Why Am I Seeking Re-Election?



I am known as a strong, dedicated leader who is passionate about our children, their educational experience, and preparing them for the future. I have served as Board President for the past four years and was Vice President the two years prior. I serve because I have a passion for this District and doing what is best for kids. And I hope to make a difference in the lives of our children. 


This is truly a labor of love for me. I have no political aspirations. Elected board members are not compensated. We all work to care for and protect and support our children, staff and campuses.


North East ISD is fortunate to have a stable and dedicated board, which has enabled the District to prosper. Our board is making positive changes, and I want to continue to work with Dr. Maika and his staff to move the needle and do what is best for children, staff, and the community.


Based on my experience over the past eight years, I know I can help the District address the most important issues we are facing. These include:

  • COVID–19:  In the short term, COVID-19 is at the forefront. I’m proud of the swift action that our District has taken in order to care for our children and staff. We quickly set up 32 sites to provide to-go meals for our children on the first day of school closure. For those children without transportation to a feeding site, our buses will deliver to 41 additional locations. The board approved a resolution to pay all employees during this health crisis. Additionally, we granted the Superintendent authority to develop and implement education continuity plans that include online learning, virtual learning, workbooks/worksheets/packets, and other distance learning programs. In addition, counselors at each high school will be available through a direct line to support all students during this difficult time. 

  • Mental Health: The mental health of our children is of the utmost importance. We added STAN (Student Teacher Assistance Network) Counselors to the Middle Schools. These counselors help students maximize their success emotionally, socially, behaviorally and academically. We will continue to provide our staff with the resources to quickly identify students in crisis. And I will ensure that we provide our students with resources to help them deal with their mental health needs.

    Secondary stress is a real issue for our teachers so we have raised awareness about the Employee Assistance Program. As a result, we have seen a significant increase in services being provided. I will continue to be a strong advocate for this program. 

  • Student Engagement:  Our Board identified a need for ongoing student input to help us make decisions. That is why we implemented Student Voice Committees at each high school campus. Each committee discusses a topic we provide and then sends two representatives to discuss issues with Dr. Maika and myself. We then share those issues with the Board, and it provides insight into our decision making. Our students have very powerful voices, and we have learned so much from them. I will work with Dr. Maika to expand this program next year to include each board member attending one of their campus’s Student Voice committee meetings. The board members would then report out what they had learned in their individual committee meetings. 

  • Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility:  We are living in an ever changing budget environment that constantly challenges the board. Experience and attention to detail are required to ensure employees are compensated fairly and competitively and the district maintains a balanced budget. Since 2015, we have lowered taxes by 12%. I strive to continue to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars.

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