Response received: 4/6/2025 1:24pm

Campaign Contact:

https://www.laurentyra4pisd.com | laurentyra4pisd@gmail.com

Occupation & Educational Background:

Scientist, PhD Neuroscience from UT Southwestern (National Science Foundation Fellow), BS/BA in Biology and German from UNT, PESH Grad

Experience in Plano ISD

4 years of service as PISD trustee, volunteer, parent of 2 awesome PISD students, husband and I went K-12 through PISD schools

What motivated you to run for the position of school board trustee? Was there a specific issue or experience that inspired your decision?

Advocating for kids and putting kids first is my biggest issue. From my website: "My journey to public service in education began with our son, who was born profoundly deaf. Through our journey as a family from early childhood intervention to the realization that we had a child that the education establishment considers “twice exceptional,” we have experienced ARDs, IEPs, 504s, GT, and a myriad of other acronyms that parents often navigate with significant frustration and confusion. In addition, being a military family has led to both unique benefits and hardships in our children’s educational experience."

What aspects of your background and experience do you believe will contribute to your effectiveness as a school board member?

The combination of being a parent that has had to tirelessly advocate for her kids and having spent >20 years in training or working as a scientist gives me a unique perspective on the work. I approach everything through a lens of what is best for the kids, what data can we get to make the best decision, and how do we ensure the best outcomes.

In your opinion, what does the community envision for the future of our schools?

High quality opportunities and achievement for every single student.

How will you work to ensure that all students—regardless of background, including those in Special Education, the Emergent Bilingual population, or experiencing food insecurity—have access to a quality education?

By continuing the work I have been doing over the past 4 years. I have consistently supported initiatives in my trustee work to support students in special populations. Take math acceleration for example; I raised the concern that math acceleration is concentrated on certain campuses (that are less likely to be Title I or bilingual campuses), often forcing children who may otherwise benefit from this program to decline placement in the accelerated program. Why should students and families be forced to move their children without transportation support and potentially choose between dual language and math acceleration? We have a significant number of children decline math acceleration under the current model, yet PACE, which is offered on every campus, is generally accepted by all families. I am very proud of the work that the academic team has done on our math pathways, and math acceleration will be offered on ALL campuses in the future.

Serving on a board of seven leaders requires collaboration and compromise. How do you approach building consensus and working with others who may have different viewpoints?

I listen to my colleagues and respect what they say while clearly stating my position. Probably the best example of this is our unique School Marshal program, implemented in response to HB3 in the 88th legislature, which required every campus to have an armed security officer. We spent countless hours learning about these requirements and deliberating details until we landed on a program that the entire board believed the community would be proud of. I am not sure we have dealt with any one issue where our trustees have had such widely variable viewpoints as HB3, but every single one of us was focused on putting the safety of our kids and staff first.

Given ongoing school funding deficits, what are your views on how the district should prioritize its spending?

I think of spending in the simplest terms in three large buckets - people, programs, and places. I have said before that we need to prioritize people and programs over places, and my support for the long range facility work is a reflection of that. On a more granular level, we need to prioritize retaining and compensating our very best teachers and driving academic outcomes with rigorously vetted and regularly evaluated programs.

How do you plan to advocate for and support both students and staff in Plano ISD?

I think the first step to advocating for students and staff is listening to staff members, students, and families to understand what their specific needs are. Next, I work to understand why those needs are not being met. Are they new needs based on change or are they existing needs that we have not yet solved. I try to collect a lot of information before working collaboratively with my fellow trustees and the administration to fully understand how we can make changes to drive better outcomes for our students and staff. I strive for both a very deliberate and collaborative approach to advocacy.

PTAs’ mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. How would you support this mission as a trustee?

My journey to Plano’s school board started with my deaf son, who is a child that the education establishment considers “twice exceptional.” As a family, we navigated early childhood intervention, the special education process and ARD meetings, the transition to a 504, and ultimately gifted and talented placement for him. We are also a military family and have had to navigate some unique challenges in our children’s education as a result of my husband’s service. All of this to say that I believe that every child, every family has unique needs and navigating those needs can often be very complicated. My family’s unique experiences give me one perspective, but by partnering with other trustees, other parents, and other community members, we can all come together and support the entire community of students in Plano ISD by sharing our experiences, growing and learning from each other, and advocating for all of our students together.

