Amanda Poteet is a Judson ISD parent of two and president of her parent teacher organization.

Hear from the candidate

Please tell voters about yourself.

My family’s future is directly tied to the success of this district, which is why I am deeply invested in making it the best it can be—for my children and every student in JISD. As a parent, I see the challenges our schools face firsthand. From underfunded classrooms to teacher retention struggles, I understand what’s at stake. My experience leading our PTO has allowed me to work closely with teachers, staff, and families to advocate for student success, and I am ready to take that commitment to the school board. I believe decisions about our district should be made by those who live here, work here, and have children in our schools. I am running because I want every student to have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive, and I want our teachers to feel supported and valued.

List any previous experience in the community or in the education field, such as participation in parent teacher associations, local boards and commissions or neighborhood associations.

I have been actively involved in Judson ISD as the President of my children’s school Parent Teacher Organization, where I collaborate with teachers, staff, and families to improve the school experience for our students. Through this role, I have worked on fundraising efforts, organized community events, and advocated for better resources in the classroom. Beyond my volunteer work, I have a professional background in human resources, where I gained experience in conflict resolution, team management, and problem-solving. These skills have been invaluable in working with diverse groups of people to address concerns and find solutions—something I believe is essential for serving on the school board. This is my first time running for elected office, but my leadership experience and dedication to our schools have prepared me to step up and serve our district.

If elected, you’ll likely be facing a budget deficit and the possibility of funding hamstrung by the state. How would you approach these issues? Where should the district turn to save money if needed?

Budget challenges require strategic decision-making that prioritizes students and educators. My first approach would be to explore alternative funding sources, such as grants and community partnerships, and to conduct a thorough review of administrative costs and operational efficiencies to identify savings without impacting classrooms. While I do not want to close schools or reduce staff, I recognize that difficult decisions may be necessary in the long run to ensure the district’s financial stability. If tough choices must be made, they should be based on data, community input, and what will ultimately serve our students best. My goal is to make informed decisions that protect the quality of education while ensuring fiscal responsibility. Transparency will be key—I will engage with parents, teachers, and staff to ensure any financial decisions are made with the district’s long-term success in mind.

What do you think the district’s biggest challenges are in the coming years, and what should be the board’s top areas of focus?

One of the biggest challenges facing Judson ISD is financial uncertainty due to unpredictable state funding. Without a stable financial foundation, it becomes harder to invest in teacher retention, student resources, and academic programs—all of which are critical to student success. We must advocate for fair funding while also making responsible financial decisions that prioritize classrooms over bureaucracy. Additionally, teacher retention and student performance remain key areas of focus. We need to ensure competitive salaries and adequate classroom resources so educators feel supported and remain in our district. At the same time, we must work to improve student scores by investing in high-quality curriculum, early intervention programs, and academic support services. The board must take a strategic and transparent approach to financial planning, ensuring every dollar is used efficiently to support teachers, enhance student achievement, and secure Judson ISD’s long-term success.

Please list any relevant endorsements in this race.

While I haven’t been focused on formal endorsements, my priority has been connecting with individuals in the community. I’ve been engaging directly with parents, teachers, and local leaders to listen to their concerns and share my vision for a stronger Judson ISD. The support I’ve received from these conversations has been incredibly valuable, and I’m grateful to everyone who believes in my commitment to our students and teachers.

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This article was assembled by various members of the San Antonio Report staff.