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Editor's note: The election day has been corrected from May 3 to May 2
Cheryl Ettinger and Caprice Garcia are running for the North East ISD board of trustees District 7 seat in the May election.
The details
Community Impact reached out to the candidates who will be on the ballot.
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.
More information on the May 2 election can be found on the North East ISD website.
REALTOR®, contractor, small business owner, longtime San Antonio community volunteer.
Why are you running for office?
I’m running because I care deeply about this community and the future of our students. As a contractor and REALTOR®, I work with families every day who are building their lives here. Strong schools are essential to strong communities. I believe our school board should be guided by truth, logic…
If elected, what would be your top three priorities?
1. Keep classrooms focused on learning. Students come to school to gain knowledge and skills that prepare them for the future. 2. Fiscal responsibility and transparency. With a major bond program approved and a budget deficit emerging, responsible oversight and clear communication with taxpayers are essential. 3. Stronger communication with families…
If elected, how will you balance student and parent input with district and state policy?
Listening comes first. Parents and students experience school decisions daily, and their voices deserve to be heard. At the same time, school boards must operate within state law and district policy. My approach is to gather input from parents, teachers, students, and administrators, review the facts carefully, and make balanced decisions…
What are the primary strengths of NEISD, and how would you build on them?
NEISD’s greatest strength is its people; dedicated teachers, staff, and families who care about education and student success. The district also offers strong academic programs and career pathways. I support expanding opportunities that prepare students for life after graduation,including college, skilled trades, certifications, and dual-credit programs. Partnerships with local businesses…
What would you like NEISD residents to know about you?
I’m not a career politician. I’m a small business owner, contractor, and REALTOR® who has spent years helping families build and invest in their futures. I’ve been part of this community for decades and believe leadership starts with showing up, asking questions, and doing the work. If elected, I will…
Stay-at-home parent; NEISD Substitute Employee. Volunteer with NEISD PTAs; served on district committees
Why are you running for office?
To make a positive contribution. To ensure families are heard, educators are supported, and students-regardless of background-have access to tools needed to succeed. Every child deserves a quality education, preparing them for a bright future. Schools are the heart of our community and board decisions shape opportunities our students receive.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities?
Advocate for public education to ensure the state fully funds public schools. Work with students, parents, and staff to build pathways that ensure educational success is achievable. Work to ensure students and teachers have a safe and secure environment in which to work, learn and grow.
If elected, how will you balance student and parent input with district and state policy?
I believe the best decisions are made by listening to others. It is important to have an open line of communication with families and students, to ensure board actions positively impact the community in which it serves. This can be achieved in public forums, surveys and participation options in Skyward.
What do you identify as the primary strengths of NEISD, and what specific strategies would you propose to leverage them for student career and college readiness?
As the parent of three NEISD graduates and one current student, I have seen firsthand the opportunities provided. Programs like dual language, fine arts, athletics, magnet schools, and College & Career events, provide pathways to long-term success. Expanding access to these programs will ensure more students can explore their interests.
What is something you would like North East ISD residents to know about you?
My passion has always been to help others, and I have done so through a career in public service. After becoming a stay-at-home parent in 2012, I began volunteering in our schools and advocating through PTA. During the pandemic, I became a substitute to support our campuses.