Why are you running?
As a fifth generation San Marcos native, proud product of the San Marcos CISD, and Texas State University graduating senior studying public administration and political science, I am running for re-election because I believe there is still important work to be done. Having won my seat in 2015 with over 70 percent of the vote, I have spent my tenure on the board being a vocal advocate for excellence in our schools. San Marcos CISD will become the premier school district in Texas if we continue focusing on academic excellence and set high expectations for all students.
What will be your top priority if elected?
I am running for re-election to continue making our schools better so both current and future students receive the education they deserve. My number one priority if re-elected will be to ensure that the district balances its budget without negatively impacting our students and the children of our community. There are school districts similar to ours that have chosen to raise expectations and achieve academic excellence without overspending, or wasting taxpayer dollars to meet their goals. We must elect trustees who can make the tough decisions while remembering that we must always put students first.
Why do you think you are qualified to be a trustee?
Over the past 10 years, I have spent more time in our San Marcos schools than my opponent and most standing board members. I am very familiar with the issues impacting our students, families, and district. I am running because I want to continue representing our entire community. I am proud of my commitment to San Marcos and continue to be actively involved and hold leadership roles in many local organizations including United Way of Hays and Caldwell Counties, Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce and the San Marcos Education Foundation.
San Marcos CISD has made a financial commitment to a full-day pre-kindergarten program that is largely funded by the district rather than through paid student tuition. Do you believe this commitment should be re-examined as part of the budgeting process for the 2017-18 school year? Why or why not?
In 2013, San Marcos CISD voters made a commitment when they voted in favor of building a pre-kindergarten center sited at the former Bowie campus located on Hwy. 123. I support San Marcos CISD’s full-day pre-kindergarten program because when we educate our youngest citizens, they will enter school performing at grade-level, graduate on time, become contributing members to our society and together build the future stability of our democracy. However, I am supportive of examining every school district initiative and expenditure yearly during our budgeting process.
Do you support the district's 2017 bond and the projects included within the bond package? Why or why not?
I support the San Marcos CISD schools proposition. This bond is a solid plan to address a growing need, and its passage will ensure our students are successful. Our schools are overcrowded, and student enrollment is expected to grow by several thousand in the next ten years. Our citizen facilities planning committee came together and learned about the capacity, equity, and academics challenges facing SMCISD and they developed a long-range plan to meet the needs of our students and community. Voting yes for this no-tax rate increase schools proposition will provide a brighter future for our students and community.