Response received: 4/6/2025 10:01pm

Campaign Contact: www.SamForPlanoISD.com

Occupation & Educational Background:

Attorney; Doctor of Jurisprudence (2008); Bachelor of Arts in Government (2005)

Experience in Plano ISD

I am a graduate of Plano ISD schools and have three children in PISD schools currently. I volunteer regularly and am a member of PTA at both schools we're currently enrolled in.

What motivated you to run for the position of school board trustee? Was there a specific issue or experience that inspired your decision?

As a former PISD student and parent of three Plano ISD students, I have the perspectives both of being part of Plano's legacy and having a vested interest in its future. Knowing that PISD is a leader in Texas education but is undergoing new changes and challenges, my experiences, education, and connection to the District motivated me to help guide Plano ISD into the future.

What aspects of your background and experience do you believe will contribute to your effectiveness as a school board member?

I have experienced firsthand the value of education in helping one achieve their goals, being the first person in my family to graduate from college. The opportunities I have obtained from my own education have allowed me to succeed, and I can think of no better way to pay it forward than to use those experiences to help the District. As an attorney and mediator, I also am well versed in advocacy and collaboration aimed at developing and implementing solutions to unique and complex problems. Finally, as a former chair of the ADL Education Committee, I have worked with educators for years on issues that face our schools and aiming to ensure that every student feels welcome and safe in school so they can focus on learning and growing.

In your opinion, what does the community envision for the future of our schools?

The Plano ISD community envisions a district with academic rigor, successful graduates, and development of a strong workforce to support the business community with which the District has always had a symbiotic relationship. Current, former, and future PISD parents expect to see Plano ISD excel in academics and statewide instructional leadership, and our community at large deserves to have trustees who have the experience and vision to make the decisions that will help our students achieve as much as possible.

How will you work to ensure that all students—regardless of background, including those in Special Education, the Emergent Bilingual population, or experiencing food insecurity—have access to a quality education?

The District has long been known for welcoming students from all backgrounds, especially in line with the changing demographics in Plano and surrounding areas over the last quarter of a decade. As PISD’s enrollment wanes, it continues this focus on students’ sense of belonging, as evidenced by the new Welcome & Enrollment Center. I will work diligently not only to continue this focus, including by working with community partners and nonprofits to provide PISD families with the resources they need to thrive inside and outside of the classroom, but by working with those families to get a better understanding of where we are succeeding as a district and where we have room for growth and improvement.

Serving on a board of seven leaders requires collaboration and compromise. How do you approach building consensus and working with others who may have different viewpoints?

As a business owner, a mediator, an attorney, a servant on nonprofit boards, and certainly as a spouse and parent, collaboration and compromise are a daily part of my life. I prefer to quietly listen to as many sides as possible and conduct my own research before making a decision on a topic. I usually elicit consensus through a Socratic method of asking questions to examine avenues for resolution or finding creative solutions to merge the best parts of competing ideas on solutions. I am apparently known for my calm and reasoned approach to synthesizing different perspectives into a shared vision that everyone can work toward, and I plan to use that same approach within the Board of Trustees and the broader PISD community.

Given ongoing school funding deficits, what are your views on how the district should prioritize its spending?

The clear focus of all spending must be aimed at student achievement and growth. To succeed in that aim, the District must prioritize spending on instructional resources, including curriculum, supplies, safety, and educator compensation, professional development, and support. It is also incumbent on the district to work with the City and community partners to see where additional resources may be allocated from and how to efficiently distribute them according to the District's priorities.

How do you plan to advocate for and support both students and staff in Plano ISD?

