Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees Position 2:

 

I am running for re-election to the Pasadena ISD School Board of Trustees because I am a proud product of Pasadena ISD and deeply invested in the success of our students, families, and community. Pasadena ISD plays a vital role in preparing students for success, whether through college degrees, industry certifications, or dual-language programs. Our schools are a critical driver of workforce development, ensuring that students graduate with the skills and credentials needed to contribute meaningfully to our local economy.
With the district on the verge of welcoming a new Superintendent, I am committed to providing strong leadership and continuity to support their success. As a former Pasadena ISD student, teacher, Trustee, and future parent of a PISD student, I bring a unique perspective to the board. I am proud of the collaborative and student-focused dynamic we have developed, and I look forward to continuing our work to ensure Pasadena ISD remains a leader in education and opportunity for all.

 

As a lifelong Pasadena resident and proud product of Pasadena ISD, I have a deep understanding of our schools and community. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, I returned to teach math at Pasadena High School for five years, working directly with students and families. This experience provided firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities within our district, strengthening my advocacy for policies that support student success and teacher retention.
As the daughter of immigrants, I understand the value of opportunity, hard work, and community investment. In my current role as Board Secretary, I’ve helped navigate budget decisions, school safety measures, and strategic planning to ensure our schools remain safe and strong. I’ve worked closely with district leadership to improve campus security and ensure fiscal responsibility.
Additionally, I prioritize clear communication with parents, educators, and community stakeholders. Transparency and accountability are essential to strong leadership, and I am committed to ensuring our district remains responsive to the needs of students and families while preparing the next generation for success in college, career, and beyond.

 

One of the biggest challenges facing our school district is the lack of adequate state funding. As costs continue to rise, school districts across Texas are being asked to do more with less. Pasadena ISD serves every student, regardless of background or circumstance, while also providing high-quality education, career and technical training, college credits, extracurricular programs, and essential student support services. However, state funding has not kept pace with inflation, putting a strain on our ability to maintain and expand these opportunities.
To address this, I believe in building strong relationships with state representatives, local leaders, and fellow school board members across Texas to advocate for fair funding. It is critical to ensure that public schools remain competitive and well-resourced so that every student—whether they plan to attend college, enter the workforce, or serve in the military—has the foundation they need to succeed. I will continue to fight for the resources Pasadena ISD needs to keep delivering excellence in education while maximizing our budget to serve students and families effectively.

 

One of Pasadena ISD’s greatest strengths is the success of our graduates. With a 90.1% graduation rate, our students leave high school prepared for a wide range of opportunities, whether that means earning college credits, obtaining an associate degree, gaining industry certifications, or becoming bilingual and biliterate through our dual-language programs. Our district is committed to ensuring that students graduate with a strong academic foundation and the skills needed to succeed in college, the workforce, or the military.
Beyond academics, Pasadena ISD provides students with a well-rounded experience, offering athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular activities such as UIL competitions, Houston Rodeo events, cheerleading, and traditional milestones like Homecoming and Prom. These programs build character, leadership, and a sense of community, making Pasadena ISD a place where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

 

My vision for Pasadena ISD over the next five years is to see increased early childhood enrollment, ensuring more students start their educational journey in our district from Pre-K onward. By expanding awareness of our high-quality programs—whether it’s dual language, industry certifications, or early college opportunities—I want to ensure families see Pasadena ISD as the best choice for their child’s education.
Additionally, I hope to see greater parent and community involvement at every level. When families, educators, and local businesses collaborate, we create more opportunities for our students and truly bring the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” to life. Strong partnerships will help us build on Pasadena ISD’s legacy of excellence and prepare students for bright futures in college, careers, and beyond.

 

My top priorities for the first six months are ensuring a smooth transition for our new Superintendent, expanding Pre-K enrollment, and strengthening programs for younger students.
Supporting the New Superintendent – A seamless transition for our new Superintendent is crucial for maintaining stability and progress. I will work closely with them to champion initiatives that benefit students, teachers, and families, while maintaining strong partnerships with local businesses and community leaders.
Expanding Pre-K Enrollment – Early childhood education lays the foundation for long-term academic and workforce success. I will focus on increasing Pre-K enrollment to ensure more children have access to strong learning foundations, which will improve academic outcomes and help create a more prepared workforce.
Strengthening Programs for Younger Students – While College, Career, and Military Readiness are essential, we must also support students from Pre-K through 8th grade. I will advocate for expanding enrichment programs, interventions, and career exploration opportunities to ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed in high school and beyond.

 

As a Board Trustee, I’m committed to continuing and expanding Pasadena ISD’s partnerships with local businesses and institutions like San Jacinto College and University of Houston Clear Lake. Our industry-based programs, along with college access initiatives, have provided students with valuable training and real-world experience, preparing them for success in the workforce.
It’s rewarding to hear about students who transition directly into jobs after completing internships through these programs. These success stories are vital to share and highlight how these partnerships benefit both students and businesses in our community. Moving forward, I believe we can expand these programs to industries like engineering and healthcare, providing even more pathways for our students to pursue rewarding careers while supporting the growth of local businesses.

 

As a Board Trustee, I am committed to supporting local businesses by strengthening the partnerships between Pasadena ISD and the business community. Our school district already collaborates with local businesses and institutions to provide students with valuable workforce skills, and I plan to expand on these initiatives.

Additionally, I’ve hosted events at local spots, such as Taquerias on the North side of Pasadena, donut shops, and other homegrown services and businesses, to build relationships with small, family-owned businesses. I believe in meeting businesses where they are, valuing their resilience, and fostering partnerships that benefit both our community and our students. By continuing to connect education with local industries, we can provide students with meaningful career opportunities while supporting the growth of our local economy.