Reveles, age 49, is the communications director for Canutillo Independent School District. He previously worked as a journalist for the El Paso Times and Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The incumbent SBOE member in District 1, Melissa Ortega (D), did not seek reelection.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
My name is Gustavo Reveles and I am a lifelong fronterizo, having been born in El Paso but lived on both sides of the border. I am a journalist by trade but currently serve as a communications director for a school district in El Paso County. I have served on numerous city, county and national boards and committees ranging from the City Plan Commission of El Paso to the Texas School Public Relations Board of Directors.
Describe your educational background and professional experience.
I have a bachelor’s of art in media from the University of Texas at El Paso and was a working journalist for 15 years working in newspapers in El Paso and Fort Worth. I covered public education for more than 10 years and have been working in public education as a communications director since 2010. I have led efforts to support public schools at both the Canutillo and the El Paso independent school districts.
The State Board of Education has the power to approve or veto charter applications. Do you think Texas should expand, limit or maintain the current number of charter schools?
The state should reassess how charter schools are approved and place a moratorium on the expansion of charter programs until the public receives a true assessment of how charter schools are performing, their governance structures and the administrations that manage them.
The SBOE has taken differing approaches to the concept of school vouchers over the years, including taking the action to drop its opposition to vouchers last year. What is your position on the use of public dollars for private or home school education?
Public education is under attack and the proposal to establish vouchers is part of the battle plan. I strongly oppose the use of vouchers, which would further diminish funding for public schools. Instead of diverting much-needed funding from schools and into the hands of wealthy Texans, we should refocus our efforts to help properly fund schools. We also must make sure that voucher funds are not spent on programs led by uncertified teachers.
Why are you seeking this office and why did you decide to be a candidate in the political party you chose?
El Paso and West Texas continue to be a beacon of opportunity for families who choose public education to transform the trajectory of their future. While we continue to show progress, the SBOE insists on erasing the history and impact millions of Texans have had in the establishment and betterment of our state. I want to be an SBOE member who represents the voices of ALL Texans, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, creed, sexual orientation or nationality.
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