I am not afraid to ask tough questions and give each matter a thorough examination to ensure it is in the best interest of PISD students. Likewise, I will speak candidly and openly when working with legislators on behalf of the District to emphasize the need for more funding and resources for our public schools. As my wife was a teach and counselor in a neighboring school district for 16 years, I am also keenly aware of the challenges facing our teachers every day on campus. I firmly believe that advocating for the District's staff IS advocating for our students, and that you cannot have strong schools without strong faculty and staff. For this reason, I will continue to emphasize the importance of recruiting and retaining great teachers, incentivizing them appropriately to encourage enthusiasm and happiness, and including educators in developing ideas to keep Plano ISD as a district where great teachers want to stay.

PTAs’ mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. How would you support this mission as a trustee?

Communication - true two-way communication - is the best way I can think of to support PTAs' mission. PTAs serve a very important role in fostering communication between the District and families. I support programs aimed at working with families on how to productively interact with the District to voice concerns, seek remedies for problems, and initiate dialogue on behalf of their children. Similarly, though, I will work with the District to review its communication policies and ensure that the District is not only communicating with families, but doing so effectively.

Response received: 4/6/2025 10:23pm

Campaign Contact: https://www.nancyhumphrey.org

Occupation & Educational Background:
Retired; Bachelors and Masters Degree in Accounting; Minor Computer Audit

What is your experience in Plano ISD?
• Nearly 15 yrs on the PISD Board of Trustees; elected by my peers to serve as President, Vice President, & Secretary for 4 yrs., 4 yrs., & 2 yrs., respectively. • Served as chair of Board Audit Committee 10 yrs., on Legislative Subcommittee for 13 yrs., Head Start liaison 5 yrs., liaison to Cities of Richardson & Plano for nearly 15 & 8 yrs., respectively. • Member of Richardson Chamber of Commerce, representing the Board. • Testified several times over the years in Austin about transparency in taxation relating to Recapture & for School Health & Safety. • Represented the Board in several local media press conferences & on Inside Texas Politics, as well as in Dallas Observer, Community Impact, & Texas Observer relating to school finance, parent rights, & advocating for public education funding. • 16 years in leadership roles of PTA/PTSA at Stinson ES, Murphy MS, Otto MS, Williams HS, PESH. • Received Honorary Lifetime Member Award in 2006 & Extended Service Award in 2012.

What motivated you to run for the position of school board trustee? Was there a specific issue or experience that inspired your decision?
Recognized as a leader in PTA, people asked me to run for an open seat in 2010. I knew the district, worked with principals & district leaders, felt equipped & was passionate about education. Today, nearly 15 years later, I’m energetically committed to serve 4 more years to ensure PISD provides the best academic choices & opportunities for ALL students in Plano ISD to ensure at least one year’s growth per school year & life readiness upon graduation. Important areas to grow are advanced math pathways & career & technology courses. I’ll continue to have a keen eye on the PISD budget. I’ll approve support for our teachers & staff through prof. dev., leadership training, & career growth opportunities. I’ll continue to advocate in Austin for funding public schools, Transparency in taxation, & a fair accountability system. My goal is to ensure Plano ISD remains the District of Excellence for which it is known, listening, learning, & leading with heart to build an even better Plano ISD.

What aspects of your background and experience do you believe will contribute to your effectiveness as a school board member?
My near 15 yrs on the Board provide unmatched experience, like: • Accounting/audit expertise ensures responsible fiscal stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars • Conduct annual “data digs” to understand student academic outcomes • In 2015, co-wrote the local CCA Policy to limit bond maturities to 20 years •Appointed community members to Bond Task Force (2016/2022), Strategic Roadmap, & Long Range Facility Plan • Attended 100s of hrs of required training • Worked w/ board, admin, & city to create School Marshal prgm • Valuable relationships w/legislators • Relationship w/ local business leaders yielded programs in PISD • Advocated in eight legislative sessions • In 2023, helped fix HB2, preserving hold-harmless protection for PISD’s newly issued bonds to prevent tax hikes for taxpayers • In 2010, caught what could have been a costly error in a bond refunding • Worked w/ the City of Plano on the TIF • Helped negotiate the 2nd Ch 313 Agreement with TI • Mediation with Fine Arts Center lawsuit

