VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am an LHS Alumni, Class of 2006. I graduated from Tarleton State University in 2010 with a degree in Industrial Engineering, and minor in Business, and again in 2017 with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. After graduating college I worked in the oilfield engineering industry for 5 years. In 2015 I became the general manager of our family business, Inman’s BBQ, which has been a staple in Llano for almost 60 years. I manage a 7 figure budget, supervise nearly 30 staff in multiple locations, and have successfully passed all financial audits.

One of the most pressing issues is school funding. The school voucher topic is creating waves of debate on how to appropriately handle school funding. While some of the funding is being held captive, budgeting and finance planning becomes a greater endeavor than anticipated. Staff recruitment and retention is another issue being faced not only locally, but statewide.

Parents are always on the lookout for the safety of their child(ren) and all students. Campus security and the safety of all staff and students is something that cannot be overlooked. Student body average testing scores is another topic that is often brought to my attention. In recent years, open borders have brought a large infiltration of non-English speaking students into not only Llano, but all districts throughout the state. With very limited prior education, these students tend to lower the average of testing scores throughout the district.

I am a Registered Dental Hygienist for 25 years providing care for both children and adults. Llano Chamber of Commerce Director for 5 years has equipped me with invaluable leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Working closely with businesses, community leaders, fostering economic growth and supporting local initiatives. Director on the Board of the Llano Food Panty. As a volunteer teachers assistant at Llano Christian Academy achieving valuable, hands-on experience in understanding the daily needs of students and educators. This experience has deepened my commitment to advocating for educational policies and fostering environments where both students and teachers can thrive.

Llano teachers are paid 7% less than the state average. Teacher shortages and retention. Central administration costs are 7% higher than the state average. At the same time only 47% of the students are at grade level overall. Lack of transparency in providing an open line of communication with taxpayers. Community engagement. School safety. Budget constraints. Taxpayers do not have a voice at the meetings unless they have a child in school. Curriculum content.

Parents are frustrated with the states funding system. Debates over policies like school vouchers have added to the tension. Concerns on both sides of sex education. Transparency and access to the curriculum. Robin Hood or recapture is a subject many taxpayers are concerned about. Some people feel that standardized testing concerns are causing undue pressure on students and teachers.