What knowledge, skills and experiences have prepared you to serve on the Board?
I have had the privilege of serving on the Alvin ISD Board of Trustees for 12 years. During that time, I have gained extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, and financial oversight. Throughout my tenure, my colleagues have entrusted me to serve as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Board, a role I currently hold.
In this capacity, I have been part of a dedicated team that has effectively managed the district’s rapid growth, with an average of 1,000 new students annually. One of the highlights of my service has been my involvement in passing three successful bond referendums, which funded the construction of two comprehensive high schools, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) center, multiple elementary and junior high schools, and a new transportation center. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, these projects were all completed on time and under budget, demonstrating our ability to adapt and execute with efficiency.
Alvin ISD is a great place to work because we prioritize and value our teachers and staff by offering retention bonuses to recognize their hard work and dedication. We also maintain a strong fiscal foundation. This stability has allowed us to consistently pass balanced budgets and avoid layoffs, creating a secure and supportive work environment. As a result, Alvin ISD has earned recognition as the #2 Best-In-State Employer by Forbes in 2024, reflecting our commitment to both our employees and the community.
This leadership experience, along with my deep commitment to the success of our students and staff, has provided me with the skills necessary to continue driving the district forward. Education is my vocation and advocation. I have worked in higher education for over 20 years and currently serve as Assistant Director, Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. My background as an educator and community advocate has given me valuable insight into the educational landscape, allowing me to make informed choices for our students and families. I am a graduate of Alvin High School, Alvin Community College, University of Houston Clear Lake, and am currently pursuing a PhD at Texas A&M University.
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?
If the proposed school voucher bill is enacted and the basic allotment per pupil remains unchanged, the goal most at risk from the Alvin ISD 2023-2026 Strategic Plan would likely be the commitment to “provide and support safe instructional programs that represent the importance of public education within the community and allow for high-quality education.”
The enactment of a school voucher system could divert critical funding from public schools, especially if the basic allotment per pupil doesn’t increase to compensate for the loss. This would limit the district’s ability to fund safety officers at each campus, and high-quality instructional programs, potentially compromising resources for students, teachers, and staff.
To address this risk, Alvin ISD should continue to advocate for an increase in the basic allotment per pupil, ensuring that the district can continue to offer safe and high-quality educational programs regardless of the impact of school vouchers.
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 an advocate for education, I believe that books should be chosen for their ability to foster critical thinking, encourage empathy, and reflect diverse experiences and perspectives. While it’s important to protect students from inappropriate or harmful content, I think challenges to books should be handled thoughtfully and transparently, with a focus on the educational value they provide. When it comes to book challenges, I believe it’s important to foster open discussions rather than banning literature.
Books that promote understanding of different cultures, histories, and worldviews should not be banned. It’s essential for students to engage with a broad range of ideas to prepare them for an increasingly complex world. However, books containing explicit content that is not age-appropriate or that may not align with the district’s curriculum could be reviewed and challenged if they aren’t suitable for the intended grade level. The process for challenging books should involve input from educators, parents, and the community, ensuring that decisions reflect the values of the district.
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?
If portions of Section 504 were removed, my commitment to students currently protected by federal law would remain unwavering. Regardless of legal changes, Alvin ISD would continue to prioritize inclusivity and equity in education for all students, including those with disabilities.
We would uphold our responsibility to provide a free and appropriate public education to all students, ensuring that they have access to the necessary accommodations, resources, and support to succeed. Our commitment would be to continue fostering an environment where students with disabilities are fully integrated into our educational programs, with support services that enable them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
What do you feel are the top priorities for Alvin ISD School Board within the next 2 years?
The top priorities for the Alvin ISD School Board over the next two years should focus on the following key areas:
- Safety and Mental Health Support: School safety, both physical and emotional, has always been a top priority. With the growing awareness of mental health challenges among students, the board must continue to prioritize comprehensive support systems. This includes counseling services, social-emotional learning programs, and ensuring students have access to mental health resources. By also continuing to invest in safety measures, mental health programs, and necessary infrastructure, we can provide students with a secure and supportive learning environment.
- Teacher and Staff Retention: Retaining high-quality educators and staff is critical. To achieve this, the school board should continue supporting initiatives such as retention bonuses, professional development opportunities, and competitive compensation packages. Additionally, fostering a positive work culture, reducing teacher burnout, and ensuring that staff have the resources they need will be essential to keeping the best talent in our schools and helping them succeed in their roles.
- Student Achievement and Equity: Ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or needs, must remain a top priority. This includes addressing achievement gaps, providing targeted support for at-risk students, and expanding enrichment opportunities. The board should focus on initiatives that promote equity, ensuring that every student receives the resources, attention, and opportunities necessary to reach their full potential.
These priorities will help foster an educational environment where every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to achieve their best, while also ensuring that Alvin ISD remains a district that attracts and retains top-tier educators.
