What you need to know
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.
Cheryl Harris
Experience:
social work
Occupation:
Alvin ISD trustee, 12 years of service
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/electcherylharrisalvinisdschoolboard
Contact Information:
N/A
What are your priorities if elected?
My priorities are to ensure the educational growth of every student, retain the caring and talented teachers, staff and leaders, meet enrollment growth needs and continue fiscal responsibility during these challenging times.
What changes, if any, would you like to see with the district’s budget?
I believe the district’s budget is a well-designed process with evaluations of needs to ensure the dollars are spent with student outcomes as the focus. I value that AISD has strategically planned for a yearly payment to the bond debit utilizing [Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone] funds until the TIRZ ends.
What programming, if any, would you like to see changed, adjusted, and/or added?
AISD is achieving greater student success with programming such as the [Weaving Individual Needs of Gifted Students] and [science, technology, education and math] academies, providing courses for workforce-ready trade certifications and more rigorous lessons aligned to the [Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills]. AISD held the first-ever Spanish spelling bee. I support expanding the CTE course offerings to meet students' career interests.
What do you think can be done to help the district keep up with its growth?
AISD is a leader at keeping up with student growth. In the past 13 years, enrollment has grown from 19,000 to 30,000-plus students. I applaud their process of a Citizen Advisory Committee, where they explore new growth patterns and facility needs, and aging facilities are evaluated.
What do you think the state should do to support education?
Fully fund public education with the dollars needed.
T’Liza Kiel
Experience:
Youth Mental Health first aid instructor, combat veteran, nonprofit management …
Occupation:
nonprofit national program director, consultant
Candidate Website:
https://www.tlizaforalvinisd.com
Contact Information:
281-972-5862
What are your priorities, if elected?
Advocating for families, bridging gaps to unite as one community, fostering effective communication, supporting behavioral health and ensuring collaboration between educators, students, and local organizations for a stronger AISD.
What changes, if any, would you like to see with the district’s budget?
Prioritize teacher retention, review fiduciary responsibility, evaluate student programs and maximize funding while ensuring transparency. Focus on proactive, preventive investments to ensure resources effectively support student success and community growth.
What programming, if any, would you like to see changed, adjusted, and/or added?
Adjust vocational training and STEM programs to align with evolving industry needs, ensuring students gain relevant skills. Strengthen career and workforce partnerships while integrating emerging technology to keep students competitive in a rapidly changing job market. Prioritize mental health resources and education to support students and staff.
What do you think can be done to help the district keep up with its growth?
Prioritize strategic facility planning, community engagement and partnerships to ensure sustainable growth. Align expansion with industry needs, explore innovative solutions like optimized scheduling, and collaborate with local government for funding. Effective communication and proactive planning will keep AISD thriving while maintaining high-quality education for all students.
What do you think the state should do to support education?
Fully fund public education, increase teacher pay, reduce unfunded mandates and invest in mental health resources. Strengthen partnerships between schools, families and communities while ensuring funding keeps pace with district growth and evolving industry needs to set students up for long-term success.
