Meet the candidates
Newcomers Judy Castillo, Scott Ford and Elizabeth Shaw have filed for Position 5 on the HISD board of trustees, as previously reported by Community Impact. The position is currently held by Martina Lemond Dixon, who previously announced at a board meeting she would not be seeking re-election this year.
According to the district’s website, each of the seven members of HISD’s board of trustees is elected to an at-large position, meaning they represent the entire district rather than a specific portion of the district, for four years in a nonpartisan election. HISD board positions 1, 3 and 4 are also up for election May 3.
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.
Early voting for the May 3 election will run from April 22-29. For more information about voting in Harris County, click here.
Judy Castillo
Experience:
Fourteen-year educator, current professor at Lone Star [College], entrepreneur, community advocate
Candidate Website:
https://www.judyforhumbleisd.com
Contact Information:
346-675-6566
What’s the biggest challenge the district is currently facing, and how do you plan to address it?
The biggest challenge our district faces is ensuring equitable access to quality education and mental health resources for all students. I plan to address this by advocating for increased funding, expanding support services and fostering community partnerships to create inclusive, well-resourced schools where every student can thrive.
How will you work to help the district move forward following the recent appointment of a new superintendent?
I will support the district’s progress by fostering collaboration, transparency and accountability in working with the new superintendent. By engaging with educators, parents and community stakeholders, I will ensure that decisions reflect our district’s needs. My focus will be on advocating for student success, equity and strong leadership …
How will you work to ensure campuses are adequately funded throughout the district?
I will advocate for equitable funding by working with state and local officials to secure resources that meet the needs of all campuses. I will push for transparent budgeting to ensure funds are distributed fairly and efficiently. Additionally, I will seek grants, community partnerships and innovative funding solutions …
Scott Ford
Experience:
IT certification teacher at Atascocita High School, adjunct professor [at] Lone Star College, published educational author
What’s the biggest challenge the district is currently facing, and how do you plan to address it?
Being a teacher in the district, I am seeing firsthand just how bad things have gotten. There are several big challenges, but I would say the two largest are the lack of transparency among the board and district administration, and lack of accountability.
How will you work to help the district move forward following the recent appointment of a new superintendent?
... We need to stop having one set of rules for faculty/staff and another for people making six figures, including the superintendent. Everyone needs to be held to the same level of accountability.
How will you work to ensure campuses are adequately funded throughout the district?
As a teacher, I have seen firsthand our district spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on materials, subscriptions and equipment we can’t use. The first thing we should do is stop wasting money on purchases no one needs or wants and then start looking at other waste in our district.
Elizabeth Shaw
Experience:
Earned Bioengineering BS from Texas A&M; started a career at Andersen Consulting/Accenture; 15+ years in strategic global consulting …
Candidate Website:
https://www.electelizabethshaw.com
What’s the biggest challenge the district is currently facing, and how do you plan to address it?
Facing a decline in student achievement, HISD confronts significant challenges as a large and growing district. Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach falls short, we must commit to tailored solutions that address the unique needs of each school, ensuring every student has the opportunity to excel.
How will you work to help the district move forward following the recent appointment of a new superintendent?
I am committed to collaborating with our new superintendent to identify and implement targeted curriculum changes. Together, we will ensure every student in HISD has access to a high-quality education that unlocks their potential, supporting our teachers to make this vision a reality across all our schools.
How will you work to ensure campuses are adequately funded throughout the district?
In anticipation of changes to the state funding model, I will proactively advocate at both state and local levels to secure essential funding for every school. My goal is to ensure all HISD campuses receive the resources needed for our students to thrive and maximize their educational opportunities.
