Laura Zapata has been an educator for 26 years and is currently an assistant principal at Edison High School.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
Throughout my career, I dedicated 24 years to teaching and coaching in Harlandale, Edgewood, and SAISD. I have been fortunate to collaborate with exceptional leaders and educators who have been both friends and mentors. Together, we strive to inspire and motivate all students, paving the way for their bright futures. I have come to understand that listening and posing challenging yet significant questions is crucial when facing difficult decisions. If elected, I am dedicated to this approach. My goal is for every student to enjoy a positive experience from the moment they step onto the school bus or walk through the school doors. Achieving this goal necessitates robust support for our teachers, coaches, staff, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers. At Northside ISD, our students deserve nothing less than the best. I will work diligently to ensure that our focus remains on their success, creating an environment where every student can thrive and achieve their potential.
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.
I am a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, where I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, I have participated in delivering meals to seniors in my neighborhood through Meals on Wheels. In my roles as a teacher, coach and administrator, I have worked alongside various organizations to establish partnerships that benefit physical education classes, athletic programs and the student body. Notable collaborations include the YMCA, Walmart, SA Metropolitan HEB, and the San Antonio Public Library. This will be my first time seeking public office.
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?
Budgeting is a significant challenge that school districts have faced over the years. If the state does not raise the basic student allotment to keep pace with inflation, we will need to address some difficult questions and make substantial decisions. I would tackle these issues with transparency and in collaboration with Superintendent John Craft, as well as community and school stakeholders. Closing schools and reducing the number of teachers and staff will be the last resort in my list of actions.
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?
I believe that the budget will present one of the most significant challenges for Northside ISD in the years ahead, alongside issues of school safety and the retention of our teachers and staff. These areas should be prioritized in discussions about the future of Northside. It is essential to create safe and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive, and teachers can teach without distractions from cell phones, social media, or concerns about violence and weapons. By utilizing data and gathering feedback from students, teachers, and parents, we can adopt proactive strategies that will help us maintain the best possible learning environment and promote safe schools.
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