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In the upcoming election for Judson ISD board of trustees seats 6 and 7, two candidates are vying in each contested race.
For the Place 6 seat, incumbent Renee Paschall will be running against Laura Stanford.
For the Place 7 seat, incumbent Rafael Diaz will be running against Monica Ryan.
The single-member District 1 seat was also on the ballot for 2023, but incumbent Suzanne Kenoyer ran uncontested, meaning she will retain her seat following the canvassing of the votes.
Read Q&A's with each candidate below.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the provided questions and avoid attacking their opponent. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Candidates with no Q&A did not return the questionnaire by the deadline. Early voting will be held April 24-May 2. Election day is May 6.
* Incumbent
**Candidate did not adhere to the word limit. Responses over 75 words were cut off.
Why are you running for office?
The quality of education in our community directly impacts the kind of community we end up with, so I believe that all citizens should care about it…..whether they have family in the system or not. I do have a nephew at Judson HS, and started attending board meetings a year ago. I've learned that 62% of our student body is below grade level (2022 TAPR). That's unacceptable and I want to help change it.
If elected, what will be your priorities?
#1 Student performance: goal setting: stretch to far exceed county and state performance levels, classroom environment: aim at 20:1 student:teacher ratio; increase number of tutors, Safety: Improve policy toward bullying and unruly behavior; #2 Curriculum and testing: Address issues with changes to curriculum and testing that cause disruption to teachers/students; assess testing effectiveness; #3 Budget priorities: Find inefficiencies and reprioritize to focus on student performance.
Why are you running for office?
I am running to continue the work that was begun pre and post COVID. There is no reason for me not to run! I am currently serving on this board which is in search for a new leader of the district, and this is extremely significant to the role of a board member. I am involved in the selection process to bring unity and collaboration among the board, and I intend to restore the trust with positive communication and a listening ear.
If elected, what will be your priorities?
My priorities are simple: oversee the implementation of the safety and security measures promised to our community through the successful passing of the bond propositions, including the construction of a new elementary school, oversee the equity process throughout the district in the way of curriculum and instruction, school design, class size, student discipline, and employee compensation. All of these are concerns that face Judson ISD today, but require an open mind and cooperation with the administration…**
Why are you running for office?
As the mother of one graduate and four current JISD students, I have a strong vested interest in making this district better. I have spent countless hours serving as parent representative on committees and volunteering throughout the district—listening to parents, teachers, and community members—working to create the best, safest learning environment possible. I am not afraid to speak up and be that voice and ensure all viewpoints are represented on our board.
If elected, what will be your priorities?
Restoring open communication, ethics, teamwork, and transparency to rebuild the trust between the board and the community they serve; providing resources to recruit and retain teachers; maintaining competitive salary and compensation packages for all JISD employees; reduce classroom and campus overcrowding; fiscal responsibility and ethical procurement practices; school safety and security; increasing campus and district TEA ratings.
