Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees Position 3:

 

I am driven by a deep commitment to our community and a passion for advocating for public education. Serving on the board would allow me to support and enhance educational opportunities for all students, ensuring every child and staff member have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

 

With a background as a legal assistant followed by 40 years in banking as a member of the executive team, I bring extensive experience in financial management, leadership, and strategic decision-making. Over the past 30 years as a Board of Trustees member, I have gained invaluable insight into leading schools, collaborating with superintendents during crises, navigating budget processes, and ensuring transparency with our community and stakeholders. Additionally, I have served on the HCA Houston Southeast Board and as an advisory board member for the Pasadena Police Department, further strengthening my experience in public service and community safety. My leadership roles on the Strategic Planning, District Education, and Future Facilities Committees have allowed me to contribute to long-term educational planning and development, ensuring a strong foundation for students and staff.

 

One of the biggest challenges our district faces is inadequate state funding, coupled with declining student enrollment. To address these issues, we must advocate for increased financial support at the state level while maximizing our existing resources to ensure sustainability. Additionally, we need to highlight and expand the successful educational programs our schools currently offer, reinforcing the value of public education and attracting more families to our district. Strengthening community partnerships and enhancing career and technical education opportunities can also help position our schools as a top choice for students and parents.

 

Our district's biggest strengths lie in its diverse educational opportunities tailored to meet the needs of all students. The robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs provide students with hands-on skills and real-world experience, preparing them for success in both college and the workforce. Additionally, the Early College High School program, available at all five traditional high schools, allows students to earn their associates degree while still in high school, giving them a head start on their future. Our commitment to offering high-quality educational programs from PK-12 ensures that every student, regardless of their background or aspirations, has access to the resources and support needed to succeed.

 

My vision for the district is to continue fostering programs that support the whole child, ensuring that every student receives a well-rounded education from the moment they enter our schools. This includes academic excellence, social-emotional development, and career readiness. Additionally, we must advocate for increased public school funding across Texas to sustain and expand critical programs, enhance school safety initiatives, and improve teacher retention. By prioritizing these areas, we can create a thriving educational environment that empowers both students and educators for long-term success.

 

Our district operates efficiently and effectively, and my priority is to ensure that continues. With a new Superintendent in place, it will be crucial to build strong relationships across the community and within the Team of 8 to foster collaboration and alignment on key goals. As a board member, I will focus on thoroughly reviewing policies, assessing budget allocations, and ensuring that our district maintains its reputation for excellence. Additionally, I will remain committed to supporting initiatives that enhance student success, strengthen teacher retention, and promote transparency and accountability in decision-making.

 

Our district takes great pride in its outstanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, which extends beyond Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School to serve over 11,000 students district-wide. These programs equip students with industry-relevant skills, certifications, and hands-on experience, ensuring they are workforce-ready upon graduation. Additionally, our Portrait of a Graduate framework emphasizes both academic excellence and essential soft skills—such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—that employers highly value. With a 90.1% graduation rate, one of the strongest in Texas, we are committed to preparing students for success in both college and career pathways. Moving forward, I will continue to support and expand partnerships with local industries, ensuring our programs align with workforce demands and provide students with the best opportunities for success.

 

I am committed to supporting local businesses by prioritizing their involvement in district purchases whenever possible and fostering strong partnerships with business owners throughout our community. We actively assist local businesses in understanding and navigating the district’s bid process, ensuring they have opportunities to compete for contracts. Additionally, we will continue to recruit and encourage local businesses to engage with our schools, whether through mentorship programs, career partnerships, or sponsorships. Our district has built strong relationships with local businesses, and I will work to further grow and strengthen these connections to benefit both our students and the broader community.