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Three candidates are running for the Pearland ISD board of trustees Position 5 seat in the upcoming May election.
Election day will be May 7, and early voting will be held from April 25-May 3. Candidate responses may have been edited for length and clarity.
There is no incumbent running for Pearland ISD board of trustees Position 5.
Why are you choosing to run for Pearland ISD board of trustees?
As a parent of a second grader, I want to help ensure my child and others have the best educational experience possible, based on evidence-based best practices. I understand that opinions may differ on many points based on individual viewpoints and personal values, but I will always try to base my decisions based on objective information backed by current data.
If you are elected, what are your top priorities?
In regards to the board, I want to improve transparency, allowing board discussions to be reviewed by the public. In regards to schools, my general approach is to be available to parents, students and school staff to hear what are the priorities of the public. For example, at least two concerns I have heard from parents that appear to be readily addressable are, No. 1, consistency of bus routes and alerts when they will be late; and No. 2, options for kids to keep learning when quarantined at home.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Pearland ISD?
Many factors have changed over time, but what inspired me to run for school board was a general lack of transparency regarding policies and disregard of concerns from many parents, students and school staff during the pandemic. Frustration and helplessness were all too common. Even if eventual decisions run counter to my personal preference, I still want the activities of the board to be transparent to the community, so that the public may judge whether or not the board is serving the interests of parents, students and school staff.
Is there anything else you want potential voters to know?
I have lived in Pearland for over 10 years. At one point, my wife and I considered moving deeper into central Houston. However, once we found out we were pregnant, one of the primary reasons we decided to stay in Pearland was for the quality of its schools. As a trained scientist and clinical researcher working with individuals with substance use disorders, I know the importance of a solid education combined with the ability to empathize and understand the differing views, values and situations of others.
Why are you choosing to run for Pearland ISD board of trustees?
I have been involved in the city of Pearland since I was a child and have made a commitment to my family, friends and clients to remain fully vested in the greater good of our community. I will and always have strived for what is best. I will dedicate my time and efforts to the schools as my children grow up in Pearland, just as my husband and I did.
If you are elected, what are your top priorities?
My goals are to focus on safety and security, mental health, academic achievement, fiscal responsibility and teacher retention. I would also love to see our existing programs and extracurricular [activities] succeed as they always have, alongside the arts and Turner High School. So many people in Pearland have worked so hard to create what we have.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Pearland ISD?
We are all still in recovery mode from this pandemic. We need to increase teacher morale, help kids get back on track, successfully open our schools back up to visitors and bring back our phenomenal fundraisers, field trips, opportunities for parental involvement and so much more. We are also in search of a new superintendent and need a wonderful team to complete this search.
Is there anything else you want potential voters to know?
I am honest, hardworking and have dedicated my life to this city. I am approachable, accountable and love talking to people while still listening to their needs. I enjoy collaborating with colleagues and am invested in the greater good for all.
Why are you choosing to run for Pearland ISD board of trustees?
The people of Pearland need school board members who have a passion for excellence in education. They want a board that holds the superintendent accountable to meeting the highest possible standards. They want a district that ensures that everyone is valued equally and treated fairly. I have spent my life as a physician educator and leader preparing me for a time as this. This is the next step in my lifelong commitment to serve my community.
If elected, what are your top priorities?
Objective measures: We will be one of the best. Students prepared for success: We will maximize opportunities for graduates to be successful in college or to enter a skilled trade upon graduation. Health: We will emphasize physical and mental health for our students and staff. First-rate educators: We will be a workplace of choice. Stewardship: We will take good care of our resources.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Pearland ISD?
The biggest issue facing Pearland ISD is the pace of change. Our community and the world around us is changing faster than ever. We must be observant and flexible. We need to ensure that the district reacts rapidly to changes in order to maximize our probability of success. We must teach the same to our students. They should learn to explore, question new concepts, ask challenging questions and come to well-reasoned conclusions.
Anything else you want potential voters to know?
I am committed to being available to parents and other community members. I will listen carefully. I will answer my emails. I encourage community members to come to meetings of the board and make public comments. I will be attentive and respectful to everyone who wishes to be heard. I will absolutely commit to doing everything I can to make certain that our campuses maximize safety for our students and staff.
