Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees Position 4:

 

I was inspired to run for the Pasadena Independent School District Board of Trustees because I am deeply committed to the success of our students, teachers, and schools. As a member of this community, I have seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities our district faces. I believe that strong leadership, transparency, and collaboration are essential to ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education.
My passion for education and my desire to make a positive impact on our schools motivated me to step up and serve. I want to be a voice for parents, teachers, and students, advocating for the resources and policies that will help our district thrive. By working together, we can create an environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.

 

I bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep-rooted connection to our community that uniquely qualify me for a role on the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees. As a proud graduate of Pasadena ISD, I understand the values, challenges, and strengths of our schools firsthand.
My six years of service in the United States Marine Corps instilled in me discipline, adaptability, and a strong sense of duty—qualities that are essential in leadership and crisis response. Additionally, with over 26 years of experience as a police officer, investigator, and crisis negotiator, I have developed critical problem-solving skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and extensive knowledge in crime prevention and crisis management.
Beyond my law enforcement career, I have also served on the loans committee for the City of Pasadena, gaining valuable experience in financial literacy, budgeting, and responsible fiscal decision-making. Furthermore, my role as a Sunday school teacher at South Main Baptist Church has strengthened my ability to connect with and mentor young people, emphasizing the importance of education, integrity, and community involvement.
These experiences have prepared me to lead with accountability, compassion, and strategic decision-making to support students, educators, and families in Pasadena ISD.

 

Pasadena ISD faces challenges in providing a high-quality education due to financial constraints, safety concerns, and evolving community needs. My focus would be on key areas to address these issues:
School Safety & Student Well-Being: With my law enforcement background, I will advocate for stronger safety measures, increased mental health resources, and emergency preparedness. Partnering with law enforcement and community organizations will enhance school security and trust.
Teacher Retention & Support: To combat teacher burnout, I will push for competitive salaries, professional development, and a positive work environment to retain and attract top educators.
Financial Responsibility: My experience on Pasadena’s loans committee equips me to ensure responsible budgeting, prioritizing classroom needs, technology, and infrastructure while avoiding wasteful spending.
Parental & Community Engagement: Strong schools thrive on strong partnerships. I will promote open communication, transparency, and parental involvement in decision-making.
Preparing Students for the Future: Expanding career and technical education (CTE), internships, and business partnerships will help students gain real-world skills and job opportunities.
Through strategic leadership and community collaboration, we can build a safer, stronger, and more successful Pasadena ISD for all students.

 

Diverse Academic Programs and Personalized Learning.  Career and Technical Education (CTE) Initiatives. Early College High Schools.  Commitment to Student Support and Well-Being.  Community Engagement and Extracurricular Excellence.

 

Building upon Pasadena ISD's current strategic plan, my vision for the district over the next three to five years includes enhancing personalized learning to meet individual student needs, strengthening PK-12 STEAM education to foster critical skills, integrating social-emotional learning for student wellness, advancing college, career, and military readiness through expanded programs and partnerships, investing in staff development to maintain a highly qualified workforce, fostering community engagement to build meaningful partnerships, and ensuring safe, supportive environments for all students and staff. These priorities aim to empower students to become accomplished, self-directed, collaborative, lifelong learners who contribute boldly to an increasingly complex and evolving world. 

 

In the first six months, my top priorities for Pasadena ISD include working with the NEW Superintendent of Schools while enhancing school safety, supporting teacher development, and promoting student well-being. I will advocate for the continued implementation of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) to ensure a uniform response to school-based emergencies. 
Recognizing the challenges faced by first-year educators, I will support initiatives like the RISE program, which aims to retain highly qualified educators through comprehensive support and mentoring.  Additionally, I will emphasize the importance of social-emotional learning by integrating programs that foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills, contributing to both academic success and personal growth. These efforts will build upon existing district initiatives to create a safe, supportive, and effective learning environment for all.

 

 

Pasadena ISD offers diverse Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across multiple clusters, including Health Science, Information Technology, Welding, Carpentry and Business Management. Expanding these programs to align with local industry demands will equip students with relevant skills and certifications, enhancing their employability. Collaborating with local businesses and industry leaders is essential to ensure our curriculum meets workforce requirements. Initiatives by the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) focus on workforce growth, aiming to align educational outcomes with industry needs. Engaging with the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce's Workforce Development Committee can further facilitate these partnerships. Partnering with institutions like San Jacinto College, which offers workforce development and job training programs, can provide students with up-to-date skills in industries such as petrochemical, manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and maritime. Encouraging student participation in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) can enhance learning through leadership development and real-world applications, preparing them for workforce challenges. By implementing these strategies, Pasadena ISD can effectively prepare students to meet the evolving demands of local employers, ensuring a skilled and competent workforce for the future. 

 

As a Board Trustee, I am committed to supporting local businesses through the following initiatives:
Strengthen Business-Education Partnerships.  Revitalize Vocational and Technical Education.  Engage in Community Economic Initiatives.  By implementing these strategies, we can create a symbiotic relationship between Pasadena ISD and local businesses, fostering economic growth and enriching educational experiences.