Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
* Indicates an incumbent
Estevan J. Chuy Zarate*
Experience:
Incumbent candidate for Place 1, chaired various positions and served on the executive board at local and council PTAs
Occupation:
Teacher, actor, corporate trainer
Candidate Website:
https://chuy4rrisd.com/
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
My top priority is increasing school funding, which has been stagnant since 2019 despite rising costs. I will advocate for full funding to ensure a quality education for students. Additionally, I aim to attract and retain talented teachers by ensuring they are paid well enough to avoid needing a second...
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
As the incumbent, I offer experience and continuity. My background includes years as a dedicated PTA volunteer and active participation in Leadership Round Rock ISD, Emerging Leaders Academy and various conferences with TASB, MASBA and NASB.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the district, and how will you improve it?
Funding is the greatest challenge for every district in the state. The state has repeatedly failed to increase school funding, leading to cuts in services and staff. In 2023, I met with state representatives to advocate for increased funding and will continue to push for equitable support for all Texas...
What is something you want Round Rock ISD residents to know about you?
Since 2017, I’ve been an active parent and volunteer in RRISD, with two sons who graduated from McNeil High School and a daughter in seventh grade at Deerpark Middle School. I’ve taught theatrical arts to students and adults and currently coach the Improvisational Comedy Club at McNeil High School.
Joshua Escalante
Experience:
Project manager, goals oriented, effective communicator, ability to lead teams in high-stress environment
Occupation:
Project manager
Candidate Website:
https://www.escalante4rrisd.com/
Contact Information:
512-693-4668
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Holding elected officials on RRISD board to high standard of excellence to achieve academic excellence and improve literacy for all students; striving for transparency and accountability to enhance public trust and communication between trustees and community; supporting teachers and staff; listening to constituents to continue RRISD’s reputation of being a destination district.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
18 years in healthcare management; adherence to regulatory guidelines/policies; exceptional work ethics and communication skills essential for project completion and conflict resolution; effective in solution seeking, decision making, budget balancing and problem solving; open minded and ability to empathize with others from varying backgrounds and who possess differing viewpoints; raising twin daughters in RRISD.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for the district, and how will you improve it?
A great challenge is conveying the purpose and mission of the board to the community. Stakeholders are unaware, uninformed of a trustee’s roles and responsibilities and how to navigate questions and concerns. Through accountability, transparency and open communication, I’ll work to represent the RRISD community of parents, students and educators.
What is something you want Round Rock ISD residents to know about you?
Proud dad and native Texan; volunteered in STEM at Westwood High School; have strong skills to represent community and true desire to support educators for positive impact they make and invest in my community for the benefit of my young twins and all children of RRISD; all children deserve an...
