On the ballot
- Place 3: incumbent Renae Mitchell and Trish Smith
- Place 4: incumbent Vernagene Mott and Claudia Yañez
- Place 5: incumbent Kelly Daniel and Lee Wallace
PfISD trustees are elected at-large, meaning all registered voters living within PfISD boundaries can vote for each place.
Voter deadline registration is April 3. Early voting will be held April 22-29, and election day is May 3.
Candidates were asked to answer the questions provided, limit their answers to 50 words and not attack other opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to these guidelines or for style and clarity.
Renae Mitchell
Experience:
Master’s Degree Human Resources, HR Management, Business Development, Employee Relations, Education Policy, TASB Master Trustee
Occupation:
Human Resources Consultant specializing in Executive Search, Executive and Leadership Coaching
Candidate Website:
ElectRenaeMitchell4PfISD.org
Contact Information:
[email protected]
What motivated you to run for this position?
As a servant leader, I believe every child deserves the same opportunities my own children had in PfISD—opportunities that led to their success. My passion comes from supporting students, empowering educators, and ensuring our schools provide tools, resources, and environment so every child can reach their path to success.
If elected, what will be your top priorities to address district challenges?
My priority is to advocate for policies that provide safe and inclusive schools which support educators while encouraging community and parent engagement. I believe this will lead to academic excellence, student success and strengthen our schools. We must work collaboratively as a community while being diligently committed to fiscal responsibility.
If elected, what new district projects or policies would you like to see implemented?
The district just completed its strategic plan that includes community input. The focus is - innovation and encouraging students to discover their own definition of success. My goal is to champion this plan, continue to advocate for school enrollment-based funding, student resources, higher teacher salaries, expand career and technical programs.
Trish Smith
Experience:
Public school educator for 31 years and private school for 8.5 years
Occupation:
Retired Teacher/ Promotions Coordinator for Waterloo Media
Candidate Website:
https://tinyurl.com/3rvhju36
Contact Information:
[email protected]
What motivated you to run for this position?
I am community-oriented and desire to use my expertise in education to better PfISD; having a person with teaching and educational leadership on the board is paramount. I am in a position where I have the time and passion to serve PfISD as a problem-solver and advocate for all stakeholders.
If elected, what will be your top priorities to address district challenges?
Supporting the initiatives of a new superintendent and evaluating recommendations given by the Community Finance Committee on Efficiency are priorities. Helping navigate the problems from budget short-falls like increasing ADA statistics and ensuring patrons are motivated to stay enrolled in their neighborhood public schools will be priorities of my tenure.
If elected, what new district projects or policies would you like to see implemented?
With the influx of charter schools, PfISD must demonstrate the quality education and programming PfISD offers. After listening to community members, teacher retention and support are key to ensuring a quality public education. I have ideas for mentorship programs. Being strategic with budget allotment and school safety are also priorities.
Vernagene Mott
Experience:
Leadership: 21 yrs trustee, 13 yrs TASB Director, 2 yrs Lone Star Investment Board, Retired teacher
Occupation:
Organist/keyboardist, retired teacher
Candidate Website:
facebook.com/Mott4PfISD
Contact Information:
[email protected]
What motivated you to run for this position?
Laser focus on student outcomes. Reputable/respected staff, students, parents, & stakeholders encouragement for my experienced leadership, institutional knowledge, vision and values; The impact of pending legislation, TEA mandates and uncertainty of federal funds on operations; Supporting and serving with our new transformational superintendent/staff has unlimited pivotal potential for student...
If elected, what will be your top priorities to address district challenges?
Continuous improvement maximizing responsibility, accountability, transparency; Budget appropriations (human resources, 35 campuses, inflationary expenditures); Student Academic and social growth; Enhancing systems, processes and capacity to excel as a destination district.
If elected, what new district projects or policies would you like to see implemented?
The new Strategic Plan; A vibrant learning community where safety, technology, communication and innovation support the joy of teaching/learning; Community/parental partnerships enhancing students, staff and programs; Student/staff sense of genuinely belonging by enthusiastically engaging in the available opportunities that build confidence and belief in their success. CTE
Claudia Yañez
Experience:
District parent, school volunteer/financial supporter, community leader, public school funding advocate, business/financial acumen
Occupation:
Human Capital Management
Candidate Website:
https://claudia4pfisd.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
What motivated you to run for this position?
I believe that education is foundational to success in life. I’m living proof that an emerging English-language learner can overcome challenges and achieve academic and professional success, and give back to the community. I’m motivated to serve on the school board to empower all students to realize their full potential.
If elected, what will be your top priorities to address district challenges?
Top of mind is the financial health of the district. Teacher retention, the safety and wellbeing of students and staff, and mapping community assets to move beyond transparency to promoting community involvement to improve the student experience.
If elected, what new district projects or policies would you like to see implemented?
I would like to see an asset-mapping project with participation from staff, community members and organizations to identify and leverage the community’s strengths to address district needs where possible. As a former mentor, I would also like to see a push for more structured mentoring programs across the schools.
Kelly Daniel
Experience:
Two years with the PfISD Board (current Board Vice-President), Pflugerville Education Foundation President, finance, construction.
Occupation:
Geologist and Vice-President at Kleinfelder
Candidate Website:
https://kellyforpfisd.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
What motivated you to run for this position?
Our public education systems are under attack at the federal and state level. I believe it is my moral imperative to preserve the integrity of our local education system in a manner that is representative of our community’s values and to ensure that tax dollars are being utilized judiciously.
If elected, what will be your top priorities to address district challenges?
The District’s budget deficit is troubling as well as the lack of competitive compensation for our more experienced educators. We experienced an influx of security threats last fall, making parents fearful about sending students to school. We must continue our plan to stabilize ourselves financially and to increase school safety.
If elected, what new district projects or policies would you like to see implemented?
I’d like for us to establish a magnet school with community input on its focus. We must improve academic outcomes, meeting or exceeding state and regional academic performance across the board. We need to consider water re-use and energy efficiency in our facilities design, resulting in lower long-term operational costs.
Lee Wallace
Experience:
Parent of 2020 Weiss graduate. The Army gave me experience in government work.
Occupation:
Retired. Previously I owned Hot Jumbo Bagel company in Austin. Former Army Infantry officer.
Candidate Website:
N/A
Contact Information:
[email protected]
What motivated you to run for this position?
Safety First is what motivated me to run. When I found out that the incumbents voted not to keep PISD kids safe by refusing to follow state law. Our kids are not being kept safe.
If elected, what will be your top priorities to address district challenges?
If elected, my first priority will be to ensure the school district complies with state laws. Implementing the state required changes to keep school children safe is the first priority.
If elected, what new district projects or policies would you like to see implemented?
The new district policy I will peruse is to use the school marshals or trained teachers to keep the kids safe. Pflugerville has the highest percentage of veterans of any city in Travis county. More than 10% of the city's workforce are veterans. These men and women are trained…
