Incumbents Amy English and James Matlock will be running for re-election, while candidates Amanda Barron, Ashley Rendon and Zenaida Martinez have also filed to run in the May election.
Candidates were asked to answer the questions provided in 50 words or less and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
*indicates incumbent
Amanda Barron
Experience:
15 years in public education; 13 years in the classroom, serving elementary and special education students; two years leading and coaching teachers at multiple campuses; served on district site based decision making, grading policies, textbook/curriculum and dress code policy committees.
Occupation:
Early literacy instructional coach
Candidate Website:
https://bit.ly/Barron4Hutto
Contact Information:
[email protected]
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
If elected, my primary focuses would center on student success, teacher advocacy, and community involvement. Every student should receive the support and resources to excel. I will work collaboratively with all stakeholders to make decisions that prioritize retaining high-quality teachers and exceptional programs.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
With years of teaching experience, I have a profound understanding of school challenges. I have insights on curriculum, student support, finance, and teaching methods. My experience gives me a realistic stance on education policy. This equips me to advocate for students, teachers, and our community on the school board.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the city, and how will you improve it?
Hutto's growth brings excitement and challenges. As a board member, I prioritize proactive planning, collaboration and advocacy. We must manage growth effectively and maintain excellent education. Building relationships with the city, community, and parents is crucial for our shared success.
What is something you want Hutto ISD residents to know about you?
I have two daughters attending Hutto schools. My husband, Victor, is the local Young Life guy. For close to two decades, we've been involved in youth advocacy. Our commitment extends beyond our own family; we're dedicated to ensuring every kid in Hutto receives the best opportunities and support possible.
*Amy English
Experience:
Hutto ISD trustee for three years (two as vice president); Texas Association of School Board master trustee designation; advocate for teachers and students at state and federal levels; over 170 trustee continuing education hours; nonprofit service experience, including leadership positions on several board and commissions.
Occupation:
Real estate broker
Candidate Website:
https://www.amyenglishforhutto.com
Contact Information:
512-560-5132
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Provide resources to address staff and student mental health issues post-pandemic; improve academic outcomes through classroom initiatives that support teachers; continue to advocate at the state and federal levels to ensure the ISD is properly funded.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
Having served as a trustee for three years has provided me first-hand experiences with navigating the challenges facing our district. Examples include facing a deficit budget due to under-funding and teacher retention. Such experiences will help me in a second term when it’s time to make tough decisions.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the school district, and how will you improve it?
The greatest challenge the district faces is the systemic dismantling of public education for political gain and personal profit. All children have a constitutional right to a quality (and free) public education. I vow to continue to oppose those that wish to destroy the public education system in Texas.
What is something you want Hutto ISD residents to know about you?
As a 35-year resident of Hutto, I am fully immersed in our community. Whether in a private, public or home-school setting, I was active in my children’s education. After 18 years (and counting) in Hutto ISD, I have experienced various aspects of a rapid-growth district that benefit me as a trustee.
Ashley Rendon
Experience:
Parent of three Hutto ISD students, 2022 HISD Long Range Facilities Planning Committee, 2019 Bond Oversight Committee, 2023/24 Fine Arts Strategic Planning Committee, policy and legislative work, data analysis, communications, operations and management, church volunteer
Occupation:
Deputy director
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556529720979&mibextid=ZbWKwL
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Assessing the district's financial standing and monitoring 2023 bond projects. Teacher support, retention and professional development opportunities. Strengthening the relationship between students, parents and teachers to provide optimal learning environments for students. Advocating for enhanced community awareness and support of district-provided growth opportunities and programs for our young leaders.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
I studied political science and public administration and have worked for the state of Texas for over 15 years. I have worked with the state Legislature over eight legislative sessions. I manage projects daily and enjoy working in team settings. I'm objective, a critical thinker, and a lifelong learner.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the district, and how will you improve it?
Response to the high level of growth we've experienced, which will continue. With growth comes several challenges; for example, providing more services to students to account for diversity and ensuring safety. I will collaborate to set goals for the district and advocate for focus on growth needs.
What is something you want Hutto ISD residents to know about you?
My family has been part of Hippo Nation since 2008, and we’ve been so grateful for the opportunities Hutto ISD has presented to our three daughters. I’ve learned immensely while serving on various committees, and I want to use my experience to serve the district as a whole.
Zenaida Martinez
Experience:
My experience is characterized by a comprehensive approach to advocacy, community engagement, education and empowerment. My unwavering dedication to serving and uplifting families has made a lasting impact on the communities I work with, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, empowerment and positive change.
Occupation:
Community Health Worker instructor
Contact Information:
737-888-1537
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
My top priorities revolve around empowering parents, promoting academic achievement and advocating for effective engagement policies. Through these initiatives, I seek to create a more inclusive, supportive and collaborative educational environment that ensures every student’s success in college, career and life.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
My unique qualifications lie in my unwavering commitment to parental engagement and empowerment, strong leadership and communication skills, and dedication to being responsive and inclusive. With my expertise and passion for education, I am well-equipped to drive positive change and ensure the success of all students in college, career and life.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the school district, and how will you improve it?
The greatest challenge facing our district is multifaceted, but at its core lies the need to address the rapid growth while ensuring inclusive communication across all cultures and nurturing the relationship with the community. I will work to adopt a proactive and collaborative approach that prioritizes inclusivity, communication and community partnership.
What is something you want Hutto ISD residents to know about you?
Overall, I am a dedicated parent, passionate advocate for positive change and committed to bringing the voice of the community to the table. With your support, I am confident that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and the future of our education system.
*James Matlock
Experience:
Bachelor's in finance, master's in accounting, 10 years experience in public finance/debt planning, current school board member, VP-CTSBA, chair-bond oversight committee, City of Hutto Library Advisory Board, Trustees United, Texas Trustees Advancing Special Education, legislative advocate, PTA watch dogs, Special Education Parents Advisory Committee, Little League coach
Occupation:
Financial analyst
Candidate Website:
https://www.matlockforhuttoisd.com
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
My priorities include student achievement, fiscal responsibility and student safety. I'll prioritize student achievement through evidence-based strategies and support for educators. I’ll prioritize school safety as it is vital for a secure learning environment. I'll also prioritize managing the budget carefully to maximize its impact on student learning.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
As a parent of a special needs child, I empathize with the advocacy journey and bring a unique perspective to the board. Professionally, I understand budgeting, debt management and fiscal decisions, enabling me to ask pertinent questions and transparently communicate decision-making rationale to the community.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the school district, and how will you improve it?
The district faces challenges of rising educational costs, rapid growth and education gaps. To tackle this, continued strategic budgeting is required to prioritize resources for students and strengthen academic support programs, alongside continual demographic forecasting to ensure that we have room to welcome each student.
What is something you want Hutto ISD residents to know about you?
As a parent, current school board member and community advocate, I’m committed to serving our community and advocating for the best interests of all students. I bring a unique perspective and approach to addressing our challenges, and I'm dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
