Lupe Costilla currently represents District 3 on the San Marcos CISD board of trustees. Costilla is running against challenger Mariana Zamora in the May 6 election. Early voting in the race run April 24-May 2. For more information on polling locations click here.

Why are you running?

I have been and continue to be focused on our students’ overall academic performance that remains a challenge in our district. I am Lupe Costillaexcited and optimistic that with the district’s new leadership and adoption of revised district goals that set the pathway for increased academic performance, this challenge can be met successfully for the benefit of all our students, who are our future. I would be honored to have the privilege and opportunity to continue to advocate for all our children—to be a voice and ensure our school district meets the needs of all students.

What will be your top priority if elected? 

While major goals of the school district vary and differ in relevance—one goal is not more important than the other—my current major goal for our school district continues to be focused on increasing the academic performance of our students—graduating well-prepared students for whatever future endeavors they elect to undertake, i.e., college, skill programs, work force. Addressing increased academic performance will entail creative alignment of the district’s budget with instruction that is currently being formulated by the current administration for board review and engagement.

Why do you think you are qualified to be a trustee? 

I am a lifelong resident of San Marcos, and have lived in District 3 on a full-time, permanent basis since 1973. I am a SMHS graduate and have a BSW and MSW from Texas State University where I am currently employed. I have a varied professional background in social services that includes casework and administrative management as well as community participation and engagement. [I have been honored to have] been inducted into the City’s Women’s Hall of Fame. During my 20 years as a school board trustee, I served as secretary, vice-president and president.

- San Marcos CISD has made a financial commitment to a full-day pre-kindergarten program that is largely funded by the district rather than through paid student tuition. Do you believe this commitment should be re-examined as part of the budgeting process for the 2017-18 school year? Why or why not? 

Various research points to the educational benefits of a prekindergarten program—early academic preparation yields a higher probability of a student’s academic success that ultimately contributes towards eliminating achievement gaps and lowering dropout rates. However, and as is known, not all children are afforded a pre-K experience.  Our district is fortunate to provide such an opportunity to those less fortunate children in our district who in the long term have the potential to become successful and productive members in any community. We cannot and should not take such an opportunity away from these deserving children who are our future.

Do you support the district's 2017 bond and the projects included within the bond package? Why or why not? 

Yes. I support the district’s 2017 bond and its bond package projects. We are currently at a total student population of 8,100 that accounts for almost a 200 [student] annual increase at the elementary level during the last three years. The current SMCISD demographic report outlines a projected student increase of about 1,000 students within five years. The proposed bond addresses an increase in the elementary population, meets special education needs and bilingual education compliance, additional classroom space at the secondary level to meet state standards, allows for equitable resources in our middle schools and the update of one elementary school.