• Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees Position 2:

  • Tammie Nielsen

    Phone: 713-545-6736
    Email: TammieNielsenCampaign@gmail.com
    Facebook: The Tammie Nielsen
    Website:     ElectTammie.com

  • Candidate Questionnaire​:
     
    1. What inspired you to run for the Pasadena independent School District Board of Trustees or the San Jacinto Board of Trustees? 
    The children of today will be the leaders of tomorrow—it is our responsibility to provide them with the best education possible. Public education is at a pivotal moment. The federal Department of Education may be eliminated or significantly reduced, school choice through education savings accounts is likely to pass, and Pasadena ISD will soon welcome a new superintendent.

    I have served as a court-appointed child advocate and believe that helping children grow into strong, self-sufficient, and independent thinkers is essential to the future of our country.

    Strong, experienced leadership with practical solutions is more important than ever. My background in developing policies, leading through change, and advocating for families equips me to serve effectively. I am running to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, that parents’ voices are heard, and that our schools remain safe, secure, and focused on student success.

    2. What qualifications, experience, and leadership skills prepare you for this role, including crisis response, crime prevention, financial literacy, and public communication?
    I have extensive experience leading through complex challenges. I’ve created and implemented policies that improve communication, accountability, and safety. As a nonprofit leader and legislative aide, I have managed crisis responses and understand the importance of clear communication during critical moments.

    I have a strong background in legislation, having worked in the Texas House, the Texas Senate and County government. My financial literacy comes from years of managing budgets, securing funding, and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.

    Whether through writing policy, community outreach or communicating in public, I ensure that people are informed and engaged. I am prepared and committed to be a voice for students, parents, and the community.

    3. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our school district / college?  How would you address them
    The biggest challenges include maintaining student success, protecting parental rights, and ensuring schools are safe, secure, and drug-free. With potential changes in federal and state policies, our district must stay focused on providing quality education while adapting to new realities.

    I will prioritize curriculum, such as the Bluebonnet Curriculum, to give students a strong academic foundation while supporting initiatives that promote life skills and character development. I’ll work to increase transparency and parental involvement in decision-making.

    Additionally, I will advocate for stronger partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations to improve school safety and drug prevention programs. Proactive, not reactive, leadership is critical, and I am committed to facing these challenges with practical, student-centered solutions

    4. What do you see as the biggest strengths and successes of our school district/college?
    Pasadena ISD’s greatest strength is its commitment to student success. PISD and San Jacinto College intentionally maintain strong partnerships with each other, local businesses and organizations, providing students with real-world learning experiences and career opportunities. The dual-credit curriculum, offered in collaboration with San Jacinto College, is a premier program that gives students a head start on their educational and professional journeys. 

    Another significant advantage is the PISD’s commitment to innovation. The Kirk Lewis Career & Technical High School is a valuable asset, and I am committed to supporting its expansion to provide even more students with hands-on technical training. Programs focused on technical education and workforce development equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in higher education and the job market.

    I will build on these strengths by expanding programs that prepare students for future careers while maintaining a strong focus on safety, parental involvement, and academic achievement.

    5. What is your vision for the school district/college in the next three to five years? 
    My vision is to see every student equipped for success—academically, personally, and professionally. I want to enhance collaboration among parents, educators, and the community to ensure all voices are included in decision-making.

    Over the next few years, I will prioritize student safety by supporting policies that keep our students safe and campus secure and drug-free. I will also work to ensure our curriculum prepares students for both college and the workforce.
    I envision a district where parental rights are respected, transparency is the norm, and every student is given the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

    6. What are your top priorities for the first 6 months, and what policies or initiatives will you continue or change?
    In the first six months, my top priorities will be:
    1. Parental Rights and Involvement: Increase transparency by ensuring parents are informed and involved in policy decisions.
    2. Student Safety: Strengthen partnerships with law enforcement to keep schools safe and drug-free.
    3. Academic Excellence: Support the implementation of the Bluebonnet Curriculum to ensure students receive a well-rounded education and support they need to succeed.
    I will review existing policies to ensure they align with these priorities. I will also push for open communication with the community, so every parent and stakeholder understand the decisions being made.
    7. Access to talent and workforce is the number one challenge facing our businesses and industries.  What would you do to ensure that employers' needs are met, and students are graduating with the skills necessary to succeed?
    I will support expanding career and technical education (CTE) programs that align with local industry needs. By strengthening partnerships with businesses, we can offer students hands-on training, internships, and apprenticeships.

    I also believe in promoting financial literacy, communication skills, and problem-solving as core components of education. Soft skills is a key area that employers say the work force is currently lacking. Many of these skills like conflict management, work ethic and critical thinking will prepare students to thrive in any career path.

    Additionally, I will advocate for pathways that offer both college preparation and direct-to-career opportunities, ensuring every student is equipped for the future.

    8. Supporting local businesses is a chamber priority.  What would you do to support local businesses as a Board Trustee?
    Local businesses are vital to our community’s success. I will support initiatives that connect students with local businesses through internships, mentorship programs, workforce partnerships and volunteer programs.

    I also believe in fostering open communication between the district and business leaders. By understanding the needs of our local economy, we can shape educational programs that provide a skilled workforce while offering businesses opportunities to invest in the next generation.

    Supporting local businesses strengthens our schools and our community—I’m committed to keeping these partnerships strong.

    9. Collaboration among the chamber, city, school district, and college has been pivotal in achieving success both in educational programs and during times of natural disaster when coordinated efforts are necessary for recovery.  What suggestions or ideas do you have for continued collaboration and enhanced partnerships?
    I have worked closely with the chamber in collaboration while working at the county and the state of Texas. These collaborations help maintain open communications between all parties. Collaboration is key to overcoming challenges and creating new opportunities. I will advocate for regular joint meetings between the school district, city, college, and chamber to share goals, resources, and strategies. Inviting state and county government representation to be part of the collaboration is critical to knowing what resources are available. Inviting local churches into the mix will enhance the response by understanding where the needs are the most urgent.

    In times of crisis, I support creating a rapid-response task force made up of people from all organizations that can quickly mobilize resources across all sectors to ensure student and community safety.

    By working together, we can strengthen our community and ensure a brighter future for all.

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