Our community needs better. Our students deserve the best.
As an LISD graduate, homeowner, and expectant father, I’m invested in our district for the long-haul. I’ve been privileged by the opportunities our district afforded me and my family, but I worry the direction we are headed will diminish - rather than expand - these same opportunities. My belief is that strong sustainable success comes from responsible fiscal management, long term planning, community engagement, prioritizing academic excellence, and targeted student investment.
Financial Responsibility
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LISD taxpayers have made significant investments in our schools, and the board is tasked with being responsible stewards of those funds. Closing schools that have received recent renovations or improvements is a waste of taxpayer dollars and undermines trust in district leadership. Thoughtful, transparent financial planning means making decisions that maximize the value of our existing resources.
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If we can’t meet operational expenses or pay our teachers fairly, it’s irresponsible to ask taxpayers to shoulder additional burdens through new bond programs. Before seeking more funding, LISD must ensure its current budget is being managed efficiently, focusing on the core mission of providing a quality education for every student.
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Budget decisions shouldn’t be based on arbitrary or incomplete criteria. Every financial choice has long-term impacts on students, educators, and the community. I believe in a comprehensive, transparent review of the district’s finances — considering not only short-term challenges but also long-term sustainability. Smart investments and strategic planning will ensure LISD remains strong and competitive without unnecessary cuts that harm our schools and families.
Long-Term Success
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Strong schools are the foundation of a thriving community. LISD should strive to be a destination district that attracts families seeking a high-quality education for their children, regardless of where they may be zoned. We must maintain and expand successful programs in order to be a stand out district in north Texas. Rather than closing schools with large transfer enrollment numbers, we should be using them to understand what attracts new transfers and the funding that comes with them.
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Closing schools with high academic achievement, dedicated educators, and strong community support is short-sighted. LISD should have deliberately identified and invested in what made those schools successful, and worked to replicate those successes across the district. With those teachers and administrators being spread throughout the district, it’s imperative we collect, understand, and implement the elements that made those schools successful as seen from the individuals who created those environments.
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Teachers know their students and classrooms best. The general operating status should be to cut the red tape and provide the resources and flexibility they need to excel. Listen to educators, provide the resources they need to do their jobs, and maximize the investment in the classroom. If we are successfully prioritizing classroom support and investing in our teachers it will pay dividends for years to come.
Community Engagement
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True leadership involves genuine listening. LISD decisions should not be made through top-down directives without real input from those directly impacted. Parents, teachers, students, and community members deserve a seat at the table when it comes to the future of our schools. I’m committed to fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration, ensuring that all voices are valued and considered in the decision-making process.
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Community input shouldn't be a formality — it should be a fundamental part of how decisions are made. I will be an advocate for empowering residents to contribute their expertise and perspectives to board considerations and decisions. The community, when working together, can come up with more creative solutions than any individual acting alone.
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Effective leadership doesn’t stay behind closed doors. I believe in showing up, listening, and being part of the community, and I commit to being available and accountable to every LISD family. The job of a board member is not to sit back and hope that input comes forward, but to seek out input and be immersed in the community they serve.
Academic Excellence
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The heart of our district’s success is our students and the educators who support them. When we invest in teachers, and truly invest in the ways they need it, we create stronger learning experiences for students and greater trust within the community. Rather than cutting or disbanding successful programs and schools, we should expand and replicate what works — ensuring every student has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.
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Education should be about equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Every decision must prioritize academic growth, free from any sort of outside influence or agenda. By maintaining a clear focus on student achievement, we can ensure that LISD will provide a well-rounded, high-quality education for all learners.
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Teachers are the professionals in the classroom, and they know what their students need. Instead of burdening educators with excessive administrative mandates, we must provide the resources, flexibility, and support necessary for them to excel. By reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and promoting collaborative decision-making, we allow teachers to do what they do best — teach.
Student Investment
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Our schools should be integral parts of the community, providing students with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. By striving to build stronger partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations, we can offer students hands-on learning experiences, mentorship programs, and career exploration opportunities. These connections will prepare students for life after graduation, whether they pursue college, vocational training, or directly enter the workforce.
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Education should push students to reach their full potential. By providing differentiated learning opportunities, expanding gifted and advanced academic programs, and offering additional support where needed ensures that all students are both challenged and supported on their educational journeys. The district should be working to continually find new opportunities for individualized learning and integrate these changes where possible.
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Students deserve diverse opportunities that reflect their unique goals and interests. The board must always believe in broadening academic, extracurricular, and career-based pathways, so that every student has the resources and experiences needed to explore their passions and build a bright future.