What you need to know
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the question provided without attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
*Indicates incumbent.
James (Ed) Duncan
Experience:
worked with the public and state agencies for 27 years
Occupation:
Retired from Tarrant County
Candidate Website:
n/a
Contact Information:
817-564-1525
Why are you running for office?
I'm running to keep KISD the best school district it once was and still can be.
What are the biggest challenges facing the school district?
The biggest challenges now facing the school district is parents and Keller citizens not having faith in the board doing all they can to keep experienced teachers so students can achieve their potential.
How do you plan to address these issues?
First of all, I would like to learn what brought about this latest topic of conversation that is causing so much uproar within KISD.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities would be to find out how we could continue to provide the very best education our kids get. Also working with the community to regain confidence with the board of trustees.
Chelsea Kelly*
Experience:
current Place 3 trustee, [Parent Teacher Association] volunteer
Occupation:
retired from banking
Candidate Website:
https://www.chelseaforkisd.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for office?
I'm running for school board to continue being a voice for our community, address our financial challenges and require consistent programs across all campuses. My goal is to advocate for our public schools and ensure our students receive the high-quality education they deserve.
What are the biggest challenges facing the school district?
Financial constraints, public trust and policy controversies.
How do you plan to address these issues?
To address financial constraints, I will advocate for Austin to fund public schools, and I will seek more responsible fiscal budgeting. I will rebuild trust by bringing the whole community into the conversations whether its finances, policies or tough decisions. Our community deserves to be heard.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
I will work closely with our district to ensure that we are financially responsible and that we have program consistency between feeder patterns. I will aim to rebuild trust between the community and the school board. A vote for me is a vote to have a voice on the dais.
Nikki Paris
Experience:
parent of two children in KISD schools; parent volunteer; former [Parent Teacher Association] chair board member
Occupation:
stay-at-home...
Candidate Website:
https://www.nikki-paris.com
Contact Information:
n/a
Why are you running for office?
I’m a proud parent who cares about the future of our district and maintaining the quality education that KISD is known for.
What are the biggest challenges facing the school district?
Our biggest challenges are: 1. Our budget constraints 2. Educator funding 3. Addressing student needs in their various learning styles both at school and at home
How do you plan to address these issues?
1. Working with board to find creative ways to use our limited resources and find alternative income streams 2. Addressing and finding soluble solutions to bridge the gap in educator’s pay 3. Finding and making the most impact possible to help children learn in each of their unique needs
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Supporting exceptional educators to ensure retention by providing resources and training; Supporting parent’s rights through collaboration with educators; Ensuring student success by integrating flexible solutions to support student’s unique needs
Phil Perez
Experience:
business experience, community engagement, problem solving, leadership and strategic planning
Occupation:
sales
Candidate Website:
n/a
Contact Information:
626-825-1223
Why are you running for office?
I’m running because I’m passionate about making sure KISD continues to provide the best education for our kids. As a KISD parent and community member, I want to make a positive difference by focusing on responsible budgeting, keeping our best teachers and ensuring our schools stay strong.
What are the biggest challenges facing the school district?
Our biggest challenges are managing the budget, keeping great teachers and making sure our schools are properly maintained. These issues need real solutions and leaders who are committed to putting students first while being transparent and open with the community.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I’ll prioritize smart budgeting, creating a supportive environment for teachers, and finding ways to attract families to our schools. I’m committed to working with parents and community members to make sure we’re all on the same page and moving in the right direction.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities are simple: keep our budget in check, support our teachers, and improve our schools. I’ll work hard to ensure every student has the tools to succeed while making sure our district stays focused on what’s best for the community.
