Passing a balanced budget

Our urban district, like many districts across the nation, is facing a decline in enrollment due to a declining birth rate. On top of that, in the state of Texas, our per-pupil funding is ranked 47th in the nation.  We are doing everything we can to advocate at the state level for more per-pupil funding, and we must also make financially prudent decisions and put the needs of our students above all else. 

Reversing the lack of respect and the undervaluing of the teaching profession

Our educators are the front line of social justice and, unfortunately, our country has never recognized them for the important and life-saving work that they do.  Our teacher salaries in Texas rank 36th in the nation.   As the incumbent and current school board president, I am leading transparent and honest budget conversations and pushing our district staff to find innovative and creative ways to give all teachers and district personnel a fair raise that shows appreciation and helps alleviate the burden of inflation. 

Working directly with students and their families so that we can help them prioritize coming to school daily

Post- covid we have struggled to get our average daily attendance back to what it used to be.  Not being in school every day has an impact on student learning, student engagement, and ultimately their mental health.  We need to work directly with students and families and understand what it is they need from their schools and their educational experience.