Incumbent Jen Mauldin will be running for re-election to Place 6 against one challenger, Aaron Smith. Stephen Benold chose not to run for re-election, leaving Stacy McLaughlin unopposed as the only candidate to file for Place 7.
Candidates were asked to answer the questions provided in 50 words or fewer and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
*indicates incumbent
Jen Mauldin
Experience:
GISD school board trustee, 2021-24; experienced school principal, 25 Years; director of special education; regular/special education teacher; Purl Elementary reading volunteer, 2021-24; Dare to Lead facilitator; parent of a former GISD student.
Occupation:
Leadership consultant/coach and Brene Brown Facilitator
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Rigorous academic achievement and extracurricular programs; teacher compensation and retention; career/technology education programs and community partnerships; proactive student population growth planning; continued success in financial oversight
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
My experience uniquely qualifies me for this position. I have over 30 years of experience as an educator serving students as a teacher, central office administrator and principal. In addition, I have experience serving on the GISD board of trustees for the past three years and the Caring Place Board.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the school district, and how will you improve it?
The greatest challenge that GISD faces is the development of a rigorous academic achievement program during the time when retaining a strong teaching staff is difficult not only in Georgetown but across the state. Compensation packages at the state and local level are must haves for the school staffs.
What is something you want Georgetown ISD residents to know about you?
Every Friday I walk to Annie Purl Elementary to volunteer in first grade classroom to assist with two struggling readers. I am richly compensated, not with coins, but with the opportunity to help a child who is having difficulty and at the same time to serve our community.
What changes would you like to see addressed at the state level regarding public education?
I would like to see the state adequately fund public education. Even though in 2023 there was a state surplus of $37 billion dollars available to adequately fund public schools, there was no meaningful change. GISD’s per pupil allotment has stood at $6,160 since 2019 with no inflation adjustment.
Aaron Smith
Experience:
Previous school board member at private school (preK-4); parent of two GISD students and husband to current GISD teacher; 20 years of federal, State of Texas, and nonprofit experience; military service: US Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (Fleet Marine Force); Volunteer coach for Georgetown youth football and soccer
Occupation:
VP, policy and program implementation
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Aaron-Smith-for-GISD-Place-6/61556849652716/
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
My focus will be students’ academic success, which is made possible by our teachers and support staff. We must advocate for more competitive compensation packages, and build trust, ownership, and transparency by letting teachers have a seat at “the table” to identify meaningful incentives that help retain them.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
My talents and background are a perfect fit for the roles and responsibilities expected of GISD trustees. I have extensive professional experience leading budget and performance analyses for large organizations, evaluating policies and implementing community programs, and working with local leaders to communicate and build relationships with their communities.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the school district, and how will you improve it?
GISD’s greatest challenge is student enrollment and attendance. Over 1,500 students left GISD for charter/home schooling last year, which resulted in GISD losing [about] $8.7 million in state support. Given GISD’s $9.9 million budget deficit last year, we must incentivize student attendance and improve marketing around unique opportunities for GISD students.
What is something you want Georgetown ISD residents to know about you?
I’m offering my time and talent to GISD because I know my skillset and perspective can positively impact our schools and community. I’m also a veteran, and hold degrees from Southwestern University and an MBA from TAMU-CC. My kids are both GISD students, and my wife is a GISD teacher.
What changes would you like to see addressed at the state level regarding public education?
We’re educating our future leaders and community members, so I would like to see an overall increase in the state investment for Texas public schools and education programs. Ideally, this would also include providing districts with predictable and sustainable adjustments to the state allotment so schools can plan effectively.
