Jose “Joe” Gallegos is challenging Place 2 Trustee Frank Espinosa for a seat on Edgewood ISD’s Board of Trustees. He’s previously run for a seat on the Alamo Colleges board, is retired from law enforcement and leads a nonprofit called Adelante Second Chance.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
My Name is José “Joe” Gallegos, II. I am 73 years old. I am a lifelong resident of San Antonio”s Westside. I attended Public Schools and graduated from Fox Tech High School in 1970/71. I am a recipient of “Hispanics In Education Fellowship”, with a Bachelors of Social Work Degree from Our Lady Of the Lake University, also earning several Post Graduate Degrees.
My professional background is in the areas of Education, Substance Abuse, and Counseling. I retired as an administrator with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Parole Division. I serve as Executive Director of ADELANTE > 2ND CHANCE, a non profit Community Advocacy organization, and a private Community Economic Development Consultant.
I was formally elected to the Bexar Metropolitan Water Board and serve on several professional and civic organizations. As an avowed Catholic I attend St. John Berchman Catholic Church serving on various ministries. I am divorcee, and the proud father of five (5) adult children and four (4) grand children. My hobbies include Tejano Music, Chicano Art, and restoration of old classic cars.
2. Please describe the relevant work experience you bring to this job and any endorsements voters should note.
I am the founder of several youth/student organizations, including coaching youth sports. I am a former Juvenile Probation Officer, and Counselor for Project STAY and Upward Bound Programs.
Adult Probation Officer, Juvenile Probation Officer, youth gang interventionist. State Director of Texas War On Drugs.
I have the endorsement of several former Edgewood ISD board members including: Timothy Payne, Tina Morales, Amanda Gonzalez, Pete Gonzalez Johnny Perez and Manuel Garza.
3. Why did you decide to seek this office and how you would approach the role?
After several low academic Performance ratings (the Last four) years, continued poor student attendance, school closures, and the lack of transparency, and accountability contribute to the probable take over by the state and continued negative image of the Edgewood School District, I felt the responsibility/obligation to get involved in the interest of our district children.
4. How would you solicit input and feedback from constituents?
Have regular district wide community meetings to hear the needs, and concerns of the students, parents, and teachers. Conduct a district wide survey. Engage elected officials and implement the development of an investment partnership with the city. As the city goes, so goes Edgewood: as Edgewood goes, so goes the city’s economic vitality and competitiveness!
5. 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 challenges Edgewood Independent School District continues to face is low student attendance, un acceptable poor academic achievement, 3 years in a row, unjustified high salary of superintendent and executive staff and qualified teacher retention.
