LSC Chair Michael Stoma will face Shashanka P. Ashili and Paul A. Santillan in the upcoming election. Trustees serve six-year terms, according to LSC’s website.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
For more information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com.
Shashanka P. Ashili
Experience:
Understands educational inequalities; immigrant with global perspectives; a scientist and a mentor; an innovator
Occupation:
Sr. scientist
Candidate Website:
https://www.DrAshili.org
Contact Information:
281-202-1140
What will make you the best choice for Lone Star College’s board of trustees?
Born in a village in southern India, worked on the farm in weekends and summers. Education was my way into upward mobility. Teaching e-business fundamentals in the poorest (Erie, PA) and violent neighborhoods (Chester, PA), helped me understand educational inequalities. As a scientist and mentor, I understand academic systems.
What will your biggest priorities be should you be elected?
It is time to reform, innovate and collaborate. Improving access, student experiences and placements into high-paying jobs is critical to reduce inequalities. Following trends in job sectors and integrating them into curriculum and teaching is important. Let us collaborate with all stakeholders and make LSC a global model college.
How important is LSC staff retention to you and how do you plan to prioritize this topic?
The faculty and staff are the crown jewels of the LSC system. Coming from the academic world, I prioritize their freedom and insights. They are one of the stakeholders. I would advocate for their parity and upskilling and also bring the part-time staff including the adjunct faculty into conversation.
How would you prioritize affordability for students in light of recent increases in student tuition?
There should be a singular focus on students: their journeys and the outcomes. I understand LSC is costlier than other colleges and there is room for better outcomes with less cost. I am running for this office to reform with a focus on access, affordability and outcomes.
Paul Santillan
Experience:
Worked within schools since college; real work experience from a parental perspective
Occupation:
Regional sales manager
What will make you the best choice for Lone Star College’s board of trustees?
I am dedicated to putting students first. My experience and passion for educational improvement drive my belief in the need for change. With the opportunity for a board position, I am ready to make a positive impact.
What will your biggest priorities be should you be elected?
My top priority will be to ensure that student needs and interests are at the center of every decision made by the board.
How important is LSC staff retention to you and how do you plan to prioritize this topic?
Staff retention is crucial as it preserves valuable knowledge and experience. I will prioritize this by consistently addressing it in discussions and ensuring it remains a key focus in our strategies.
How would you prioritize affordability for students considering recent increases in student tuition?
I will prioritize affordability by re-evaluating the budget and exploring all available educational resources and financial options to make education more accessible.
Michael "Mike" Stoma (incumbent)
Experience:
Serving last six years as LSC trustee, District 1; last two years as board chair
Occupation:
Project manager
Contact Information:
281-380-3728
What will make you the best choice for Lone Star College’s board of trustees?
I’ve served the last six years as LSC Trustee, District 1 and the last two years a board chair. My accomplishments are: 1. Lead initiative to lower property taxes which were adopted in the LSC 2024 operations budget. 2. Lead initiative to increase homestead exemption what was adapted in the ...
What will your biggest priorities be should you be elected?
1. No new taxes, continue trend to lower property taxes. 2. Continue the trend to increase homestead exemptions. 3. Support no increases in student tuition and fees. 4. Support the expansion of dual credit programs. 5. Explain workforce offerings to dual credit programs.
How important is LSC staff retention to you and how do you plan to prioritize this topic?
LSC staff retention is extremely important and is always on top of the board’s priorities. This past year under my leadership as board chair, the board adopted a flex work policy that allows all faculty and staff to negotiate and arrange flexible work schedules (e.g., work from home, 4 ...
How would you prioritize affordability for students in light of recent increases in student tuition?
The college’s board policy (III.B.1.3 budget planning) includes a budget goal of equalizing property tax revenue and student revenue. When these are unequal, the goal is to increase the lower of these two sources of revenue to stabilize that balance. Currently, LSC tuition and fees at $1,236 ...
