Candidate Questionnaire

List your participation in CSISD school and/or district parent clubs, volunteer organizations, business partnerships or committees (any years)

• 2024-2025 CSHS Cougar Club President
• 2023-2024 CSHS Cougar Club President Elect
• 2020-2023 Superintendent of Schools
• 2016-2020 Chief Financial Officer/Deputy Superintendent
• 2013-2023 CSISD Education Foundation Celebrity Chef
• 2011-2016 Principal, College Station High School
• 2007-2011 Principal, Rock Prairie Elementary

Include any other areas you have supported CSISD not included in the previous question:

2020-2023 Superintendent of Schools - College Station Noon Lions Club, Brazos Valley Council of Governments, B/CS Chamber of Commerce Board - Ex Officio, Future Ready Superintendents Leadership Network (Texas Association of School Administrators), Superintendent Leadership Program - The Holdsworth Leadership Program, SXSW EDU Presenter 2022

List any local organizations in which you currently participate:

 

Considering your background, skills, and talent, what positive contribution would you make as a member of the Board of Trustees?

As a former superintendent with over three decades in public education—including 16 years right here in College Station ISD—I will bring a deep understanding of how our schools operate and what it takes to help them thrive. I’ve served as a principal, CFO, deputy superintendent, and ultimately superintendent, and each role has shaped my commitment to student success and community partnership.

I know how to lead strategically. I’ve guided CSISD through long-term planning processes such as the CSISD Strategic Plan developed in 2021 and helped secure over $78 million (AMCHS, Cypress Grove, Pebble Creek, Southwood Valley, and Tiger Swim renovations, and CTE Center Phase 1) in bonds to improve facilities and technology.

One of the most impactful initiatives I helped lead as Superintendent was the successful passage of a Tax Ratification Election (TRE) in 2022. This voter-approved measure allowed CSISD to retain a portion of its compressed tax rate, generating an additional $5 million in revenue directed entirely toward increasing teacher and staff pay—without raising the overall tax rate compared to previous years.

Also during my tenure as superintendent, we recognized the urgent need for significant facility improvements and commissioned VLK Architects to conduct a comprehensive Facilities Condition Assessment. This report was presented to the Board of Trustees in February 2023, alongside the formation of a Long Range Facilities Planning Committee. After months of collaborative work, that committee ultimately recommended a $350 million bond proposal to the board in May 2023.

Most importantly, I’m deeply invested in this community. My wife teaches at College Station High School, and both of our children are proud products of CSISD. I believe in public education, and I want to continue serving the district that has given so much to my family.

As a trustee, I’ll bring experience, integrity, and a student-centered focus to every decision. I’m ready to listen, collaborate, and help shape a future where every child in CSISD continues to have the opportunity to succeed.

What are the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees?

The Board of Trustees serves as the cornerstone of public education governance. They are entrusted with shaping the educational experience for all students in their district through setting the vision, establishing priorities, and ensuring accountability.

At the heart of their responsibilities is the development of a clear vision for student success. Trustees should work together to define goals that reflect the community’s values and aspirations, and monitor progress toward those goals through regular review of academic and financial data.

One of the board’s most critical duties is hiring and evaluating the superintendent who is charged with implementing the board’s vision and managing the district’s operations. Trustees should ensure the superintendent is held accountable for results by providing guidance and oversight.

The board also controls the district’s financial health. Trustees adopt the annual budget, set the local tax rate, and make decisions about bonds and long-term investments.

Policy-making is another key function. Trustees establish policies that govern everything from curriculum standards to student discipline. These policies form the framework within which the district operates.

Equally important is the board’s role as a bridge between the district and the community. Trustees should listen to parents, teachers, staff, and taxpayers, and foster open communication.

Ultimately, the Board is about leadership, vision, and service. It’s a role that demands integrity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the success of every child.

What role does the Board play in contributing to student success?

The Board plays a vital role in student success by creating the conditions that allow learning to flourish. Their impact begins with setting a clear vision for what students should achieve and continues through policies that support strong instruction, safe schools, and opportunities.

They hire and oversee the superintendent, ensuring leadership stays focused on the learning environment and student success. Through careful budgeting, they direct resources to programs and services that make a difference in classrooms. Trustees also monitor progress and adjust strategies when needed.

By engaging with teachers, staff, families and the community, the board builds trust and ensures that decisions reflect local values. In short, while trustees don’t teach students directly, their leadership shapes the environment in which every student can succeed.

What are CSISD's strengths, and how would you continue to foster those strengths as a trustees?

College Station ISD is a district defined by excellence, driven by its exceptional teachers and staff who bring dedication, care, and professionalism to their work every day. Their commitment creates a learning environment where students are supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

The district also excels in personalized instruction, innovative technology integration, and strong extracurricular programs, including fine arts, athletics, and career and technical education. CSISD has a history of ensuring all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

Another key historical strength is the district’s strong partnership with parents and the broader community. CSISD has traditionally actively engaged families and collaborated with local businesses, higher education institutions, and civic organizations to enrich student experiences and strengthen school-community connections.

As a trustee, fostering these strengths means advocating for policies and procedures that support educators and ensuring staff have the time and tools they need to thrive. It also involves supporting strategic goals and maintaining open communication with families and community partners. By supporting the people, programs, and relationships that make CSISD great, trustees help ensure the district continues to grow and serve all students.

What challenges does CSISD currently face, and what are the possible solutions to address those issues?

College Station ISD is navigating a range of challenges that are impacting both classroom experiences and teacher morale.

A major concern is the loss of professional autonomy. Teachers that I have heard from say that district directives often leave little room for creativity or professional judgment, making them feel more like policy enforcers than trusted professionals. This, combined with rising workloads and the feeling of limited support, has led to growing frustration.

There’s also a sense that open dialogue is discouraged. From the conversations being brought to me, many educators feel hesitant to speak up or share ideas, fearing pushback. This culture of silence prevents valuable insights from reaching decision-makers It appears many educators feel increasingly disconnected from decisions that affect their work.

Parents that have reached out to me are expressing similar concerns. They feel left out of the conversation and want more meaningful opportunities to engage with the district. When communication feels one-sided, you risk the erosion of trust.

If elected to the CSISD School Board, I’ll advocate for a culture that values teachers and staff as professionals and parents as partners. Student success depends on strong support systems—both in the classroom and at home. That means listening, trusting, and empowering those closest to our students. I believe in open dialogue, collaborative decision-making, and trust among all stakeholders to ensure the best learning environment for all of our students. I will be committed to the overall well-being of all students, campuses and stakeholders in CSISD.

Candidate Files

• Candidate Filing Packet
• Pre-Election Campaign Finance Report (30th day before election)
• Pre-Election Campaign Finance Report (8th day before election)
• Post-Election Campaign Finance Final Report
• Semi-annual Campaign Finance Report
• Semi-annual Campaign Finance Report