Homer Guevara is a professor of government and economic at Northwest Vista College.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
Prior to teaching at the collegiate level, I spent seven years teaching and coaching in two public-school districts. I was employed as a teacher and coach at both Edgewood ISD (Memorial H.S.) and South San Antonio ISD (West Campus H.S.). I have seen firsthand the opportunities that a strong public education has provided for my family and me, and I want to ensure that those same opportunities are available for
others. That is why I am running to retain my seat on the NISD School Board—to help shape a district that continues to provide high-quality education for future generations. A strong education system not only empowers individuals but also strengthens our workforce, builds responsible citizens, and fosters a community where graduates can return to contribute and make a difference. By investing in our schools, we are investing in the future success and prosperity of our entire community.
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.
It’s my first time running for office. This is my experience:
- Co-Chair, Education and Workforce Development Council, The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, 2019-2021
- Member, Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 2017- 2021
- Edgewood ISD Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee, 2021-2024.
- Board of Trustees, CPS Energy, 2009-2019. I represented San Antonio’s southwest quadrant and served as Chairman of the Board in 2013 and 2014.
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? Where should the district turn to save money if needed?
I am committed to working with the rest of the board and our superintendent in retaining
all teachers and staff and not closing any campuses considering a budget shortfall. Closing schools as a quick fix for budget issues may not lead to significant cost savings and can have negative consequences for students and communities. We are currently working on the upcoming budget with ideas to streamline certain areas in the hopes of reducing our budget by an estimated $39 million. We are looking to streamline Central Office operations and working to evaluate the following: Programs
and positions initially added with ESSER funds; Overtime and Compensatory time: Contracted Surveys; Elementary School staffing ratio adjustments; Middle School staffing ratio adjustments; High School staffing ratio adjustments ; Initiating a hiring freeze; scaling back Summer school; and considering travel in-state only unless approved by the deputy superintendent.
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?
The support of school bonds in this inflated economy will be key. A recent legislative change is the requirement that all school bond requests include the statement “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” in all caps. Even if it’s not a tax increase, even if it lowers the tax rate, it has to say that. Ways to help with future bond proposals would be to continuously educate taxpayers to let the community know that bond elections do not bring an automatic property tax increase. I see teacher retention as being key during the time that the Texas Legislature has not funded public education fully. I would work to:
- Provide adequate training and development for our teachers to successfully implement district initiatives and goals related to student success.
- Provide professional development programs for our teachers with opportunities to allow teachers to collaborate, innovate, and practice autonomy in their professional learning.
Please list any relevant endorsements in this race.
I have been endorsed by the following:
- Dr. Brian T. Woods, former superintendent, Northside Independent School District
- Dr. John Folks, former superintendent, Northside Independent School District
- Northside ISD’s local chapter of the Association of Texas Professional Educators
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