Richard Delgado Jr. is a senior community investor at Boeing, a Northside ISD parent and a veteran.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I’ve had the privilege of serving my country and community through military and civic roles, including as Chair for the City of San Antonio’s Veterans Advisory Commission and President-Elect of the Northside Educational Foundation. My commitment to public service began during my time in the military, where I learned the value of leadership, integrity, and community building. My children attend Northside ISD schools, and like many families, I care deeply about the future of our district. I’m running for the Board of Trustees to help address critical issues such as the teacher shortage, learning gaps from COVID, and improving school safety. As someone who’s dedicated to education and public service, I want to be a voice for parents, teachers, and students, ensuring our district remains a place where every child can succeed.
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’ve been deeply involved in the Northside community, serving as PTA President at Myers Elementary and Chair of the Northside School Boundary Advisory Committee. I’ve also been a leader in veterans’ initiatives, helping Texas A&M University- San Antonio become the first Purple Heart University in San Antonio where I spent 15 years at. Additionally, I’ve coached Catholic Youth Sports for over a decade, fostering leadership and teamwork among young athletes. While this is my first run for elected office, I’ve served in many leadership roles that have prepared me to represent our community effectively. My goal is to bring that experience and commitment to the NISD Board of Trustees.
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?
Given the district’s financial challenges, we must focus on protecting classrooms while finding responsible ways to reduce costs. I would prioritize reviewing operational efficiencies, including exploring energy efficiency improvements—such as upgrading outdated systems—and consolidating underutilized services across schools. These actions can help reduce expenses without cutting essential programs or staff. Additionally, fostering partnerships with community organizations and businesses can bring in external support for critical initiatives. Throughout this process, maintaining clear communication with teachers, staff, and families will be key to ensuring everyone is on the same page as we navigate these difficult financial times.
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 biggest challenges for NISD include addressing the ongoing teacher shortage, closing learning gaps from COVID, and ensuring student safety across all campuses. The board should focus on retaining and supporting teachers by providing professional development, reducing unnecessary burdens, and fostering a positive working environment. We must also prioritize programs that address learning loss and invest in the mental health and well-being of both students and staff. Strengthening communication with parents and maintaining transparency in decision-making will be key to navigating these challenges. The board must also plan for potential state funding shortfalls by finding creative solutions that protect classroom resources and sustain the quality of education.
Please list any relevant endorsements in this race.
I know these have become important, but I have not actively pursued them, as my primary focus is on what is best for our students, teachers, and staff. I believe my decisions should be guided by the needs of our community, not influenced by endorsements. I am always open to meaningful conversations with individuals or groups who share the same commitment to our district’s continued success, and I welcome discussions that contribute to the betterment of our public education system.
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