SD: As a public servant, I have lived my life by a code of ethics and in service to all members of our community. I am a 27-year veteran of law enforcement and a lieutenant with Harris County Constable Precinct 1. My expertise in law enforcement will serve MISD well as we make a number of important decisions about safety and security in our schools. I offer a new, objective perspective on MISD’s needs.

SD: I support this goal. We must review the spending practices and administrative salaries to ensure we are prioritizing staff salaries as a top priority. Under my opponent’s leadership, we have not made this [or] technology and professional development a priority. It has been years since teachers received raises or travel support. It is time for a fresh perspective. I will work with the administration to clarify the importance of these goals and our financial practices.

SD: After a few months, Superintendent Heath Morrison has balanced our budget. But we must continue being frugal to fix the years of runaway spending and lack of accountability supported by my opponent. Administrative salaries should only increase after meeting major goals. There is unnecessary spending in under-used programs, events and parties and some facility projects. Our utilities should also be reviewed. I do not support cutting widely used academic programs, technology or employee benefits any further.

AS: Being the incumbent, I am uniquely aware of the challenges facing MISD and what the board and administration are doing to confront these challenges. There are many goals that have been set and plans currently being worked on, and we as a board need to continue this good work. Having experience on the board is paramount, especially as a new superintendent begins his term in our district.

AS: I am 100% supportive of this goal. The first difficult step was achieving a balanced budget, which was done this past month. The cuts get harder and deeper from this point to make a sizable impact. We must find ways to continue to cut the budget while keeping the emphasis on the classroom. It will not be easy. The board will work with MISD administration to continue to find ways to achieve this goal.

AS: Yes, the district can reduce spending further. Before we do that, we must make sure the money we currently have is being allocated properly to achieve the desired district efficiencies. This is a current board priority that is being run concurrently with the balancing of the budget. With COVID-19's impact on education budgets across the state not known at this point, the board must be sure to continue to focus on ways to cut spending, as mentioned before, all while keeping the emphasis on the classroom. Ideally, we need to accomplish cuts/savings of around another $1 million or more to give an adequate first raise to staff members.