Five of Austin ISD's nine school board seats are up for election this November.
Four of the five races—district 1, 4, 6 and at-large place 9—feature two candidates.
The incumbents for places 6 and 9—Geronimo Rodriguez and Arati Singh, respectively—are both running for re-election, while the other three races are guaranteed to bring in a new representative.
Learn more about the district's council candidates ahead of the Nov. 8 election. Early voting runs from Oct. 24-Nov. 4, and more information about voting in the election can be found through the Travis County clerk's office.
Residents within Austin ISD can find their district here.
Roxanne Evans
Experience:
chief communications officer for D.C. public schools
Occupation:
PR professional
Candidate Website:
https://www.roxanneforaisd.com/
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for the AISD School Board?
I am a former parent, AISD employee and long-time volunteer who feels that to make a real difference for the children in District 1, I need to be a policy maker and decision maker, rather than trying to be helpful and supportive from the sidelines. Because I am also a former journalist, I am willing and able to ask the tough questions that others may be reluctant to ask.
What is the biggest priority for AISD?
The biggest priority for AISD should be working to ensure that black, brown, and economically disadvantaged students are graduating and leaving school ready for college or a career. Currently, too many students who graduate have not mastered the skills needed to be successful. Our children deserve better, our families deserve better, and the district must be held accountable for student performance.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
I worked for two school districts, and I understand how superintendents and school boards should work together. I will not have much of a learning curve if I am on the board, which means I can lead and be effective from Day 1. I have the endorsement of several former trustees including the current District 1 Trustee LaTisha Anderson.
Candace Hunter
Experience:
I've been an Austin ISD student, teacher, Department Chair, Instructional Coach, Principal Intern, Tutor, and Vendor. I've sat on multiple Campus Advisory Councils (CACs), Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), and numerous other district committees, including the Equity Advisory Committee as subcommittee co-chair. My most important role to date is as an AISD parent, where I had to navigated both Special Education and Fine Arts/Magnet programming. My time is split between advocating for public education, working at Austin Community College, privately coaching new teachers through my company Teacher Boot Camp, producing education explainer videos for parents, and co-hosting an education podcast, the Austin ISD ExOfficio/Unofficial Podcast (AISDXP) .
Occupation:
I am a Field Supervisor for Austin Community College Teacher Certification Program. I support and assess teachers who are seeking alternative certification. I also own Teacher Boot Camp, an educator professional development firm.
Candidate Website:
https://www.hunterforaisd.com/
Why are you running for the AISD School Board?
I am running because I'm a third-generation East Austinite and I've seen the district's successes and failures. Austin ISD has not made good on its promise to deliver a high-quality education for all students. That's why I entered the race. I am a parent, a teacher, and a trusted community leader. I've experienced Austin ISD from almost every perspective and I'm ready to serve.
What is the biggest priority for AISD?
The top priority is to stop the hemorrhaging of teachers/staff and families. Teacher retention is paramount, especially since Austin ISD still needs 200 plus teachers and over 150 Teaching Assistants. We have to do more than ask families why they're leaving. We need to course correct and ask them to stay.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
Running for school board is the culmination of over 25 years of doing education work and advocacy. This is my vocation and life's work. I'm not only ready, I'm already doing the wor
