Mariana Zamora is running against incumbent Lupe Costilla for the San Marcos CISD board of trustees District 3 seat in the May 6 election. Early voting in the race run April 24-May 2. For more information on polling locations click here.

Why are you running?

I am running for a seat on the San Marcos CISD school board because I want to share my perspectives, knowledge and experience to benefit our community. This is the school district which my younger sisters and nephew attend, and the place that I plan to raise my family in. I want to represent those in the community that I call home and work to improve the quality of education for current and future students. In the last 20 years I have seen our schools and teachers do amazing things, but I know we can continue to improve and do better.

What will be your top priority if elected? 

If elected, I will work to help the district continue to fulfill their core commitments. We must educate our students by investing in initiatives to engage families and the community in their learning experience. These entities can help students actively implement what they are learning in the classroom and help us facilitate their path to success by setting high expectations and closing achievement gaps. This will only happen if we provide opportunities for these relationships to grow. I am dedicated to advocating for our students at every opportunity and will make responsible decisions that support our district's vision.

Why do you think you are qualified to be a trustee? 

I have been a recent student in our San Marcos CISD schools and understand firsthand how decisions made by the school board directly impact students and their learning. Since graduating from San Marcos High School, I have devoted my time to working directly with the students in our district and have the best interest of all students in mind. Our children need school board trustees who are good listeners, and above all, can collaborate effectively with others (parents, teachers, district staff and board colleagues) to make responsible decisions; I strongly believe that I can contribute these qualities to the board.

San Marcos CISD has made a financial commitment to a full-day pre-kindergarten program that is largely funded by the district rather than through paid student tuition. Do you believe this commitment should be re-examined as part of the budgeting process for the 2017-18 school year? Why or why not? 

I strongly support San Marcos CISD’s full-day prekindergarten program because when we invest in our youngest learners, we are investing in the future of our community. Continuing this program is a step toward bridging the achievement gap for students within our district, and ensuring they are successful academically, physically and socially. During the budgeting process, I find it necessary to re-examine expenditures regularly to ensure that there is a proven cost-effectiveness while making student-centered decisions.

Do you support the district's 2017 bond and the projects included within the bond package? Why or why not? 

I support the upcoming San Marcos CISD bond package and will be voting yes on May 6. This proposition will address capacity, equity, and the academic needs for our school district. SMCISD will gain another 1,000 students in the next five years and we must ensure that we are being proactive instead of reactive, while being fiscally responsible, as we plan for this projected growth. I have been a student in our district and have worked directly with students who are impacted every day by the things this bond package seeks to address. Our teachers and students deserve better.