In your opinion, what does the community envision for the future of our schools?
I can put my parent hat on, as both of my children went K-12 in the PESH feeder pattern. We intentionally moved to PISD for the schools (like many others) for its rigorous curriculum, wide range of fine arts & sports opportunities, & AP & IB courses that would prepare them for day one at a college campus. Both excelled academically in college & now thrive in their desired fields, which I attribute largely to PISD. I’m out in the community often, & I know collectively, first, they want a safe & welcoming environment. They want to know the tax dollars they send to PISD are spent wisely for the benefit of students, programs, & teacher pay. They want state of the art technology & buildings their children are proud to attend every day. They want to know their teachers are exemplary & are paid fairly. They want opportunities to have their voices heard when they have concerns. Above all, they want their child to succeed and achieve their highest academic potential to be life ready.

How will you work to ensure that all students—regardless of background, including those in Special Education, the Emergent Bilingual population, or experiencing food insecurity—have access to a quality education?
Ensuring ALL students receive a quality education starts with investing in highly effective teachers through professional development, coaching, & data-driven practices. We use tiered interventions (RTI) to address academic & behavioral needs. A District Support Team focuses on high-need campuses, while GroweLab measures coaching impact. MAP assessments help teachers adjust rigor for students, including Special Education, Emergent Bilingual, or food-insecure students. We also prioritize family engagement via multilingual programs & open feedback channels. As a Board, we hold “data digs” to pinpoint achievement gaps, set high standards, & use zero-based budgeting to target resources—like Special Education services, bilingual programs, & free/reduced meals—where they’re needed most. Our goal is equity over mere equality, so every student can thrive. As all this takes financial resources, our board takes advocacy in Austin very seriously & encourages lawmakers to fully fund education.

Serving on a board of seven leaders requires collaboration and compromise. How do you approach building consensus and working with others who may have different viewpoints?
It starts with knowing your colleagues; what their priorities are & how they shine. Consensus is working together to collaborate on a solution. For example, the School Marshal program took a lot of consensus building, but we all got there by analyzing facts, data, & taking the needs of the campuses as priority. We may not have started at the same place, but we arrived at what I believe is a model program for Texas. In 2010, I, a newcomer, was appointed to the subcommittee reviewing Board Operating Procedures & successfully advocated for allowing public input on non-agenda items—aligning our district with most others in Texas. Although initially met with opposition, I helped collaborate on a procedure ultimately approved by a six-to-one vote. Our district’s stakeholders deserve a voice, & this measure supports that goal. It requires earnest listening & mutual respect--even amid disagreements—to arrive at the best decision for all stakeholders entrusted to us by the community to make.

Given ongoing school funding deficits, what are your views on how the district should prioritize its spending?
My years on the board have deepened my understanding of district spending & school finance. I’ve approved numerous budgets & collaborated with internal & external auditors—who consistently issue unmodified opinions. My expertise in financial accounting & auditing has proven invaluable to the district over time. PISD’s budget is lean & uses zero-based budgeting. With funding shortfalls, we are actively advocate In Austin for an increase in the basic allotment. As demographics change, 38% of PISD students are low income, requiring targeted support. We must allocate resources to classrooms based on need, not just per capita. I will continue to: • Support effective resource allocation to boost student achievement & close learning gaps • Prioritize classroom funding for teacher pay, student support, & supplies • Uphold responsible fiscal stewardship of taxpayer dollars • If faced with no fund balance, only cut low-dem& programs & further right-size the district with LRFP.

How do you plan to advocate for and support both students and staff in Plano ISD?
I have a long track record of advocating in Austin for Plano ISD students & staff. I helped create Taxparency in 2015 to promote transparency in taxation related to Recapture & testified before House Ways & Means during the 88th session. Before the 89th session, I testified before the Senate Interim Committee on Health & Safety to request increased funding for underfunded ($8M) Marshal Program. Our Legislative Subcommittee: Met with House Pub Ed Chmn. Buckley to advocate for teacher pay, special education, safety & security, & funding for more counselors & social workers. • Met with all local delegation members ahead of session to push for funding that supports the educational services our community expects We’re engaging members of the community to be advocates through Raise Your H& Texas, as well as our Leadership & Ambassador Program. We are actively tracking education bills. I’ll return to Austin on April 9–11 to continue advocacy & expect to testify again before session’s end.

