Q&A: Get to know the 4 candidates running for Humble ISD Position 7

What are the biggest issues Humble ISD is currently facing and how would you address them?

The biggest issue facing Humble ISD is providing high-quality education to each student while dealing with limited resources, rapid growth, and the ongoing mental health issues caused by pandemic-related stressors. To resolve these issues, the district must focus on: teacher and staff recruitment and retention; creating safe and secure schools by not only addressing external threats but also addressing internal threats such as mental health, school climate, cybersecurity, targeted violence; and community engagement.

Are there any parts of Humble ISD’s budget you feel are overfunded and/or underfunded? How would you address this?

If elected, I would propose an increase to the budget for “Guidance, Counseling and Evaluation Services” to ensure that the number of counselors meets The American School Counselor Association recommended student-to-counselor maximum ratio of 1:250. I would also be interested in investigating if we could reduce our maintenance fees by entering into long-term flat-fee contracts for certain routine work. If economically feasible I believe we would seek local contractors to bid for these maintenance projects.

What changes do you believe need to be addressed at the state level regarding public education?

I believe Senate Bill 176—which proposes to pay certain families' educational expenses, like private school tuition, online schooling, or private tutors—if passed as currently written, will cause significant harm to public schools. The bill would divert funding away from public schools, which could lead to a reduction in the resources available for public school students. Fewer resources mean larger class sizes, fewer extracurricular activities, and a decrease in the quality of education overall.

How do you believe the district should plan for future growth?

As the student population continues to grow, the district will need to expand existing structures and build new schools to accommodate the increasing number of students. The district will also need to redraw school zone boundaries to balance enrollment and reduce overcrowding in certain schools. In addition, the district will need to invest in technology to support student learning as well as retain additional teachers and staff to support the student population.

Do you believe Humble ISD is doing enough to address the concern of parents regarding some of the content available in school libraries? Why or why not?

Parents should have the right to decide what materials are appropriate for their child, but not every child. The decision to withhold or remove books from everyone because a vocal minority does not approve of the book is unconscionable. The Humble ISD library selection guidelines provide clear guidance on what content is permissible and provide parents the opportunity to identify and challenge books that they believe are outside the guidelines.

What are the biggest issues Humble ISD is currently facing and how would you address them?

Two major issues facing Humble ISD: First, is the 10-year record of declining test scores. We were 9% above state average in reading and math; we are now 1% above state in reading and 4% below state in math. Second, is the disturbing trend of sexual indoctrination materials in the school libraries. Attitudes about sexual behavior are between the parent and child and are not part of the school’s charge.

Are there any parts of Humble ISD’s budget you feel are overfunded and/or underfunded? How would you address this?

Overfunding: We don’t need theme-park playgrounds, and we greatly magnified the cost of the retention pond by changing it from a flood control facility to a city park. Underfunding: By inadequately resourcing the classroom, we undermine the teacher’s ability to deliver basic instruction. Problems range from not having Chromebooks for every student, to lacking behavior specialists to handle students with comportment problems. In summary, funding priorities should be redirected into the classroom.

What changes do you believe need to be addressed at the state level regarding public education?

What are the biggest issues Humble ISD is currently facing and how would you address them?

Retention of our teaching staff and move upward with compensation. Continue advocating and providing resources needed for safe and secure schools. Post-COVID mental health issues (advocating at the state level for necessary funding for the personnel with the specific skill sets to work with students K-12). Advocating at the state for funding on enrollment versus average daily attendance. Making sure we continue to support our teachers with resources needed to close the learning gap.

Are there any parts of Humble ISD’s budget you feel are overfunded and/or underfunded? How would you address this?

85% of the budget is allocated for staffing. The administration prioritizes needs. Each year a survey is taken in all departments to identify needs. Prioritization begins once needs have been turned into the administration. Board workshops begin in late March developing the budget, with final approval in June for the coming year.

What changes do you believe need to be addressed at the state level regarding public education?

Teacher compensation/retention. Funding needs to be adjusted to enrollment numbers vs. average daily attendance at the state level. Special education funding needs to be seriously adjusted, our special education population is growing in our schools with specific needs such as the area of dyslexia. Advocate for resources for safe and secure schools.

What are the biggest issues Humble ISD is currently facing and how would you address them?

Encourage more after school programs and more parental involvement to improve test scores and ultimately enhance school ratings. Make more school counselors and psychologists available on campuses to make strides in achieving mental health support. To improve campus safety, I think there needs to be an armed presence on every campus by Humble District Police. However I do not believe teachers should be armed in the building.

Are there any parts of Humble ISD’s budget you feel are overfunded and/or underfunded? How would you address this?

Spending on extravagant buildings should be reduced. More budget should be directed toward teacher pay, safety and mental health personnel, programs which improve test scores and performance, and for special programs like fine arts and vocational training.

What changes do you believe need to be addressed at the state level regarding public education?

Teachers should be compensated for extra time spent in the classroom conducting documentation and accommodations for 504 and special needs students in addition to their current class responsibilities and school schedules.

How do you believe the district should plan for future growth?