T'Liza Kiel

Candidate Q&A-T’Liza Kiel-Alvin ISD Board of Trustees Position 5

What knowledge, skills and experiences have prepared you to serve on the Board?

As a proud combat Army veteran, nonprofit leader, and Alvin ISD parent, I bring a can-do mindset, a global perspective, and an unwavering commitment to service. My lived experience
in high-stress, high-stakes environments has taught me how to lead with clarity, adaptability, and purpose—qualities essential for effective school board governance.

I hold a master’s degree in sociology and have led regional and national initiatives focused on mental health, direct services, and youth development. As a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, I’ve worked with a wide range of school districts to ensure educators and staff are equipped to support the psychological safety of both themselves and their students.

As a mother of two students in Alvin ISD, I’m personally invested in fostering safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous environments where all students can thrive. I’m not just a candidate—I’m your neighbor, your advocate, and someone who is ready to serve with both heart and action.

Considering the Alvin ISD 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, which of the identified goals do you believe is most at risk if the proposed school voucher bill is enacted and the basic allotment per pupil remains unchanged? What is your suggestion to address?

As someone with a history of service—from combat deployments to community leadership—I understand what’s at stake when resources are stretched thin and commitments aren’t backed by investment.

Goal 3: Fiscal Responsibility is most at risk if school vouchers are enacted and the basic allotment remains unchanged. Public schools like Alvin ISD already face the challenge of doing more with less. Redirecting taxpayer dollars to private institutions without accountability only compounds the issue, threatening our ability to maintain classroom resources, staff support, and student services.

I’ve worked across Texas with school districts to support youth mental health and staff well being. I know firsthand how vital it is to keep our educators funded and our campuses fully resourced. To address this, I would:

  • Advocate at the state level for an increase in the basic allotment and against voucher legislation that drains public funds.
  • Strengthen community awareness through transparency and data-sharing—so families understand how state policies affect local classrooms.
  • Encourage innovation in funding by partnering with nonprofits, businesses, and veteran serving organizations to bring additional support to campuses without burdening our general fund.

We must protect public education as a public good, and that starts with ensuring every child, regardless of background, has access to quality instruction and safe, fully resourced schools.

Recently many of the books that formed our collective educational experience have been banned in other Texas ISDs.  Alvin ISD recently adopted Texas Penal Code 43.24. What is your personal view of what types of books should or shouldn’t be challenged?

As a mother, professional, and lifelong learner, I believe our children benefit most from access to diverse perspectives and experiences. Books should not be challenged simply because they make us uncomfortable. Education is meant to expand thinking, inspire dialogue, and help students form their own informed opinions.

That said, I support a thoughtful, transparent review process that involves educators, librarians, and parents—rather than censorship rooted in political agendas. Books that promote empathy, critical thinking, and representation should be protected. Students deserve to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and to learn about the world beyond their own.

I would also empower, encourage, and gently remind parents and caregivers that investing in their children’s education goes far beyond the schoolhouse. No one is preventing what a child reads at home, and families are always welcome to supplement classroom learning with books that reflect their personal values and beliefs. When we work together—with respect and trust—we can create a learning environment that honors both academic freedom and family choice.

There have been recent lawsuits challenging portions of Section 504 as unconstitutional. If a portion or the entirety of Section 504 protections are removed, what is your commitment to students currently protected by Federal Law?

My commitment to students with disabilities is unwavering. If federal protections are diminished, I will fight to ensure Alvin ISD continues to provide the accommodations, support, and inclusion these students deserve. Every child has the right to learn and thrive—regardless of ability.

As a board member, I would work to ensure district policy reflects equity and access as core values, pushing for proactive local protections and resources even in the absence of federal mandates. Families should never feel like they have to fight alone for what their child needs to succeed in the classroom.

What do you feel are the top priorities for Alvin ISD School Board within the next 2 years?

  1. Teacher and staff retention: We must value, support, and retain high-quality educators through competitive pay, professional development, and a healthy work environment.
  2. Equity and inclusion: Ensure all students—regardless of zip code, background, or ability—have access to rigorous academics, extracurricular opportunities, and mental health resources.
  3. Community and parent engagement: Build strong partnerships with families and community leaders to support student success and transparency in decision-making.
  4. Student safety and well-being: Prioritize mental health, school safety, and responsive support systems to meet the growing needs of our students.
  5. Fiscal responsibility and advocacy: Champion increased funding and resist harmful legislation like vouchers that threaten the public school system.

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