PTAs’ mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. How would you support this mission as a trustee?
For the better part of 10 years, I served as Board liaison to the PTA, and I fully support PTAs mission. The Plano ISD mission is: “Our Plano ISD learning community will educate, inspire and empower every student to activate their unique potential in a dynamic world.” You may refer online and find our board Core Beliefs, but number one is: “ALL students are at the heart of our decisions.” Board members take an oath of office to defend the laws of the U.S. & Texas and uphold the U.S. Constitution. We also commit to ethical standards in our Operating Procedures—promising to serve ALL students and citizens of the district. The PTA is our district’s primary partner, and our missions are deeply aligned. I will continue to honor that partnership and my duty to represent every student and family with integrity, dedication, and a clear focus on student success and parent engagement.

Response received: 4/10/2025 11:13am

Campaign Contact: harperforpisd@gmail.com

Occupation & Educational Background:

Data Engineer

What is your experience in Plano ISD?

I'm a parent of a 2nd grader and a Kindergartner

What motivated you to run for the position of school board trustee? Was there a specific issue or experience that inspired your decision?

The school closings. I looked into the way the process was done, and was unsatisfied with the rigor it displayed. Especially given the gravity of these decisions.

What aspects of your background and experience do you believe will contribute to your effectiveness as a school board member?

My data engineer background gives me the ability to independently analyze situations. I can do analysis myself instead of being handed conclusions and being told they "data driven."

In your opinion, what does the community envision for the future of our schools?

For my whole live, the only appropriate path for education has been K-12, then 4 or more years of college. This is something that is changing. Technology has allowed us to become more efficient at education, and more efficient in the workplace. That changes the whole landscape. I'm excited to see the vocational education we'll be able to provide with the CTE center, and I think the future will be integrating that mindset into the schools directly.

How will you work to ensure that all students—regardless of background, including those in Special Education, the Emergent Bilingual population, or experiencing food insecurity—have access to a quality education?

The way to accomplish this is to make sure we have independent analysis that focuses specifically on this intent. This is where the closure of Forman is a serious problem. It's the only school in the district with *universal* free breakfast. Not just free or reduced vouchers - universal. It has over 200 kids that walk to school. Putting those kids on busses will prevent them from walking to school at a time where breakfast is served and instead get them to school as the bell is about to ring. This is going to prevent some kids from getting what might be their best meal of the day.

Serving on a board of seven leaders requires collaboration and compromise. How do you approach building consensus and working with others who may have different viewpoints?

The key part here is that it needs to be done in public. Consensus between individual board members and the district is not something that should happen before open meetings, but in them.

Given ongoing school funding deficits, what are your views on how the district should prioritize its spending?

The district does zero based budgeting each year, which means that it rebuilds the budget from the ground up. At the same time, almost no programs of any kind get cut. It isn't realistic that we have a 100% hit rate on these programs. This is where more careful, intentional oversight by the board comes into play. We need a method for evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, and the return on our investment that we are getting from the.

How do you plan to advocate for and support both students and staff in Plano ISD?

The most important thing we can do for this advocacy is education about state and national issues that effect them. They need to know the importance of some of the dire issues we face, and how to make their voices heard. 1000s of constituents pushing for an outcome makes a much bigger difference than a few people physically being in Austin.

PTAs’ mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. How would you support this mission as a trustee?

I believe this boils down to oversight. It's the duty of the board to provide critical feedback from the public to the district. That doesn't mean having a relationship with the district that has animosity or distrust. This means having a relationship with the district where both sides are comfortable with being completely transparent.

