Cheryl “Cheri” Ann Ettinger, 65, is a realtor and small business owner.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I’m a San Antonio resident running for NEISD District 7. I have a background in real estate, construction, and working directly with families during major life decisions. For the past eight years, I’ve helped people buy, sell, and improve their homes, which has given me strong experience in budgeting, problem-solving, and advocating for others. At the core, I’m someone who values accountability, clear communication, and doing what’s right for the people I serve. That’s what I want to bring to this role—practical leadership focused on students and families.
Please describe the relevant work experience you bring to this job and any endorsements voters should note.
My work requires me to manage contracts, negotiate, and guide people through high-stakes decisions. I’m used to asking hard questions, reviewing details, and making sure people are protected. That translates directly to a school board role—where decisions impact students, families, and taxpayers. I’m also actively talking with parents and community members across the district. My campaign is built on those conversations and understanding what families actually want from their schools.
Why did you decide to seek this office and how you would approach the role?
I’m running because parents want more transparency, stronger academics, and a voice in decisions that affect their kids. My approach is simple—listen first, ask questions, and make decisions based on facts and what’s best for students. I’m not here to push an agenda. I’m here to represent the community. If something doesn’t make sense, I’ll ask about it. If something needs to be improved, I’ll address it. That’s the kind of leadership I believe people are looking for.
How would you solicit input and feedback from constituents?
I plan to stay accessible and consistent. That means town halls, small group meetings, and being available to parents and staff. I also believe in direct communication—text, email, and social platforms where people can actually reach me. Most importantly, I’ll ask for input before decisions are made, not after. People should feel heard, not ignored.
What do you see as the biggest challenges your school district is facing and what strategies would you want to implement as solutions?
The biggest challenge is trust—families want clarity on what’s being taught, how decisions are made, and how money is spent. We also need to stay focused on academics—reading, math, and preparing students for real opportunities. My focus would be on transparency, responsible budgeting, and making sure policies support safe, effective learning environments. If we stay focused on fundamentals and communication, we can move the district in the right direction.
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