Adolphus "Andy" Anderson

Experience: I would bring my leadership as being a Manager as well as my Project Management experience.  My leadership in this area has been demonstrated by serving as Co-Chair on many AISD Committees such as the District Advisory Council (DAC), Boundary Advisory Committee (BAC), Budget and Finance, Community Committee on Neighborhoods and Schools.  I have also served as Council President for the Austin Council of PTA (ACPTA) while also being a Field Service Representative for Texas PTA responsible for Organizing and Training PTA’s

What are the biggest challenges facing AISD, and how would you address them?

Accountability—Recruiting and retaining teacher and professionals:  I would continue to work with the board to ensure we are obtaining and retaining the best talent and that those best practices that are attributes are shared. Budget—With having to make payments to Recapture I would continue to look at those programs and services that are offered by the district and seek to ensure its effectiveness and eliminate duplication if permissible. Students leaving AISD—I would work to continue to collaborate with the City of Austin and Travis County to ensure affordable housing.

How would you address the predicted long-term enrollment decline in AISD?

If elected or serving on a related AISD Committee, I would continue to recommend we collaborate with the City of Austin and Travis County to ensure affordable housing.  I would also investigate and assess why our students are leaving AISD to attend Charter Schools and also investigate what those schools are offering that AISD is not.

Jayme Mathias (incumbent)

Experience: As your AISD trustee for four years, I’ve stewarded well the billion-dollar budget for our 83,000 students. I have served the District 2 community for 17 years, founding three learning centers, and serving as a high school teacher and administrator. I possess four graduate degrees and my Ph.D. in leadership studies. I am the only AISD trustee to be designated a Master Trustee by the Texas Association of School Boards. I am experienced, bilingual, and trusted by District 2 constituents.   

What are the biggest challenges facing AISD, and how would you address them?

Because our state doesn’t adequately fund public education, I will continue to advocate for increased funding. Because we rank ninth of ten Central Texas districts in teacher pay, I will continue to advocate for heavy investment here, particularly in light of the increasing lack of affordability in Austin. Decreased enrollment necessitates the “right-sizing” of our district. Finally, I will continue to advocate for the closing of the achievement gap, for the sake of our students and our economy.

How would you address the predicted long-term enrollment decline in AISD?

Decreasing enrollment is creating tremendous fiscal pressures. We must be proactive in addressing this, before we are left in the position of having to take drastic measures. Fortunately, I have established the necessary relationships with District 2 constituents that we might expect crucial conversations in the future to be fruitful. Opinions will vary. Emotions will run strong. Still, we cannot run from such conversations, which will require that we unite around innovative solutions to the challenges we face.

Candidates' responses were edited for space.