05/13/2026
It is hard to believe we are reaching the end of another school year. As I look back over the last two years of serving as a school board trustee, I have mixed emotions. When I think locally, I am excited about the direction our district is heading and I’m proud of what has been accomplished over the last two years. When I look at the state of Texas public education as a whole, my excitement dwindles.
Locally, I see a district full of administrators, teachers, and staff who dedicate themselves daily to the children of Abilene. They have bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorates in education and are the experts in their fields. The work tirelessly to ensure the students of our district receive a high-quality educational experience and one that is continuing to improve.
On a state level I see many legislators whose area of expertise is not education, but who are dictating the direction Texas public education is heading. I often see educational decisions by the state being made by someone who has not spent one day being employed by a public school district or working in a classroom.
Locally I see a district that has worked tirelessly to be financially responsible. A district that has moved from a deficit budget to a balanced budget in less than two years. Our community showed their support by passing a Voter Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE) to increase local and state funds to the district. I’ve seen many difficult decisions made, including closing campuses and following a strict hiring matrix, to ensure we are being responsible with the funds entrusted to us.
On a state level I see one billion dollars being funneled away from our struggling public schools to private schools. I see almost $3 billion dollars being taken away from wealthy districts and put into the state’s general fund, rather than ensuring that excess goes back into public education. I see the state only raising the basic allotment by $55 a student last year, when studies showed it needed to be increased by $1000 a student to keep up with inflation. I see the state passing new requirements for things such as school buses and teacher certification but providing no funding to implement these changes.
Locally I see a district that increased the number of students in A-B seats from 6% to 34% in one year. I see a curriculum and instruction department that is passionate about improving our students educational experience and continuing to improve the instruction they receive. I see a group of teachers who show up every day and deliver for their students. I see innovative leaders who are continuing to increase the educational choices our students have.
On a state level I see a one-day test that is used to assess the entire “grade” of our elementary and middle schools and most of the “grade” our high schools receive. When the opportunity arose last year to significantly overhaul the way our public schools are assessed, the state instead choose to triple the number of STAAR tests students take.
Locally I see a huge team dedicated to taking care of our students in and outside the classroom. A nutrition team ensuring students have two free meals available a day. A transportation team making sure thousands of students arrive safely to their destination daily. A special education staff that goes above and beyond to care for students with additional challenges. Social workers and counselors ensuring students’ needs are met outside the classroom. Athletics and fine arts staff providing a well-rounded experience for our students. A facilities crew making sure our students have clean and well-functioning spaces to come to every day.
On a state level I see public education getting dragged into culture wars. Bills being passed to ensure the “safety” of our libraries, requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in every classroom, and forcing school boards to vote on whether to include a time of prayer and scripture reading into every instructional day.
I could go on and on about all the ways AISD and other local school districts are working their tails off every day to ensure the best for our students. Independent school districts and the state should be working in tandem to ensure the best educational experience for every public education student in Texas. Unfortunately, it often feels the state keeps finding new ways to create a difficult uphill path for districts to overcome. A path that is leaving administrators, teachers, and staff feeling exhausted, discouraged, and confused. Despite what the state throws at them, public school educators just keep showing up and serving the children of Texas.
We call it stupid or insane when we continue to do the same thing but expect a different result. We must demand better support from the state if we expect public education to improve in Texas. We rank 46th in the country in per student spending, 33rd in teacher pay and consistently in the bottom half when it comes to overall K-12 education – so there is definitely room for improvement. Either we demand those in control do something different or we replace them with someone who will. I know which way I will be leaning on election day. Our voices matter when it comes to public education and the biggest way to be heard is by casting a vote. I hope those who support public education will be heard loud and clear in November.
Send a message to learn more
