teachers. My priorities are academic excellence, a balanced approach to spending and community collaboration. I want to empower parents with the transparency they need to know what is happening with their students, teachers with the tools they need to teach, and provide students with the environment to succeed. I am committed to continue building partnerships to ensure students and teachers have a safe environment to learn and thrive.
If elected, what are your goals for Leander ISD?
Providing student choice in programs is critical to engage students in deeper learning. When students have opportunities in programs they enjoy, it keeps them engaged in school. Partnering with parents is critical for student success, and understanding choices and impacts on their students' future. I am committed to working with local community leaders, law enforcement and educators to address the fentanyl crisis that threatens our students' lives, and to reducing the debt and tax rate.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve noticed within Leander ISD, and how would you work to address them?
Understanding school finance is critical at this point in our district. LISD faces many challenges as we enter recapture, including retaining the best teachers possible. I am committed to advocating at the state level for funding for education while decreasing the burden carried by homeowners’ property taxes. As chair of the Long Range Facilities Committee, I have worked to maximize underutilized campuses, reduce construction needs, while bringing forth choice for students.
Do you support the upcoming voter-approval tax rate election ballot item (Proposition B)? Why or why not?
Voting for Prop B (VATRE) will be a tax rate reduction of $0.0624 for homeowners but allows the district to move funds over to day-to-day operations, funding teacher raises and student resources. If Prop B fails, LISD will need to make close to $30 million cuts in 2023-24, which could close campuses or negatively impact academic programs, and LISD’s ability to recruit and retain the best and brightest educators.
How should the district plan for future growth?
As a trustee, I am committed to balancing the needs of current and future students with the financial challenges facing our taxpayers. I am proud that we have worked together to develop a plan that will save taxpayers $500 million while continuing to be a destination district with programs and choice for students. As a member of the Long Range Facilities Committee, I am dedicated to moving this plan forward.