Response received: 4/1/2025 3:42am

Campaign Contact: https://www.elisaforplano.com/

Occupation & Educational Background:

Occupation: Chief Creative Office at MKC Create, Texas Tech University - Masters in Public Policy and Administration, BBA in Management Information Systems, Southern Methodist University - UX Design Certificate

What is your experience in Plano ISD?

Plano ISD Education Foundation Executive Board Member (Vice President, Vice Secretary, SKI Plano Chair) Plano ISD Academy High School (VP Programs, VP Membership) Mathews Elementary School (President) Graduate of Leadership Plano Class 38 Plano ISD Counseling & Social Work Services Advisory Council Texas PTA Life Member Award (2020)

What motivated you to run for the position of school board trustee? Was there a specific issue or experience that inspired your decision?

Our District, along with the rest of the state’s districts, is currently at a crossroads with the legislature deciding whether vouchers will become our new reality. This is the time to vote for candidates like myself that are in support of public education and can make an impact at the local level. As a lifelong Plano resident, PTA mom, business owner, PISD graduate, and dedicated volunteer, I am deeply passionate about advocating for public education. Every student deserves a voice, and I am committed to serving our students, teachers, and families with dedication and compassion. Plano has evolved significantly, with one in four residents born outside the United States. This diversity brings new challenges, but also opportunities. I have grown alongside Plano and am prepared to make the tough decisions necessary for the betterment of our district.

What aspects of your background and experience do you believe will contribute to your effectiveness as a school board member?

Professional Expertise: As the Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of MKC Create, I have honed skills in business strategy, contract negotiation, and project management. These skills are invaluable for navigating the complexities of school board operations and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Advocacy for Public Education: My passion for public education is evident through my ten years of service in the Plano PTA, where I have held positions from room parent to President. I have also been recognized with the Texas PTA Life Member Award and have operated PTA budgets in surplus. My dedication to public education ensures that I will prioritize policies that promote academic excellence and mental health support. Diverse Perspective: Plano's diversity, with one in four residents born outside the United States, brings both challenges and opportunities.

In your opinion, what does the community envision for the future of our schools?

Our community wants our students to be prepared for whatever comes next after they graduate. This could be college or a career. Regardless, our schools need to remain competitive when it comes to college and career readiness, so I support continuing to grow our options for our students with programs like the creation of the CTE center and the Engineering Academy at Plano West. Our community expects for PISD to continue to provide a stellar public education for all students.

How will you work to ensure that all students—regardless of background, including those in Special Education, the Emergent Bilingual population, or experiencing food insecurity—have access to a quality education?

I believe every student deserves a chance to shine, no matter their background or abilities. To make this happen, I'll support personalized learning, where teachers use different methods and resources to identify each student's unique needs. I'll also advocate for training that helps teachers understand and embrace our students' diverse backgrounds. There are over 82 languages spoken at home in Plano. We also have a growing student population that falls into the economically disadvantaged category so our wrap-around services are highly needed. This is why I support the district’s decision to build a second welcome and enrollment center will help us serve the needs in the East and West side of Plano, ensuring our families have access to what they need. Last, we need to distribute resources fairly and advocate for funding to support underserved populations.

Serving on a board of seven leaders requires collaboration and compromise. How do you approach building consensus and working with others who may have different viewpoints?

Building consensus and working with others who have different viewpoints is essential for effective leadership and this is my approach. I focus on finding solutions that benefit the students and the community. By keeping the common goal in mind, it becomes easier to navigate differences and work towards consensus. I prioritize listening to understand the perspectives and concerns of my fellow board members. This helps in identifying common ground. I will foster an environment where open and respectful dialogue is encouraged. I approach discussions with empathy, valuing each member's viewpoint and respecting their experiences and expertise. I am willing to adapt my stance when necessary, understanding that collaboration often requires flexibility to achieve the best outcomes. I will invest time in building strong relationships with my fellow board members, which helps in understanding their perspectives better and facilitates smoother collaboration.

Given ongoing school funding deficits, what are your views on how the district should prioritize its spending?

