Larissa Martinez founded Circle of Arms, a nonprofit that supports the veteran community.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
Hello, my name is Larissa Martinez, and I am a proud San Antonio native. I hold a bachelor of science in information technology with a minor in project management, candidate for masters of legal studies at Texas A&M University School of Law, with a certificate in employment law and human resources, set to graduate in Summer 2025. I am running for NISD District 7 school board trustee because over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our educators face and how important it is to provide them with the tools, respect, and fair compensation they deserve. I’m committed to advocating for mental health resources, supporting our teachers, and working toward greater transparency in decision-making. I am deeply invested in the success of our schools and our community. I want to ensure every student, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and support they need to succeed. I believe I can bring a fresh perspective and work collaboratively to make a positive impact within NISD.
List any previous experience in the community or in the education field.
As a lifelong learner, I’m a strong advocate for education, especially within our public schools. Over the past 10 years, I’ve been actively involved in our community, serving as a PTA Board member to foster family engagement and as part of the NISD Health Advisory Council, where I provide feedback on promoting healthy choices that impact students physically and mentally. I’ve also been appointed to several key commissions, including the Veteran Advisory Commission, the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, and the Citizen Advisory Action Board for Bexar County. These roles have allowed me to participate in meaningful efforts to improve our community. This is my first time running for public office, and I’m excited to bring my passion for service, education, and community to the NISD School Board in District 7.
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?
If elected, I would approach a potential budget deficit with transparency, collaboration, and a focus on prioritizing the needs of our students. First, I’d work closely with district leadership, staff, and the community to identify areas where we can streamline costs without compromising the quality of education. It’s essential that we focus on efficient resource allocation, including looking into administrative expenses and reviewing contracts for potential savings. Because closing campuses or reducing staff should be a last resort, I would ensure we explore all alternatives first, such as consolidating services or seeking additional state and federal funding. I would also advocate for stronger state funding and work with local businesses to build partnerships that could provide additional support. Ultimately, any decision made will prioritize the well-being and success of our students and educators, ensuring that cuts don’t negatively impact their learning environment.
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 district’s biggest challenges in the coming years will likely revolve around maintaining educational quality amid budget constraints, addressing the mental health needs of students and staff, and ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. The board’s top focus should be on securing stable funding and advocating for greater state support to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students. Prioritizing mental health resources and providing wraparound services will be essential to supporting the well-being of both students and educators. Additionally, the board should focus on enhancing educator retention (including custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, etc.) by advocating for fair compensation and professional development opportunities, as well as fostering community engagement to strengthen partnerships that support student success. These areas of focus will ensure the district continues to thrive, even in challenging times, and that every student can achieve their full potential.
Please list any relevant endorsements in this race.
I proudly have the endorsement of the following individual and organizations, and hope that my insight, transparency, and community leadership will allow me future endorsements:
- Melissa Cabello-Havrda, San Antonio District 6 City Councilwoman
- Northside AFT
- San Antonio AFL-CIO Central Labor Council
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