Candidate Q&A: Meet the candidates running for New Braunfels ISD at-large position

What are your top three priorities if elected?

Mental health of our staff and students, and access to services, is my top priority. Making smart decisions in addressing our growth and planning future schools. Working with the schools and [Texas Education Agency] to offer as many classes as possible to help our students graduate ready to enter the job force.

How should NBISD handle continued growth in the district?

The partnership with City Council and staff needs to remain strong and transparent. Growth trends need to be monitored and predicted so land can be purchased and schools planned early to help keep costs down. We need to continue to utilize the “neighborhood elementary” plan that we currently are.

What would you do specifically as a trustee to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?

I will continue to utilize all social media platforms after I’m elected to keep our NBISD families informed and educated on current issues. I will host quarterly “Brunch With Your Board Member” events at various locations in town where residents can come and speak openly with me about their concerns.

How would you work with state and congressional leaders to solve local problems for the school district?

I will build personal relationships with our local state leaders. I will work closely with the Texas Association of School Boards to make sure that NBISD is well-represented at the state level.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

School security, fiscal responsibility, community engagement and collaboration

How should NBISD handle continued growth in the district?

The district should use the professional demographic data with which they have been provided to address our rapidly growing needs. The district needs to be proactive and fiscally responsible through these efforts by simultaneously focusing on safety and students’ academic success.

What would you do specifically as a trustee to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?

All residents, business owners, and other members of the community should be made aware of the opportunity to serve on various district committees. Sharing these opportunities will allow those who are willing to serve the ability to provide recommendations and valuable input that will positively impact districtwide decisions.

How would you work with state and congressional leaders to solve local problems for the school district?

I will advocate for the students, parents, teachers, and all communities invested in NBISD by building relationships with all local politicians. Establishing these open lines of communication will certainly facilitate conversations to address the needs we have as a district and how to continue to build on our success.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

Expand programs to provide more college, career and military readiness opportunities for students. Develop a budget that reflects a commitment to what we value: safety, teachers, staff and students. Create best practices for the board to be transparent and open with the community.

How should NBISD handle continued growth in the district?

Develop a long-range plan by engaging stakeholders in critical conversations. Collect and evaluate data from all available resources within the community. Budget with the future in mind. Be intentional and transparent with everything we do to earn and keep the trust of the community.

What would you do specifically as a trustee to involve residents and business owners in decision-making processes?

We must invite all stakeholders to have critical conversations about hard issues facing the district. This can be done through committees, open forums, and informal conversations. The most immediate opportunity will be to engage the community in the process of hiring a new superintendent.

How would you work with state and congressional leaders to solve local problems for the school district?

I propose a team of local school trustees, City Council members, commissioners and community leaders to create an advocacy plan for New Braunfels. Issues impacting the school district also impact the community. A united voice is strongest.