We should prioritize spending by focusing on areas that directly impact student learning, teachers in the classroom, and health and safety. 1. Ensure core academic programs are well-funded to maintain high educational standards including investing in quality teaching materials, updated technology, and professional development for educators. 2. Allocate resources to safety & support services such as the marshal program, counseling, mental health programs, and special education. 3. Prioritize equitable distribution of resources to ensure all students, regardless of their background, have access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. 4. Strengthen partnerships with local organizations and businesses to supplement funding through grants, donations, and collaborative programs. 5. Implement cost-saving measures and innovative solutions: streamlining administrative processes, exploring alternative funding sources, and investing in long-term sustainability projects.

How do you plan to advocate for and support both students and staff in Plano ISD?

I will advocate for competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and resources that empower our teachers to excel in their roles. I will advocate for our legislators to fully fund schools. The state's share of funding has decreased over the past decade, putting more pressure on local districts to make up the difference.

PTAs’ mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. How would you support this mission as a trustee?

As a longtime resident, PTA mom, business owner, and dedicated volunteer, I bring a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to this role. My priorities include enhancing educational programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility, supporting our teachers, and fostering a safe environment for all students and staff. I am passionate about advocating for policies that promote academic excellence, mental health support, and community engagement. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children and our community. I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the PISD Board and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.

Response received: 4/4/2025 1:24pm

Campaign Contact: DashForPlano.com

Occupation & Educational Background:
I have extensive experience in education and analytics consulting, specializing in improving school systems through data-driven strategies. Currently, I work for an education nonprofit across Texas, where I support policy, advocacy, and programs aimed at improving student outcomes. Our work involves setting clear goals and establishing performance standards to ensure that these programs are successful and impactful. I hold a PhD in Statistics, a Master’s in Mathematics, and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering.

What is your experience in Plano ISD?
I bring a deep understanding of Plano ISD from the inside out. I served as an employee in the district for 15 years, where I was responsible for school improvement and accountability. During my tenure, I visited every campus in Plano multiple times, observed hundreds of teachers in classrooms, and led Professional Learning Communities (focused on using data to drive instructional decisions and accelerate student growth. My work has always centered on one goal: helping schools use data not just for compliance—but to improve teaching, learning, and student outcomes. I am uniquely positioned to help Plano ISD evolve into a next-generation district that continues to lead with innovation, excellence, and equity.

What motivated you to run for the position of school board trustee? Was there a specific issue or experience that inspired your decision?
I’m running for the Plano ISD School Board because I believe in a brighter future for our schools and our community. Together, we can ensure our children receive the very best education—one that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and character to thrive in an ever-changing world. Plano ISD has long been recognized as one of the best school districts in Texas—and even the country. We have strong foundations to build on: from outstanding SEL and counseling programs, to robust student support services, modern facilities, and responsible financial management. But now is the time to look ahead. We must plan not just for the next few years, but for the next 10 to 20 years. That means being bold in our vision—offering more choices for families, attracting talented educators and principals, and embracing innovation to ensure Plano ISD continues to lead as a next-generation school district.

What aspects of your background and experience do you believe will contribute to your effectiveness as a school board member?
I’m passionate about data-driven improvement, educational equity, and preparing our district for the future. I understand how district systems operate, and I bring both the experience and vision needed to help Plano ISD remain one of the top-performing school districts in the nation—while evolving to meet the needs of the next generation. Today, I work across the state to drive education policy, practice, and innovation, ensuring that students grow both academically and socially-emotionally. Plano ISD already has strong systems in place to support Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and student well-being, and my background allows me to build on that foundation—ensuring those supports are tightly aligned to high expectations for student learning and achievement.

In your opinion, what does the community envision for the future of our schools?
In my opinion, the community envisions a future where Plano ISD continues to lead—not just in academic excellence, but in innovation, equity, and opportunity for all students. Our families want schools that prepare students for success in a changing world—where they graduate with strong academic skills, critical thinking, real-world readiness, and a deep sense of character and citizenship. The community values our tradition of excellence, but also understands that we must adapt and innovate to stay ahead. That means offering more choices and pathways for students, supporting teacher excellence, and investing in systems that promote whole-child development, including social-emotional growth and mental health support. Above all, the community wants a school system that listens, engages, and acts—with transparency, accountability, and a shared commitment to every child’s success.

