OCCUPATION: Retired Military/Corrections/ Detention Officer
POSITION RUNNING FOR: Taylor ISD School Board Trustee Place 3
If elected, what will be your top priority?
If elected, my top priority will be to push teacher autonomy since they spend eight hours or more with our students.
They see and know their strengths and weaknesses. We do not need to brow beat them for more time on assignment completions and just be proactive in checking the student/parent portal for assignment completion and upcoming tests.
Student success begins at home and grows within and throughout the academic year. My reasoning for running is best explained with an Army Motto: One Team One Fight.
What is the biggest issue facing Taylor ISD?
The biggest issue facing Taylor ISD is increased stress for both students and teachers. Our students are under a lot of stress from peers, bullies, and online influences. They suffer from hyper vigilance regarding school shootings and sometimes living in a broken home. Their stress adds to the teacher’s job of educating on top of their own personal stresses or bouts of depression.
I would advocate for a more balanced studentto- counselor ratio. My research shows there are 408 students for every counselor. The recommended balance from the American School Counselor’s Association is 250 students to every counselor, while the need for more counselors of color is becoming more essential every year. Our students thrive in environments where trust, safety, and respect are shown in every aspect of their school day.
Why are you running?
I’m running to ensure that we continue to implement the Taylor ISD Mission Statement to Inspire, Equip, and Empower every student to achieve their unique potential. I want our students to return and give back to the city that made them who they are. I am a product of the public school system.
There is no better example than a teacher. They inspire us to achieve our goals and push us when we don’t believe in ourselves. I want our students to be on a level playing field when they apply for college. I want them to feel excited about going into the trades industry or the military. Knowledge is power. I want our students to be the best version of themselves.
Why should residents vote for you?
I have tutored students off and on in Taylor since 2017. I push hard for excellence and reward accordingly. I’m here for the students. In 2018, my husband and I started a scholarship program to help enrolled students pay for first semester needs. I only guide and assure them that completing coursework is worth the effort. Your vote and confidence in me will allow me to take the TISD required training. Push the envelope even further; if that what it takes to make sure our children are getting what they deserve from our school district — our best.
