Learn more about the candidates running for Round Rock ISD Place 1 ahead of the Nov. 8 election. Early voting will be available Oct. 24-Nov. 4.
*Candidate did not adhere to word limit. Responses over 50 words were cut off.
John Keagy
Experience:
Father of 3; Troopmaster of Trail Life USA; Watch D.O.G.S. Top Dog; MBA, MS Chemical Engineering.
Occupation:
Engineering Manager
Candidate Website:
https://johnkeagy.com/
Contact Information:
512-761-7668
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
The current board has failed in its sacred duty to 46,000 students in all areas including: maintaining employment of a superintendent in Texas with a permanent restraining order & setting ou001fffensively low academic goals for students. I will address these failures and restore parental rights.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
The students in RRISD deserve decision-makers who put them first. As an engineer I solve complex problems for a living, and as a father of three, a Watch D.O.G.S dad and troopmaster, my loyalty is solely to children and ensuring each one is prepared for a bright future.
Kevin Johnson
Experience:
Teacher at Stony Point High School; 2015 Teacher of the Year; Career and technical education/academy specialist with Round Rock ISD; Assistant principal for LBJ Early College High School; statewide CTE coordinator with the Texas Education Agency; community volunteer.
Occupation:
Senior Advisor at Advance CTE
Candidate Website:
https://www.drkevinjohnson4rrisd.com/
Contact Information:
(512) 873-7438
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
I seek to establish how Round Rock ISD can recruit, train, mentor, retain and provide a career ladder for exceptional teachers who aspire to be instructional leaders. I will continue to address teacher pay within fiscal constraints. Safety and security is a high priority due to recent events in Texas.*
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
As indicated through my relevant experience, service at the local, state and national levels have been cornerstones of my personal and professional life. Round Rock ISD is the district I chose to assist with educating my children, and I believe I am the best candidate for Place 1 due to*
Yuriy Semchyshyn
Experience:
Ph.D. in Computer Science, as well as numerous professional certifications and awards; 15 years of experience developing computer software for industry leaders and 5 years of experience lecturing at a national university; most importantly Father to three children aged 8, 7, and 5 who attend an elementary school in RRISD.
Occupation:
Staff Software Engineer at Apple
Candidate Website:
https://www.semchyshyn.com/
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
Hire a qualified superintendent who has not been accused of domestic abuse; ensure that our children’s rights to attend school and to breathe freely are never violated again; focus on academic excellence, keep politically divisive topics out of classrooms; curb out-of-control spending on academically unnecessary items; and boost campus safety and security.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
Will bring common sense back into the RRISD board of trustees.
Estevan Jesus 'Chuy' Zarate
Experience:
Relevant experience in simple list format (no longer than 50 words): Served on several RRISD committee chairs, including diversity, arts in education and variety show; Watch D.O.G.S. member; TXPTA Emerging Leaders Academy member; Presenter at TXPTA Launch; RRISD CARES Team member; McNeil High School Improv Club coach; Guest Director for the Canyon Vista Middle School Improv Club; RRISD Mentor.
Occupation:
Actor, director and volunteer
Candidate Website:
https://chuy4rrisd.com/
Contact Information:
210-831-3798
What will be your top priorities if you are elected?
My priorities include equity in education; expansion of mental health and wellness programs post-pandemic to improve student outcomes; and collaboration with other trustees, administration and community members for the betterment of RRISD.
What uniquely qualifies you for this position?
I am an expert collaborator and creative thinker because of my work as an actor, director and teacher. I know about the inner workings of RRISD because of my work with the PTA. I will stand up for students and teachers and be a voice for parents.
