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Challenger Natalie Pilkinton will take on incumbent Chris Todd for the Position 3 seat on the Klein ISD board of trustees in the Nov. 5 election.
Some context
According to the district's 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.
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.
For more information about voting in Harris County, click here.
*indicates incumbent
What is your top priority if elected?
I focus on three areas: academics, safety and having top-quality educators. With students at the center of my focus, I know that if we focus on hiring and keeping top educators and keeping our schools safe, then students will be unleashed to excel academically.
What is the biggest issue Klein ISD is currently facing, and how will you address it?
Despite your paying more taxes, the state has not adjusted school funding, leaving Klein to function at 2019 levels. Wise fiscal management has Klein in a better place than other districts, but without action, student achievement will be massively impacted. I will keep pushing legislators for change.
What are the biggest needs for Klein ISD students, and how will you address them?
Involvement makes the difference. Parents, volunteers, mentors and community leaders. As the people engage in schools, the kids are empowered to excel. Having spent countless hours volunteering in schools, I see firsthand the diverse needs of our students. I will continue to vote [and] advocate for opportunities to meet these diverse …
How will you work to help expand professional development opportunities for educators and school staff?
As the son of a 50-year teacher, I’ve witnessed the hours teachers work. I will continue advocating with legislators to reduce unnecessary requirements while ensuring only effective and relevant training is required. I will also continue to push for peer training because there’s power in allowing iron to sharpen iron.
How will you work to ensure campus safety throughout Klein ISD?
I will continue to support our police department and enhance security with items like armed officers at each campus, secured vestibules and cameras. I’ll also continue to focus on mental health. By adding counselors in education, we will be able to help address the mental health epidemic facing students today.
What is your top priority if elected?
School safety and support for teachers: protect our students and staff so they can focus on learning and educating. Support teachers when there are disruptive children in the class. Support children when they have educational needs that are not being met.
What is the biggest issue Klein ISD is currently facing, and how will you address it?
There is a lack of trust in the district due to a lack of transparency and communication. I will hold town halls in each high school for parents and teachers to let the board know what is and is not working. It’s time for KISD to have an open door policy.
What are the biggest needs for Klein ISD students, and how will you address them?
Klein was once an excellent school district, rivaling even some private schools, but we have since experienced a huge decline in our test scores. Our teachers are not being given the support they need and deserve. By changing that, we will change outcomes.
How will you work to help expand professional development opportunities for educators and school staff?
Our staff need to know that they are valued and professional development is a great way to show it. I will spare no effort in coordinating both internally and with KISD’s partners in the business and academic communities to provide our staff with ample opportunities to advance their professional goals.
How will you work to ensure campus safety throughout Klein ISD?
While steps have been taken in the right direction regarding campus security, many in our communities have been left dismayed by the lack of security when it comes to hiring practices and the lack of urgency when investigating allegations of predatory behavior. Student safety must be our top priority.
