Better Supporting Students
Every child deserves a high-quality public education, no matter their zip code, the language they speak at home, or the supports they need to learn. Our public schools must be equipped to meet the diverse and changing needs of our students. That means fully supporting English Language Learners, addressing the impact of poverty on academic achievement, and ensuring students receiving special education services have access to the resources and accommodations they deserve. When we invest in comprehensive student supports, we create opportunities for all Texans to graduate high school prepared for college, career, or other post-secondary opportunities, and for lifelong success. Strengthening Public Schools
We need to work together to ensure safe and supportive public schools that focus on the whole child rather than being hyper focused on high stakes testing. While we have a lot of ground to make up with reading and math scores being at historic lows, there must be more to school than testing. Supporting & Sustaining Educators
Texas teachers deserve more. Educators deserve respect, support, and policies that allow them to thrive in the classroom. Strengthening our public education system requires recruiting and retaining a diverse, highly qualified teaching workforce, including bilingual educators and teachers prepared to meet the needs of all learners. We must support multiple, high-quality pathways into the profession and remove unnecessary barriers to entry while maintaining rigorous standards. Professional development should be meaningful, relevant, and not merely compliance-driven. By investing in a strong, sustainable educator pipeline, we can ensure every Texas student has access to well-prepared, supported teachers who are set up to succeed. Protecting Curriculum Standards
Our students need curriculum standards that are accurate and rigorous and prepare them for college, career, and civic life. Strong standards should be grounded in evidence, aligned with student development, and informed by educators and subject-matter experts, not derived from political agendas. In social studies, for example, students deserve curriculum that builds a foundation in history, geography, government, and economics while incorporating culture and differing viewpoints. Curriculum should not be revised or removed simply because history is complex, uncomfortable, or challenging to confront. By learning multiple perspectives and developing critical thinking skills, students are better prepared to participate actively and contribute thoughtfully in their communities. FAQS
Why are you running for this position?
I am running to ensure every Texas child has access to a high-quality public education, no matter their zip code, the language they speak at home, or the supports they need to learn. Education is an equalizer, and our students, teachers and families deserve more.
What is the biggest challenge you see for Texas education in the coming years?
Public school funding. Chronic underfunding impacts student supports, educator retention, class sizes, and access to high-quality instructional materials, making it harder for schools to meet the needs of all Texas students.
What are the biggest issues District 5 is facing, and how would you address them?
Students experiencing poverty are going to and completing post-secondary credentials at a substantially lower rate than their middle-income peers. Targeted resources are necessary to address this challenge. SBOE must ensure rigorous curriculum standards while providing essential instructional supports so every student receives a high-quality public education.
Are there specific changes to the state curriculum standards that you would advocate for, and why?
Curriculum standards must be clear, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate so all students have post-secondary opportunities and thrive. Curriculum should be historically accurate, not revised to fit a political or religious agenda. I’d ensure standards focused on critical thinking, reduced unnecessary testing pressure, and were shaped by educators and experts.