The District 2 race involves Windcrest-area resident Rhonda Rowland, and Jacqueline Klein and Tracie Shelton, both of whom live in the southwestern portion of District 2. The district extends from the borders of Live Oak, along I-35, to the edges of the Alamo Heights ISD and Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.
Klein, Rowland and Shelton are bidding to replace Terri Williams, who died in 2023, early into serving her second term as the District 2 trustee. Williams’ term ends in May 2026. Williams beat out Klein and Rowland in the May 2022 school board election.
School board members have repeatedly deadlocked on arriving at a consensus and appointing an interim District 2 replacement from a pool, which included Klein, Rowland and Shelton, all of whom applied last fall for the District 2 vacancy.
Candidates were asked to keep each response to 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.
Early voting will be held April 22-25, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; April 27, 29 and 30, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; and April 28, noon-6 p.m. Election day polls will be open May 4 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Details on polling sites are available at https://tinyurl.com/5n7bh56b.
Jacqueline Klein
Experience:
Longtime NEISD resident, parent, neighborhood association board member
Occupation:
Consultant
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/klein4neisd
What makes you think you’re qualified to represent District 2 in NEISD?
As the only candidate in District 2 who has ever had children enrolled in NEISD, I am uniquely qualified to speak to experience within the district. Leading up to and during my campaign in 2022, I became very involved and well-informed on district issues, connecting with many parents and staff.
Briefly, what are the three top issues that your campaign is focusing on?
Safety is the top issue. Students are not safe from fellow classmates in their classrooms. Teachers are not protected because the administration either cannot or will not do it. Fiscal stewardship is another issue. Also, our graduates need to know how to read, write, do math, communicate effectively, and think critically to be successful.
In terms of what constituents see as the issue most important to them, what is your experience or approach to that issue that distinguishes you from your opponents?
Safety, safety, safety. We need policy changes at the district and legislative levels to protect kids and staff. I’m the only one who has had kids in this district. I am well aware of the concerns, and I am committed to finding solutions through open communication, collaboration and advocacy.
Rhonda Rowland
Experience:
Educator, school administrator
Occupation:
Retired
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080274826642
What makes you think you’re qualified to represent District 2 in NEISD?
I have 33-plus years experience as an educator, assistant principal, principal and in the NEISD central office. I have a doctorate degree from Texas A&M University in educational leadership. I know curriculum, budgeting, discipline, testing, parent involvement, hiring, student needs, special education, fine arts, and federal law.
Briefly, what are the three top issues that your campaign is focusing on?
The top issues that my campaign is focused on are recruiting and retaining excellent teachers, cultivating safe and strong disciplined schools, and involving parents and teachers in decision-making.
In terms of what constituents see as the issue most important to them, what is your experience or approach to that issue that distinguishes you from your opponents?
District 2 has been without representation for months. There’s been discord among board members. Board transparency is imperative. We have a lot of work to do to correct this. I feel I can bring stability to the board, and we can get on with the business of doing what’s best for children.
Tracie Shelton
Experience:
Founder of Alamo Kitchens and Community Table Foundation; adjunct instructor, University of Incarnate Word; master's degree in business administration
Occupation:
Business adviser
Candidate Website:
https://www.traciesheltonforneisd2.com
What makes you think you’re qualified to represent District 2 in NEISD?
As a business owner and advisAs a business owner and advisor, I develop and understand budgeting and strategic planning. I have experience shepherding my children through grades K-12 and into college. I am a university instructor, and work with early career individuals at a Fortune 500 company.
Briefly, what are the three top issues that your campaign is focusing on?
The biggest problem is funding and teacher retention. Funds coming from the state to support NEISD remains flat. Given the rise in inflation, this is tantamount to a decrease in real funds received. This level of funding is not sustainable if we are to meet all our objectives. Retaining teachers ...
In terms of what constituents see as the issue most important to them, what is your experience or approach to that issue that distinguishes you from your opponents?
The biggest problems are: state funding, as funds coming from the state to support NEISD remains flat; retaining teachers, as teacher attrition was at a historic high between fall 2021 and fall 2022. Also, mentorship and connecting with the community are key to the success of current and future students.
