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Three candidates are running for the open Position 4 seat on the Katy ISD board of trustees in the upcoming May 2 election.
The details
The position is currently held by Morgan Calhoun, 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.
banker (bank officer), senior vice president, 20 years in governance, MBA, MIT strategic management certificate
Why did you choose to run for the Katy ISD board of trustees?
Service means coming last. As a 2023-2024 Katy ISD bond committee member I witnessed needs across this community. I was one of few in the room who looked like me. My 20 years in banking governance and compliance have prepared me for exactly this moment. I am ready to serve.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy ISD?
A pathway forward that strengthens KISD for everyone. I helped recommend an $806 million bond package with zero tax rate increase. I will work with administrators to ensure every dollar is used judiciously. Every student, teacher and family across all three counties deserves a voice and a champion.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for Katy ISD, and what will you do to address it?
Neighboring districts are closing campuses. Funding deficits are real and growing. My concern is that KISD families see it coming before it arrives here. I will be a loud champion for funding in Austin, provide rigorous oversight at home, ask tough questions and address community concerns before they become lawsuits.
How should the district prepare for and manage its growing student population?
Fort Bend ISD just voted to close seven elementary schools. Families felt blindsided. That is what happens when a district does not plan properly or communicate transparently. Growth requires honest data, community engagement and proactive planning. I will push for all three before KISD faces that same moment.
With the expansion of alternatives to public schools, what offerings should KISD prioritize for its students?
Private schools accepting vouchers are not required to administer STAAR. No accountability, no transparency. Katy ISD must compete by doubling down on what we uniquely offer: special education protections, career and technical programs, dual credit pathways and workforce ready graduates. Our results are measurable. That is our competitive advantage.
partner in global consulting firm; serving in operational and commercial leadership roles
Why did you choose to run for the Katy ISD board of trustees?
I am running because I believe strong schools are built on service and a deep respect for the educators and parents who foster student success. As a Katy ISD graduate, parent and longtime community volunteer, I’m committed to protecting the excellence that has defined Katy ISD for generations.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy ISD?
My top priority is to protect what has long made Katy ISD a destination for families—strong academics. Prioritizing academics begins with prioritizing our outstanding teachers. Every decision should promote student growth and achievement while supporting parents, strengthening mental health and safety initiatives, and stewarding taxpayer provided funding.
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 the financial strain caused by inflation outpacing state funding, which threatens core services and teacher retention. I will advocate for fair, sustainable funding, practice disciplined stewardship and ensure every decision protects classrooms and supports the educators who are the backbone of Katy ISD.
How should the district prepare for and manage its growing student population?
Katy ISD must plan responsibly for shifting enrollment by practicing disciplined financial stewardship and using long-term planning to manage enrollment—whether that’s growth, or as we’ve experienced recently, enrollment decline. I will advocate for strategic, data-driven decisions that safeguard core services and prioritize student needs.
With the expansion of alternatives to public schools, what offerings should KISD prioritize for its students?
Katy ISD should prioritize strong academics, expand CTE, AP and dual language programs, and strengthen partnerships that provide real-world skills. By listening to parents, investing in extracurriculars, and supporting student well-being, the district keeps its many pathways best in class despite the rise of alternatives.
managing partner at Trenton Hoyt; nonprofit executive with experience in board governance and youth services
Why did you choose to run for the Katy ISD board of trustees?
I began tutoring a sixth grader who was falling behind despite dedicated teachers working nonstop. I saw how stretched systems impact real students. That experience led me to study how board decisions shape classrooms. I am running because schools thrive when we put teachers first and students at the center.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy ISD?
Supporting and retaining excellent teachers. When educators feel heard and equipped, students succeed. I will push for consistent teacher engagement, budgets that prioritize classrooms and clear governance that keeps the board focused on accountability, not micromanagement.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for Katy ISD, and what will you do to address it?
Teacher retention and disciplined budgeting. We must support educators while protecting taxpayer dollars. I will advocate for transparent financial decisions, regular staff feedback and governance that strengthens accountability without adding unnecessary policy or confusion.
How should the district prepare for and manage its growing student population?
Through proactive budgeting, strategic facility planning and strong workforce pipelines. We must expand career and technical education, strengthen business partnerships and ensure staffing keeps pace with enrollment so class sizes and support services remain effective.
With the expansion of alternatives to public schools, what offerings should KISD prioritize for its students?
Academic rigor, strong literacy, career pathways, fine arts, athletics and safe campuses. Parents deserve transparency and the right to opt out for their child. No one else should get to parent your child. Public schools stay strong by delivering excellence and respecting families.
