Leander ISD School Board, Place 4
For me, education has always been a personal and transformative journey. Growing up in poverty, school was not just a place to learn—it was my refuge, where teachers encouraged me to dream big and break through barriers. As the first in my family to graduate high school and a first-generation college student, I know firsthand the impact a strong public education can have. I am ready to continue advocating for our children, our educators, and our schools. I am not done fighting for Leander ISD, and I ask you to join me in my re-election campaign. Let’s keep working together to advocate like a mother for our #1LISD community—ensuring every child has access to the education and support they deserve.
A key focus of my platform is my strong commitment to early intervention programs. I believe that giving children the support they need at the earliest stages is essential to closing achievement gaps and helping them achieve long-term success. My advocacy for special education remains a top priority, ensuring that our district provides the necessary resources and attention to every student and educator. As a community connector, I’ve worked to unite parents, teachers, and local leaders to collaborate on effective, meaningful solutions for our schools.
Leander ISD is an extraordinary district, but we are not without challenges. State underfunding has put immense pressure on our schools, and we must continue to navigate the complexities of Texas school finance with knowledgeable and dedicated leadership.
All In LISD Q&A (07 Oct 2024)
Q1: What specific steps will you take to support and retain teachers, given the increasing demands and challenges they face in today’s educational climate?
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"To support and retain teachers, I will continue to advocate for competitive salaries and benefits to ensure we attract and retain educators in Leander ISD. We need to continue to expand our Grow Your Own IA (Instructional Assistant) program, this will help develop and promote qualified staff from within our district but also provide opportunities for our staff to better their career. I will continue to prioritize ongoing professional development opportunities that equip our educators to manage today’s educational challenges, including classroom management, mental health support, and instructional strategies for diverse learners. More than ever, we need to be providing mental health resources and wellness programs for educators in Leander ISD.
In addition to this, I will continue to advocate to reduce administrative burdens for our teachers and allow educators more time for planning and collaboration with other peers. I’ll continue to advocate that teachers have the materials and resources they need to effectively teach, including technology and curriculum support. We need to continue to build a culture where teachers feel heard and respected and provide opportunities for feedback and listening sessions. This year our Superintendent has been hosting listening sessions for our educators and bringing those concerns back to the board. Finally, I’ll continue advocating at the state level for policies that address the teacher shortage and create more sustainable working conditions for educators."
Q2. How do you plan to promote inclusivity and diversity in LISD schools, ensuring that every student feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed academically and personally?
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"As a school board member, I will continue to promote inclusivity and diversity in Leander ISD by advocating for local policies that ensure all students feel valued and supported. This district was one of the first in the area to pass AEA local policy and It is essential that we lean into this policy when making decisions that affect our students and educators.
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Additionally, I will push for equitable access to resources and support services, especially for historically underserved students, such as English language learners, students of color, and those in special education. I’ll also promote student-led initiatives and extracurricular activities that foster cross-cultural engagement and understanding. Ensuring that our district's hiring practices prioritize diversity will help reflect our community’s values in leadership and teaching positions. Ultimately, I will work to create an educational environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed both academically and personally, no matter their background."
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Q4. What role do you believe the community and parents should play in shaping the direction of LISD, and how will you engage them in decision-making processes?
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"I believe that Parents and the LISD community play a critical role in shaping the direction of Leander ISD. The school district serves the community, and it’s essential to involve those who are directly impacted by our public schools in decision-making processes. Their voices are invaluable in ensuring that policies and initiatives reflect the needs and values of the district and the community.
Participation through Committees
I believe in the value of parent and community involvement on district committees. Whether it’s a committee focused on curriculum, finance, safety, or special education, these groups provide a structured way for community members to contribute to specific areas of district planning. We’ve seen great outcomes when parents have a seat at the table, as I’ve experienced firsthand through my involvement in district committees.
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Parent Organizations
Parent organizations like PTAs, PTOs and booster clubs are vital conduits of feedback and community sentiment. I’ve worked closely with PTAs during my time as Council of PTA President, overseeing at the time 43 PTAs in Leander ISD, and I understand how these groups can help bridge communication between the board and parents. I would continue to foster strong relationships with these organizations.
Advocacy and Grassroots Movements
Many changes happen when parents and community members advocate at the district and state level. I have always encouraged and supported grassroots movements and community advocacy, such as my work against vouchers at the Capitol. I will continue to be a champion for empowering our community to take an active role in these larger conversations.
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By creating structured opportunities for engagement and maintaining open lines of communication, I’m committed to making sure that our district remains reflective of our community’s values."
Q5. In what ways will you work to ensure that LISD’s curriculum reflects a well-rounded education, preparing students not only academically but also as informed, engaged citizens?
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"As a board member, I will ensure that Leander ISD’s curriculum reflects a well-rounded education by setting strategic goals that prioritize both academic excellence and the development of informed, engaged citizens. While complying with state standards, I will advocate for local control where appropriate to reflect our community’s values. Regularly monitoring student outcomes beyond test scores will help us evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts. Ultimately, I will work closely with the superintendent to ensure these priorities are implemented and our students are prepared for life beyond the classroom."