James Hernandez is an education consultant who has served on Edgewood ISD’s Board of Trustees since 2018. He’s currently the board president.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I am Dr. James Hernandez, a 34-year-old educator, researcher, community advocate, and current President of the Edgewood ISD Board of Trustees. I live in the Las Palmas area of Edgewood ISD and have proudly served the district as a trustee for eight years, including two years as Vice President and the last two as Board President.
I earned my Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching from UTSA, a Master of Education from the University of Utah, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University. Professionally, I have served as a public school teacher, STEM educator, college instructor, educational researcher, consultant, and community partner. I currently lead Paragon Praxis Education Consulting and remain actively involved in education and community initiatives throughout San Antonio. My career has centered on expanding educational opportunity, strengthening schools, and helping students succeed.
2. Please describe the relevant work experience you bring to this job and any endorsements voters should note.
I bring eight years of direct school board governance experience, including two years as Vice President and two years as Board President. That experience is complemented by my work as a classroom teacher, STEM educator, researcher, college instructor, consultant, and community leader. I understand education from the boardroom to the classroom.
My professional experience includes teaching technology, engineering and robotics; developing STEM programs; building business and community partnerships; securing grants and resources for students; and conducting educational research.
I am also a Leadership TASB Master Trustee and have received recognition for my work in education, including being named a 2023 H-E-B Excellence in Education School Board finalist and receiving the 2025 Ron Moore Outstanding STEM Educator Award.
I am honored to have received support from respected community leaders, including state Rep. Josey Garcia and Bexar County District Clerk-Elect Christine “Chris” Castillo.
3. Why did you decide to seek this office and how you would approach the role?
I am seeking re-election because I believe Edgewood’s students deserve experienced, stable leadership that keeps improving our schools while preparing the district for the challenges ahead.
After eight years of service, I understand both how far Edgewood has come and how much work remains.
I approach school board service as governance, not micromanagement. Trustees must establish a clear vision, adopt responsible policies and budgets, hold the superintendent accountable for results, and ensure decisions remain focused on students.
My perspective is also shaped by my experience as an educator. I know that policies adopted in the boardroom ultimately affect teachers, students and families in classrooms every day. I will continue asking difficult questions, studying the data, listening to our community, supporting innovation and making decisions based on what will create sustainable opportunities for Edgewood students. My goal is continued improvement, not simply maintaining the status quo.
4. How do you solicit input and feedback from constituents?
Listening to the community is essential to effective school board governance. I seek input by being accessible and present, not only at board meetings, but throughout the community. I attend school and district events, neighborhood and community meetings, student activities and partnership events where I can hear directly from students, parents, employees and residents.
I also communicate through email, social media, individual conversations and meetings with community stakeholders. When major decisions come before the board, I believe trustees should actively seek perspectives from those most affected while also reviewing data, district recommendations and other evidence.
Most importantly, community engagement cannot happen only during elections or when controversy arises. It must be continuous. Even when I disagree with someone’s position, I believe they deserve to be heard and treated respectfully. As Board
President and trustee, I strive to create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and ensure community concerns inform my decision-making.
5. What do you see as the biggest challenges your school district is facing and what strategies would you want to implement as solutions?
Edgewood ISD faces interconnected challenges: declining enrollment, financial pressures, aging facilities, academic achievement gaps, teacher recruitment and retention, and ensuring students are prepared for a rapidly changing workforce. These challenges require long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.
First, we must continue strengthening curriculum and instruction while using student data to identify where additional support is needed. Second, we must recruit, develop and retain excellent educators by creating working conditions where employees feel valued and supported.
Third, declining enrollment requires responsible financial and facilities planning so resources remain focused on students and classrooms.
We must also expand partnerships with colleges, universities, businesses and community organizations to provide students with stronger pathways into college, careers and high-demand fields such as STEM, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Finally, Edgewood must continue rebuilding community confidence by demonstrating measurable results, communicating transparently and showing families that our schools are places where their children can succeed.
