Jake Collier is running for the Lewisville ISD board of trustees Place 4 seat. He is running against incumbent Katherine Sells. Community Impact Newspaper sent Collier a list of questions about his candidacy. This article is part of ongoing May 4 election coverage and does not constitute an endorsement of the candidate. His responses below have been edited for publication style.

Why did you decide to run for this office?

I moved to Lewisville three years ago, and I started volunteering at a church called Valley Creek Church. I began working with a large group of sixth-grade boys, and I’ve helped many of them turn into eighth-grade young men since then. I’ve been heavily involved in their lives and have played a significant role as their youth leader; I’ve helped with many issues from school and at home; and I’ve helped strengthen them to prepare them to become men. Last year, I began getting heavily involved in local politics. I started showing up to our school board meetings and even joined our district leadership team to start making an impact. I’ve seen many areas and opportunities for the district to capitalize on since then, and I want to contribute to the lives of our students and the people in our community by bringing my unique perspective to the board.

What do you think is one of the biggest issues facing Lewisville ISD today, and how do you plan to address it on the board?

School safety and mental health issues are crucial in our district today. I’m going to bring a bold voice for our incredible counselors to the board, and I’m also going to look for ways to partner with organizations and churches that can help address specific needs that tax dollars can’t fix. As far as security, we have incredible law enforcement in our area. We work closely with our local law-enforcement agencies, and continuing to strengthen those relationships is crucial in protecting the future of our country. I want us to continue to strengthen parameters of their safety while also strengthening the bond between officer and community. The mental health aspect affects the school safety in many ways, so addressing the two simultaneously is integral.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

  • school safety and mental health;
  • promoting trade schools, internships, and expansions to STEM programs and dual-credit courses;
  • fiscal responsibility; and
  • upholding LISD’s four cornerstones: Student Learning, Student Experience, Community Engagement and Resource Stewardship.

What experience—professionally or politically—do you have that would prepare you for this position?

I’m currently a small-business owner and financial adviser in Lewisville. I’ve worked in many areas of the private sector to gain the experiences that school couldn’t provide, but I studied history and political science at Texas Tech before working on several other campaigns. Several students even joined me in block walking for Governor Abbott last year, and they loved it. I’ve been planning my own budget and managing my own books since I was a teenager mowing yards in my hometown, and I’ve always had an understanding of the need to have limited government. I will be learning as I always will be in any area I work in. I do believe that I’m uniquely prepared for this role, and I’m ready for it. Vote Jake Collier for LISD board of trustees on May 4!