How will you work to ensure that all students—regardless of background, including those in Special Education, the Emergent Bilingual population, or experiencing food insecurity—have access to a quality education?
The performance gap in Plano ISD is deeply concerning. As the number of students from challenged academic backgrounds grows, we must acknowledge the challenge—and then take decisive action. Today, high performance among certain student groups is masking lower outcomes among others. As trustees, it is our responsibility to speak honestly about these disparities and shine a light on the areas that need improvement. We cannot solve what we are unwilling to see. Addressing these gaps means taking bold, focused steps, including: Investing in targeted supports, strengthening inclusive practices, providing wraparound services, using data to uncover disparities and drive continuous improvement, holding ourselves accountable for real outcomes, and empowering educators with the training, resources, and time they need to meet students’ needs. When we design systems that lift up our most vulnerable students, we build a stronger, more resilient, and more successful district for every child.

Serving on a board of seven leaders requires collaboration and compromise. How do you approach building consensus and working with others who may have different viewpoints?
I will lead with a mindset that always puts students first. While we may have different perspectives, our goals are aligned: doing what’s best for students, staff, and the entire community. My approach to building consensus is grounded in data, transparency, and trust. I will listen actively, seek common ground, and work to find solutions that reflect the diverse needs of our community, all while upholding our district’s core values. Disagreement doesn’t have to lead to division. I am committed to being a board member who leads with integrity, collaborates with purpose, and consistently puts the needs of students at the forefront of every decision.

Given ongoing school funding deficits, what are your views on how the district should prioritize its spending?
Spending decisions must always reflect our commitment to equity and excellence, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes directly to the academic success and well-being of students. At the same time, we must strategically invest in systems and programs that deliver the highest return on investment. One of the biggest challenges in Plano ISD is teacher and principal retention. Retaining our best educators is essential, and a top priority. Plano ISD has left over $8 million in unspent teacher bonus funding, which could have provided a $13,000 bonus for a teacher at Barron. My goal is to bring strategic thinking to budgeting, prioritizing students and teachers. We must be strategic in finding efficiencies and seeking alternative revenue sources (partnerships, grants, or community). One of my first actions as a trustee will be to request a plan to assess programs that are not delivering high outcomes. We need to ensure that every program we fund is achieving measurable results.

How do you plan to advocate for and support both students and staff in Plano ISD?
This highest responsibility for a trustee is being an advocate for students, teachers, and staff in Plano. I will fulfill this by ensuring that the district's policies, resources, and strategies are aligned and if necessary revising policies to align this work. The areas that I will advocate are (1) quality education for all students that guide the district toward achieving academic success, (2) supporting teachers and staff with resources, professional development, and fair compensation, (3) strategic and wise allocation of resources to support educational programs, staffing, facilities, and other critical services, (4) creating a safe and collaborative environment for students and staff, and most importantly (5) holding the district accountable to monitor district performance and ensure accountability through data, and feedback. By focusing on these responsibilities, trustees play a critical role in advocating for and supporting both students and staff within Plano ISD.

PTAs’ mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. How would you support this mission as a trustee?
Plano ISD Council of PTAs plays a critical role in the success of our schools. During my 15 years of leading the District Improvement Committees, I worked proactively to include the Council of PTAs and the community in the decision-making process. As a trustee, I will continue to support the PTA’s vision by ensuring that we achieve the outcomes we set together. I am an advocate for a data-driven culture, where we set clear goals, establish performance standards, and create strategies to ensure these goals are met. These include Engagement with families and the larger community, Ensuring every student and every school has sufficient resources, Making sure programs and services are accessible to all students in every school, and most importantly, ensuring that these efforts lead to student success. The Plano ISD PTA is essential to the success of our district, and advocating for PTA goals is simply the right strategy to ensure the success and well-being of every student in Plano ISD.