Candidate Q&A: Northwest ISD board of trustees Place 3

Why are you running for office?

SB: I believe that we need a more hands-on approach in our schools. We need to invest in the very thing that is most important to us: our kids and teachers. As my involvement in the district has grown over the years, I have served on various committees, boards and volunteer groups. By keeping myself in the middle of the action, I get to see firsthand what our kids are doing and learning. I see the advancements and the shortfalls, and I witness our teachers sacrificing everything for our kids. As a parent, I want nothing more than to give everything to my kids.

What are the biggest challenges facing the families and staff in Northwest ISD?

SB: For me, some of our biggest challenges are growth; teacher retention and shortages; and curriculum and assessment.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

SB: For me, in the beginning, I want to listen. I want to know what our schools are needing, what are our children [are] saying and feeling, [and] what do our teachers really think? I cannot promise priorities or quick changes [because] it doesn't work that way. My No. 1 concern is hearing what our community wants and being able to express that as a trustee. There must be transparency from our board of trustees (within reason) to our stakeholders.

What are some new ideas or programs you would like the Northwest ISD board of trustees to explore?

SB: I would like to see some consistency and cohesiveness within our schools. I would like to see more of a partnership with the parents. There is no one more qualified than a parent to tell us what their child needs to be successful. The district should be listening to the parent as a guide to developing potential learning paths. I would like to see less standardized assessments and more project-based, creative assessments that are looked at throughout the year, and testing [that] is not based on just one or two summatives.

Why are you running for office?

AS: As a longtime resident of our district and dedicated educator, I am passionate about our children and their learning. Education has been my life's work, and it is a privilege to serve Northwest ISD. Our public schools are the heart of what brings our communities together to create successful futures for our children. When NISD communities, [the] school board and superintendent work together as a cohesive, unified team with a shared vision, our schools thrive. The NISD Teams of 8 have done this for decades. I want to continue this legacy. Every student deserves exemplary learning experiences.

What are the biggest challenges facing the families and staff in Northwest ISD?

AS: Now, more than ever, our district must come together to support education. We treasure our teachers, staff and administrators. The pandemic taught us just how important being in school daily is to our students' academic, social and emotional growth. Our families and communities have shared concerns about disruptions in learning and their desire to see students return safely to uninterrupted in-person learning. With this goal in mind, we need to retain and recruit excellent teachers and staff who engage students in high-quality, meaningful learning. Together, as a board, we must focus on affirming the collaborative culture that defines NISD.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

AS: Northwest ISD is the fastest-growing district in the DFW area. It is important not just to manage growth but actually create a strategic and sustainable framework that provides for a wide array of educational opportunities, stabilizes our financial strength and plans for efficient facilities to support our communities. In the next year, we will revisit and redesign our district's Strategic Framework, and our Long Range Planning Committee will identify future bond needs. Working together, NISD stakeholders will craft these strategic goals and growth projects. We are excited to welcome our new superintendent as we create these new designs.

What are some new ideas or programs you would like the Northwest ISD board of trustees to explore?

AS: One goal will be to expand our innovative pathways for our college and career readiness programs. Northwest ISD is home to many superb businesses and community-based programs. By working in partnership with these community leaders and their resources, we can continue to enrich opportunities for each student to be future ready. Our district's partnership between our Aquatic Center and Texas Health is a great example of what such programs can offer. Expanding our early childhood learning opportunities, another key goal, holds exciting possibilities for continuing to enrich our focus on literacy.