What knowledge, skills and experiences have prepared you to serve on the Board?
It was a privilege to serve the students, staff, and constituents of this great school district for 12
years as a board Trustee, Secretary, and President. As a Trustee, I have seen the student
population grow from 19,000 students to 30,000 students and proudly supported the three bond referendums that added two high schools, a Career and Technical Education center, and many junior high and elementary campuses that ensured permanent seats for the students.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge for families and students. Alvin ISD was a leader in
the state of developing a plan to ensure the students did not miss instruction. Pivot became an
everyday word in our vocabulary, with the goal of returning students to the classroom safely.
Professionally, as Secretary to the Director of Special Education at Alvin ISD, I have operational
experience in the school district that has benefitted me in understanding the complex school
funding for local and federal funds, the district budget process, and local and federal policies. I
also gained experience working with students with disabilities.
My work for the past 27 years remains focused on serving people with disabilities, and as the
Chief Operating Officer for Imagine Enterprises, I continue to work with people with disabilities – of all ages – and the Medicaid funds that make it possible for the clients to continue to live in
their homes, with family, and in their community.
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?
I believe that Board Goal #3: Alvin ISD will be efficient managers of district resources and will
prioritize expenditures through careful planning and alignment with identified goals, is at risk if
the school voucher bill is enacted.
A 20% increase in the basic allotment per pupil occurred in 2019, with no additional increases;
this lack of funding that directly supports our students is strangling public schools. The cost of
instructional materials, supplies, insurance, etc., for school districts has skyrocketed, and Alvin
ISD in Spring 2024 saw the cost of facility insurance increase by several million dollars; this is a
huge hit to a school district’s budget.
The lack of priority of public schools has become a bargaining tool in Texas politics; this is
simply unacceptable. Our students are not pawns; they are our future, and per-pupil funding
must be raised. Despite a thriving Texas economy, Texas ranks in the bottom 10 states in the
nation for public education funding, trailing the national average by $4,400.
I am proud to share that Alvin ISD is consistently conservative with taxpayer and federal dollars
and budgets show the largest allocation to student academics and the teacher/staff.
My suggestion? There should be no difference in per pupil funding; each student must have the same opportunities to a quality education, and funding limits set by the Texas government should not be a barricade. Ethically, per pupil funding should be the same as private school funding, if vouchers are approved.
I also believe Board Goal #2: Alvin ISD will attract and retain the highest quality teachers and staff and support their efforts through gaining meaningful feedback, is at risk.
Alvin ISD continues to retain highly qualified educators and staff. However, teachers are leaving
the profession for other opportunities. My service on the Alvin ISD board continually saw the
approval of a COLA each year, and the board ensures that the district has one of the highest
starting salaries in the Region 4 area, as well as self-funded insurance – not TRS insurance,
and the board voted to provide an incentive bonus annually. While on the board in 2024, we
were provided with a presentation to implement the Texas Teacher Allotment (TIA). This unique
approach to providing additional incentives to retain teachers provides districts with systems and funding to recruit promising new teachers, retain their best teachers, and incentivize teachers to work in high-needs schools and difficult-to-staff positions. TIA is built to provide lasting funds for outstanding Texas teachers to remain in the classroom and improve student outcomes. TIA funding was built into Texas state law as part of House Bill 3 during the 86th Texas Legislature. It is a Tier 1 allotment through the Foundation School Program. Unlike previous state incentive programs, there is no cap on TIA allotment funds or the number of teachers who may earn a designation. Hearing this information as a board member, I wholeheartedly appreciated this innovative method to provide additional funds for qualified staff.
Aside from compensation, I think continual communication with all staff is key to ensuring that
they know they are valued team members and that the school district genuinely cares for them.
I think that burnout is a real issue, and mental health must not be ignored. I believe if staff know that they are valued and cared for, they will be a productive team member, and that is what is best for the students and staff. It is evident that Alvin ISD is a great district to work in and values their staff, they have been recognized for multiple years by Forbes as a Best-In-State Employer. I suggest that Alvin ISD continues on the path of compensation and recognition for all staff and ensures that real conversations are continuously occurring with staff to ensure their needs are met.
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?
The board approved the EFB Local Policy at their September 2024 meeting as the Texas Association of School Board recommended an update not just for Alvin ISD but for all school districts.
My personal view of books that our students have access to at their school libraries is that the
books should be appropriate for the student’s grade level, the materials thought-provoking, and the content should be tied to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills TEKS) as well as Alvin ISD’s curriculum. Reading books about different cultures and historical events enables the
students to better understand the world around them.
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?
As an advocate for people with disabilities, I will always be committed to ensuring students with disabilities and regular education students have their needs met. A Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is a right that must be recognized and NOT removed.
For students in regular education who have a 504 plan, this focuses on accommodations within the general education setting, such as extended test-taking time, etc. A 504 Plan is essential for academic achievement for K-12 but also for post-high school education. Students with disabilities can also have a 504 Plan that ensures that their needs are met adequately as well as an Individual Education Plan (IEP)
What do you feel are the top priorities for Alvin ISD School Board within the next 2 years?
I believe the top priorities for the school board are:
- Student Success: Each student should have a rich and meaningful education that
prepares them for their future career using certifications earned while in high school,
entering college prepared to meet the rigorous curriculum, or entering the military.
Beyond academics, student mental health and a safe campus are critical. Counselors
are essential in helping students who are struggling, and knowing that the campus is
safe alleviates fears that can hinder student academic achievement. - Staff Retention: Valuing and retaining highly qualified staff and attracting new staff are
key to successful campuses and student growth. The board must continue to prioritize a
competitive salary, use the TIA to retain staff, provide self-funded insurance, and receive
an incentive bonus when the budget allows. Having highly qualified staff is critical for
student and campus success. We want the best educators at Alvin ISD! - Fast Growth Needs: As growth continues on Highway 288 and the Grand Parkway
expansion, it is important that the board continues to monitor the growth and the need
for facilities that provide permanent seats. - Fiscal Responsibility: The board should continue to prioritize balancing the needs of the
students and the financial impact on taxpayers. Alvin ISD is fortunate to have a TIRZ
agreement through 2028. The board and district staff acknowledged that the district
should not be dependent on TIRZ dollars to provide necessary education materials for
the students; the board directed the district to implement TIRZ dollars as a line item in
the annual budget and utilize these funds to reduce the bond debt.
These priorities will allow Alvin ISD to continue to be a leader in education in Texas.
