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.
* indicates incumbent
Gabe Garza*
Experience:
AISD Education Foundation board member, YET Mentor, served on School Boundary Advisory Committee and Strategic ...
Occupation:
In my 12th year with Marriott International working remotely as a senior sales executive for Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN
Contact Information:
956-566-9643
What are your priorities if elected?
Much like our goals at AISD, my priorities center around teaching and learning excellence, attracting, and retaining an exceptional and cohesive team, ensuring safety and wellness, enhancing communication and stakeholder engagement, and maintaining strong financial and operational foundations. This multifaceted approach aims to create a thriving educational environment for all.
What changes, if any, would you make to the district’s budget?
Navigating the challenges of limited state funding and inflation, Alvin ISD has steadfastly persevered. Despite these hurdles, our commitment to students, staff, and meeting district needs has not wavered. Through managing our resources and strategic focus, we maintain a healthy budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility in the face of financial constraints.
What programming, if any, would you like to see changed, adjusted and/or added?
We have experienced remarkable growth in Career and Technology Education at our secondary campuses and state-of-the-art JBH College and Career Academy. I’d like [to] build on this momentum, expanding programs that provide students with real-world applications. This empowers them to explore diverse college and career paths, in a dynamic forward-looking educational experience.
What do you think can be done to help the district keep up with its growth?
I am grateful for district leaders, current and former, for leading us through years of successful substantial growth. This required a visionary outlook, strategic and financial planning, and community engagement. I think we must persist with this approach and continue to evaluate our district's needs, make necessary adjustments and embrace adaptability.
Would you support the district going out for a bond within the next year?
Earlier this year, we approved the formation of a Citizens’ Advisory Committee. This committee is evaluating and identifying the possible need for renovated and/or new facilities. I place significant value on their work and with over 100 community members, I would support a bond if their findings warranted it.
Cheratta C. Roberts
Experience:
Current attorney, HOA board president, prior director of project management and trainer
Occupation:
Attorney
Contact Information:
832-987-4411
What are your priorities if elected?
My priority is to ensure all children in Alvin ISD have a well-rounded public education, with the support necessary for all children to reach their full potential. An education that will prepare them for a successful future whereby they can think critically and be productive members of our society.
What changes, if any, would you make to the district’s budget?
The budget should be larger, however, based on what is available, I would likely push for changes to the amount of allocation to ensure additional financial support is provided to help close achievement gaps that are seen in the aftermath of COVID-19 and with the inflated focus on standardized tests.
What programming, if any, would you like to see changed, adjusted and/or added?
I would like additional support for kids to improve [English and Language Arts]. Research tells us that kids not reading on grade level by third grade are in danger of falling through the cracks in our society. I would like to see our schools go back to teaching phonics instead of sight words.
What do you think can be done to help the district keep up with its growth?
The board should proactively engage in state-level advocacy to secure increased funding. Rapid population growth poses challenges that demand additional financial support to maintain educational quality and meet the evolving needs of our expanding community. Communicating these challenges to state authorities can underscore the importance of equitable resource distribution.
Would you support the district going out for a bond within the next year?
Based on the need to help eliminate the pain felt by the middle class through exorbitant property tax (spurred by artificially inflated housing costs), and inflated interest rates, I would have to see compelling reasons to push for additional bonds. I would not rule it out totally.
