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.
District 7 candidate David Kauffman is running unopposed.
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.
Kathryn Whitley Chu
Experience:
Taught middle school and GED classes
Occupation:
Teacher
Candidate Website:
https://www.kathrynforaisd.com/
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for the AISD School Board?
I'm an accountant turned public school teacher running for AISD School Board to ensure our students thrive, our teachers and staff get the pay and support they deserve and our community has top notch educational institutions. With a BBA and Master in Professional Accounting, I have the financial experience working as a tax accountant and auditor to handle Austin ISD's $1.68 billion budget.
What is the biggest priority for AISD?
AISD faces the biggest teacher and staff shortage in the history of the district. We must resolve the shortage so we can have well functioning schools, smaller class sizes, and the best educational outcomes for our students. Teachers and support staff must be well-compensated and respected in order to retain and attract the best educators for our kids.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
I have officially been endorsed by the Travis County Democratic Party and Education Austin, the AISD teacher and staff union. I'm the only one in the race with professional education experience and I'm a mom of two kids with my husband, Nick, a local judge.
Clint Small
Occupation:
Builder
Candidate Website:
https://www.smallforaisd.com/
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for the AISD School Board?
I am running for AISD school board because I firmly believe that we need leadership now, more than ever, that will put the priorities of our kids, our teachers and our growing city above politics. My father and grandfather were both members of the AISD school board, and I had the privilege of watching them as I was growing up as they worked to create consensus around the things that mattered to move our public schools forward.
What is the biggest priority for AISD?
I have many priorities for this position. First, I want to fix our infrastructure--from leaky roofs to hot gyms, our kids and staff deserve to learn and work in facilities that meet their needs and allow them to focus on the mission at hand. Second, we must refocus on retaining, recruiting, and supporting our classroom teachers. They are our front line workers and the centerpiece to a high-quality public education.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
I have been a lifelong Austin resident, am the father of two amazing kids currently in AISD, and have served this community and area in many capacities already. I currently serve on the AISD Long Range Planning Committee and served eight years on the Austin Parks Board, where I was appointed by mayors Kirk Watson and Gus Garcia.
