Erlinda Lopez-Rodriguez is a chair and professor at the University of the Incarnate Word.
Please tell voters about yourself.
I am Dr. Erlinda Lopez Rodriguez, 51 years old, a lifelong educator and advocate for equitable access to quality education. With a background in clinical practice, and over two decades of experience in higher education leadership, I currently serve as the Director of Health Professions Initiatives/Wellness in Academic Affairs and Chair of Human Performance at the University of the Incarnate Word. I’ve dedicated my career to building pipelines for student success—especially in underserved communities—and am passionate about preparing the next generation of leaders. I’m running because I believe every child deserves a strong foundation built on academic rigor, inclusion, and support. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the transformative power of education and want to ensure all students have the same opportunity to thrive.
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 not previously run for elected office. My community work includes leading interprofessional health mission trips, creating summer camps for underserved high school students, and serving on the leadership team for the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions. I regularly collaborate with school districts and community partners to support students in pursuing careers in healthcare, STEM, and public service. Additionally, I serve on advisory boards related to student wellness and academic access and am committed to building partnerships that strengthen our schools from the ground up.
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?
I would begin with a thorough analysis of the current budget to identify inefficiencies while protecting student-facing services. Transparent communication with stakeholders—including teachers, parents, and staff—is essential to making difficult decisions together. I would prioritize maintaining classroom excellence and student support while exploring creative partnerships with universities, nonprofits, and local businesses. Consolidating administrative functions and investing in cross-trained personnel may help preserve resources. I do not support closing campuses or laying off teachers without exhausting all alternatives and engaging the community in every step of the process.
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?
Our biggest challenge will be balancing academic recovery with long-term educational equity. We must address learning gaps while also modernizing our curriculum to prepare students for a changing world. Teacher retention, mental health support, and access to academic resources are pressing issues that must remain central. The board should focus on transparency, building trust with families, and using data to drive equitable decision-making. We must uplift both college and career readiness while creating an inclusive environment where every student is seen and supported.
Please list any relevant endorsements in this race.
I am honored to be supported by colleagues in education, public health, and community members. I have received endorsements from academic and community leaders, including faculty from the University of the Incarnate Word, members of the Health Professions Advising Council, and service-learning advocates who have partnered with me on student success initiatives.
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