To inform readers about the candidates seeking their votes on the November ballot, the San Antonio Report asked all candidates to answer the following questions. We edited answers for clarity, not substance or grammar, and we did not fact-check responses. We restricted responses to 200 words for each question.
Read other candidates’ answers here.
Position sought:
Southwest ISD trustee
Incumbent?
No.
Link to campaign website:
https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestMyChoice/
Age:
55
What is your educational background? Where did you go to school growing up and what is the highest level of education you completed?
St. John Bosco Catholic School and Graduate of John Jay High School
If you have completed higher education, what degrees or certifications have you earned and from where? In what years did you complete these degrees or certifications?
N/A
What is your current occupation, employer, and job title?
Owner of Rolling Rock Transport, LLC
List any previous elected offices that you held and the term you held that office. List any elected offices you sought and the years you sought those offices.
N/A
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?
I feel I am the best candidate because I have three children currently attending SWISD which gives me the perfect opportunity to be hands-on in our rapidly growing District. I have been involved in the District for the past 12 years by volunteering in many of my children’s activities and committees. My experience as a small business owner and a parent gives me a great understanding and appreciation of some of the challenges our educators and children face. This experience will allow me to be a voice for our students and our community.
What three issues do you feel are most important to your constituents?
1) Safety for Students and Staff 2) Quality Education 3) Tax Dollars being wisely spent
If you are elected, what will be your top priorities once you take office?
My priorities as a Board Trustee will be to listen to our students and community, voice any concerns to our leadership, and be a positive role model so that we may continue to work together for the common good of all students, teachers and staff for generations to come.
For incumbents: What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time in office? Is there any vote or decision you would change now looking back?
N/A
For non-incumbents: Would you do anything differently from the current representative holding the office you’re seeking?
I can bring in new ideas and a fresh perspective.
How do you assess your community college district or school district’s performance during the pandemic and the way it served students?
I sincerely believe that the District went above and beyond its commitment to the health and safety of its students, staff and community. They quickly made changes to the learning environment, providing low and high tech educational tools and devices to all students, including wifi areas for all district-issued devices in preparation for remote learning. The District also swiftly set up a curbside meal distribution plan to provide meals to all students under the age of 18.
How will you approach budgeting for your district given the economic uncertainties? What are your budget priorities you would want to keep intact?
I will approach budgeting for our District by familiarizing myself to our current needs and work with our leadership to make sound decisions. I would like to keep intact the continuous effort on the upgrades of our school facilities which ultimately enhances the learning environment.
How do you plan to work to overcome academic gaps that may have developed or widened during the pandemic?
In order to overcome the academic gap, we must first consider the students’ individual needs and continuously offer the proper assistance via instructional tutoring, counseling, and emotional support. The gap can be narrowed if we keep our lines of communication open between students, parents, teachers and administrators in order to achieve success.
