Early voting will begin April 24 and run through May 2. Election day is May 6.
* indicates incumbent
Jon Pendergrass
Experience:
As the director of the Center for Career and Professional Development at Dallas Baptist University, I help students achieve success after graduation through mentorship, resources and corporate partnerships. These initiatives help students develop a strategic plan that will help guide them towards a successful and fulfilling career path.
Occupation:
Director, the Center for Career and Professional Development, Dallas Baptist University
Candidate Website:
https://www.jonpendergrass.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for office?
As a passionate advocate for education, I believe that every child deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in life. I chose a career in higher education because I wanted to work with and influence the next generation of leaders. I have seen firsthand the transformative power of education and the incredible potential that lies within every student. I want to ensure every student in our district has access to the resources they need to succeed.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing Northwest ISD?
Our district is experiencing rapid growth. With a projected rate of 2,000 new students per year for the next decade, our district will require significant infrastructure to accommodate this demand. Additionally, our district is facing a teacher shortage due torn competition with 32 surrounding school districts and an entry-level pay rate ranking 18th. I will work tirelessly to address these challenges, ensuring that our district has the necessary infrastructure and staffing to provide a quality education to all students.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
My top priorities would be student safety and attracting top educators. Student safety is more than just locked doors and security cameras. We must attract and retain the best educators to match our excellent teachers. I want Northwest ISD to be the premier district where the best and brightest teachers from all over the nation want to work. We need innovative ideas to help recruit these educators. Together, we can make Northwest ISD a district of choice for both students and teachers alike.
Lillian Rauch*
Experience:
2022 classroom teacher; 2022 reading recovery teacher; 2022 ESL teacher and interventionist; 2022 STAR teacher: reading, math, English, dyslexia interventionist; K-5 2022 district reading recovery teacher leader; 2022 district dyslexia assessment administrator; K-12 2022 campus, district professional development; 2022 master's curriculum and instruction, 2022 principal certification K-12; 2022 adjunct reading professor; 2022 Ph.D. reading education
Occupation:
Retired educator
Candidate Website:
https://www.rauchfornisd.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for office?
I want to continue to contribute to the community and educational system by being a responsible steward, taking a reasoned and researched approach to maintain as well as improve the quality of the schools in NISD in a way that best serves the students, teachers and the communities served by the district. I believe my educational background and experience qualify me to make a positive impact on the Northwest ISD school board, students, staff and the communities served by the Northwest ISD school board.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing Northwest ISD?
I believe some of the biggest challenges facing Northwest ISD are providing our students with a quality education in a safe learning environment, all while accommodating our rapid growth, a teacher shortage, unfunded Legislature mandates, decreased state funding and Robin Hood.
If re-elected, what would be your top priorities?
Providing our students with a quality education in a safe learning environment in the face of challenges created by rapid growth and decreased funding [is a priority].
