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Three candidates are running for Katy ISD board of trustees Position 3 in the upcoming May 2 election.
The details
The position is currently held by Amy Alsheikh Thieme, who is not seeking reelection.
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 election coverage and candidate Q&As, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Why did you choose to run for Katy ISD board of trustees?
To make a place for my daughter to go to school, that I would be proud of and know she would be safe. That she gets the best opportunity to grow and learn about herself. While hopefully making a few friends along the way.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy ISD?
Bring dignity back to teaching and education. Reduce excessive workload to allow teachers to focus on instruction. Strengthen the backstop for teachers regarding student discipline and parental engagement, ensuring staff feel supported. Ensure paraprofessionals and non-teacher staff are included in professional development initiatives.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for Katy ISD, and what will you do to address it?
The most pressing issue is hiring and long-term retention of quality teachers, paraprofessionals and other staff. To keep staff, it is more than pay; it is feeling respected. Teachers should be paid more. It is an environment of mutual support and administrative backing that sustains teaching careers.
How should the district prepare for and manage its growing student population?
The best way is building more schools. These need to be designed for the booming population. I have seen too many schools with dozens of temporary buildings. Keeping in mind the large deficit, the district needs to be cutting back on unnecessary costs to keep money focused on the classroom.
With the expansion of alternatives to public schools, what offerings should KISD prioritize for its students?
Always a quality education. An education that students have a say about. A place where students belong. Where they can make friends and feel supported by the district. Where they feel safe.
EMS, US Army, Make-A-Wish volunteer
Why did you choose to run for Katy ISD board of trustees?
I’m running because strong schools strengthen our entire community. Katy ISD has a reputation for excellence, and I want to help protect that standard by ensuring decisions focus on students, teachers, parents and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy ISD?
My top priority is academic excellence. Every student should graduate with strong literacy, math and critical thinking skills that prepare them for college, careers or military service.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for Katy ISD, and what will you do to address it?
Managing rapid growth while maintaining quality education is the biggest challenge. I would focus on strategic planning, responsible budgeting, and ensuring new schools, staff and resources keep pace with enrollment.
How should the district prepare for and manage its growing student population?
The district should use long-term enrollment forecasting, plan facilities early, hire and retain quality teachers and ensure infrastructure keeps up with growth so class sizes stay manageable and students receive the attention they need.
With the expansion of alternatives to public schools, what offerings should KISD prioritize for its students?
Katy ISD should prioritize strong academics, career and technical education, college credit opportunities, extracurricular programs and safe campuses so families feel confident their children receive well rounded, high quality public education.
Education administration, KEYS Mentor, CAT Adams Junior High, Leadership Katy class of 2025-2026
Why did you choose to run for Katy ISD board of trustees?
As a veteran educator and parent of two successful Katy ISD graduates, I am running to ensure our district remains the premier choice for families. I will leverage my 25 years of administrative experience to provide the disciplined, high-quality leadership necessary to prepare every student for real-world success.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy ISD?
My top priority is fiscal transparency that directs every dollar toward the classroom. As an experienced administrator, I will ensure tax dollars maximize teacher retention and student achievement. We must also expand CTE programs like those at Miller to eliminate waitlists and prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for Katy ISD, and what will you do to address it?
The most pressing issue is "right-sizing" the budget through fiscal responsibility and administrative efficiencies to protect classroom instruction. I will advocate for a "classroom/student-first" audit to ensure cuts don't impact students, while re-examining teacher benefits to remain competitive and retain the best talent for our schools.
How should the district prepare for and manage its growing student population?
Managing growth requires data-driven stewardship. I advocate a rigorous planning process that analyzes capacity and housing trends to maximize existing facilities before seeking additional tax funding. Additionally, by expanding high-demand CTE courses and maintaining academic rigor, we ensure Katy ISD remains the premier choice in a competitive educational market.
With the expansion of alternatives to public schools, what offerings should KISD prioritize for its students?
Katy ISD must remain the "gold standard." I will prioritize expanding the Miller Center’s capacity and aggressively marketing our unique certifications. Additionally, I propose "small college" partnerships with local universities, allowing students to earn an associate degree by graduation, offering families massive financial value and unparalleled academic pathways.
