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College Station ISD voters will decide between incumbent Kim Ege and challenger Michelle Gallagher Nov. 3 in the race for the school board's Place 6 seat.
Early voting runs from Oct. 19 to Oct. 30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.
The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5.
For more information on voting and polling locations, visit the Brazos County Elections Administration's website. For more election coverage, visit www.communityimpact.com.
Candidates were asked to keep Q&A responses within 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.
Stay at home mom/volunteer
Why are you running for CSISD school board?
I have long believed that strong public schools are the best investment we can make in the future of young people. I serve as a trustee and am running again because I want to see students succeed and our community continue to be a place people want to live.
What are CSISD's top needs?
CSISD’s top needs are increased state funding for public schools (something everyone in our community can work to advocate for), being able to recruit and retain the best teachers and staff, making sound financial budgeting decisions, and planning responsibly for the future.
What would you do to improve student learning and outcomes?
Teachers and staff have one of the biggest impacts on students. Creating a culture where teachers mentor each other and collaborate together to find ways to reach all students and where there they feel valued and supported are important factors in improving student learning.
What are your budget priorities and how should the district respond to declining enrollment/revenue?
CSISD has worked diligently to trim budgets while maintaining what students need and providing staff raises. Those two priorities should continue to drive budget decisions. At the same time, we have the potential for future growth in our community, so we must responsibly plan for that as well.
How will you ensure students with different needs and backgrounds have opportunities to succeed?
Success looks different for each student, so we must not just have strong traditional academic programs but we must also continue to look for ways to promote student success in places like pathways in career and technical education and opportunities like dual credit and accelerated programs.
Business Owner, Peachy Keen Home Staging & Styling
Why are you running for CSISD school board?
Educators should have a seat at the boardroom table. I will bring my experience as a CSISD educator to Board decisions, connecting policy with classroom realities while prioritizing academics, fiscal responsibility, competitive teacher compensation, student support, and a positive district culture where teachers and staff feel valued, supported, and respected.
What are CSISD's top needs?
1. Protect the classroom first- smaller class sizes and direct support for students and 2. Teacher compensation and staff retention- ensuing our district is a sought-after place to live, work and send kids to school. 3. Respect the profession- when teachers share concerns take them as concerns and not criticism.
What would you do to improve student learning and outcomes?
Our educators need the resources and flexibility to respond to the students in front of them. As a trustee, I would advocate for smaller class sizes, support teachers when they say it isn't working and advocate for solutions to better serve the teachers and students.
What are your budget priorities and how should the district respond to declining enrollment/revenue?
My budget priorities begin with protecting the classrooms and ties directly to students, teachers, and the resources that directly support learning. Prioritize spending that directly supports students, teachers, and the day-to-day work of campuses. That includes retaining quality educators, adequately staffing schools, appropriate class sizes, student safety, and academic support.
How will you ensure students with different needs and backgrounds have opportunities to succeed?
Ensuring students succeed does not mean giving every student the exact same thing. Before making major decisions affecting a group of students, actively seek input from the teachers who understand their needs. Fund the direct supports such as interventionists, special educations and GT services, etc. so all students grow.
