Richard Santoyo is a retired San Antonio firefighter who was first appointed to the board of managers by the state in 2016, and later elected as a trustee. He lost reelection to his Place 7 seat in 2024, but was appointed to an opening in Place 3 after trustee Luis Gomez stepped down due to medical reasons in 2025.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I am Richard Santoyo. Born and raised in San Antonio. Product of the Edgewood district. Degree from Stanford University from 1979. Served in the San Antonio Fire Department 30 years. Retired and still reside in EISD.
2. Please describe the relevant work experience you bring to this job and any endorsements voters should note.
Served on EISD school board of managers during the Texas Education Agency takeover in 2016. Have been on the EISD board off and on for the past 10 years. Serving now as an appointee filling the term of Mr. Luis Gomez for the last year.
3. Why did you decide to seek this office and how you would approach the role?
I seek the seat on the board because I have remained involved with issues that have impact on the school district and focus on the students.
4. How would you solicit input and feedback from constituents?
I would like to regularly meet with students and community to listen and exchange ideas and concerns. I Would like to implement a system whereby each board member has an opportunity to engage with all areas incorporated within our boundaries section by section.
5. What do you see as the biggest challenges your school district is facing and what strategies would you want to implement as solutions?
I feel that the school district’s biggest challenge lies in our students attending class. Obviously the monies generated by regular attendance is important. Just as or even more so is the continuous uninterrupted lesson of a teacher. Playing catch up on missed lessons can become insurmountable and discourage not only the absentee but the student who as present awaiting to continue.
Read more
Citing health issues, Edgewood ISD board member resigns 1 year before term ends
