According to the KISD website, each member of the board of trustees is elected to an at-large position for three years in a nonpartisan election. For more information about trustee elections in KISD, click here. For more information on how Texas school boards function, click here.
To learn more about each of the candidates before heading to the polls this fall, see the Q&As below.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 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. For more information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com.
Cathy M. Arellano (incumbent)
Experience:
Bachelor of science degree in social studies composite major from The University of Texas (1976); master’s degree and administrative certificate from Prairie View A&M University (2000); educator for 40 years as a classroom teacher, drill team instructor and administrator; parent; lived in Klein ISD for a very long time (over 16 years); worked in Klein ISD for 29 years; Klein ISD trustee 6 years
Occupation:
Retired educator and business owner
Candidate Website:
https://www.cathy4klein.com
Contact Information:
346 525-6059
More Information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathy4klein
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
My top priorities include: providing all students tools and resources to further their education and purpose in life; continuing to work to bridge the academic gap and learning loss created by the pandemic; securing funding for safety in all facilities and provide training for its implementation; insuring continued conservative fiscal management while advocating for state and federal funds due to inflation; [and] retaining and recruiting highly qualified teachers.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Klein ISD?
The biggest challenges that I see are: the lack of state funding, so I must advocate for at every level; keeping up with current situations regarding safety and security, so I must secure every resource available; addressing learning loss, while continuing to provide and increase the array of career and technical choices to ensure college readiness and preparedness for the workforce; and handling day-to-day operations with over 7,000 employees.
If elected, how will you address student learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Pandemic learning loss has been well documented nationwide, and even in Klein [ISD], where we kept our classrooms open and flexible, we saw our community struggle. Despite that, Klein saw incredible academic performance growth last school year and has been celebrated by the Texas Education Agency for historic achievement. As an educator first, I will continue to advocate for resources to keep our students well supported as they strive for the excellence that defines Klein ISD.
If elected, how will you ensure Klein ISD is not negatively affected by widespread teacher shortages?
Klein [ISD] has a dedicated and gifted workforce of teachers and staff. The Human Resource Department in Klein continues to make every effort to secure the most qualified teachers for each position. As a board member with an educational background, I prioritize funding to provide incentives, a healthy work environment and competitive salaries to secure retention. There is a ‘Klein Spirit’ that filters from the top and includes deep roots and strong branches.
If elected, how will you work to ensure campus safety throughout Klein ISD?
The Klein Police Department has trained schools and county departments across Texas and neighboring states. It coordinates with local law enforcement on comprehensive emergency response plans. In May, our community voted ‘Yes’ and provided funds to enhance safety infrastructures. As a board member, I know safety is every parent’s No. 1 concern, and I will continue to work to make sure our district has the resources to ensure safe learning and working environments across Klein.
Kristin Cobb
Experience:
My educational background includes a juris master degree from Liberty University School of Law, where I graduated with high distinction; a bachelor of science degree in Organizational Leadership with a focus on emergency management from the University of Houston, where I graduated summa cum laude; and an associate of science degree in Paramedic Technology from Lone Star College, which allowed me to serve the district as a first responder. I run a business in the district and have done so for the past nine years and understand finance. I am also a mom with children in the district and have volunteered extensively with our youth in the community.
Occupation:
Business owner
Candidate Website:
https://www.kristincobb4klein.com
More Information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristincobb4klein
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
Increased transparency, increasing safety, fostering relationships through better communication within the district, reducing the pressures placed on teachers, and diving into the budget to find ways to cut costs and save taxpayers money. I would like to give community members a voice at school board meetings. Allowing parents and community members only 60 seconds before the meeting starts to address their concerns prevents the possibility of positive changes in the district and disenfranchises the community.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Klein ISD?
Klein has an ongoing issue with bullying and fights. Students struggle to meet grade levels. Parents continue to see a disproportionate focus on race and gender, ideologies embedded in training programs Klein utilizes. Parents’ rights should not be infringed upon by board decisions. By law, parents have the right to direct the moral and religious training of their children; to consent to medical, psychiatric and surgical treatment; and to make decisions concerning their child’s education.
If elected, how will you address student learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Learning loss began far before the pandemic. The board should be polling the district's families and teachers to discover hindrances, challenges and needed resources to overcome learning losses, whether that be through policy, procedure or legislative advocacy. I will encourage this. I am also concerned that Klein’s extensive use of waivers (from reading instrument requirements, class sizes, minimum minutes of instruction, etc.) is ultimately damaging to our children’s education, both long and short term.
If elected, how will you ensure Klein ISD is not negatively affected by widespread teacher shortages?
According to teachers who have quit their jobs or left the profession, many sought alternative employment opportunities due to extreme pressure, high stress in the classrooms, lack of administrative support, lack of student accountability and lowered campus morale. We must address the issues that caused these teachers to leave or consider leaving. I will advocate for the district to reach out to working teachers and those teachers who have left to discover our specific needs.
If elected, how will you work to ensure campus safety throughout Klein ISD?
Safety is a priority. I hold a degree in Organizational Leadership with an emergency management focus. I will focus on fully understanding and advocating for the needs of the Klein ISD Police Department and surrounding Emergency Services Districts. I would also advocate for ongoing interdepartmental incident management training. As bullying continues to be an issue in Klein, I would advocate for a more proficient antibullying program, such as the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.
