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Hays Consolidated Independent School District, Board of Trustees, at Large

Hays CISD Trustees are responsible for the policy direction and governance of the district. The Hays CISD Board of Trustees is composed of seven members. Five trustees are elected from single-member-districts and two are elected at-large. Trustees are elected to serve three-year terms.

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  • Candidate picture

    Ashlee Thurston
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Alex Zavala
    (NP)

Biographical Information

What education, training and experience qualify you for this position?

What would be your top priorities if elected to this position?

What should be our schools’ responses (if any) when faced with immigration enforcement actions?

How should the district address the impact of vouchers and reduced property taxes on school funding?

Regarding school libraries, how would you suggest promoting dialogue with the various stakeholders to reach a balance between the need to protect students from potentially inappropriate content and the importance of fostering educational and intellectual growth and curiosity?

Should school districts have more input into selecting textbooks for Texas schools? Why or why not?

As a business owner and office manager, I oversee financial management, budgeting, and operational efficiency, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and streamlined systems. I am both a public and homeschool parent, allowing a unique perspective on how families experience education in our community. I have served as a substitute teacher, which provided perspective on classroom realities and teacher dedication. My experience allows me to approach decisions thoughtfully, balancing practical leadership with family-centered values.
If elected, my priorities would include thoughtful fiscal stewardship, support strong academic outcomes, and ensure district decisions positively support the classroom. As our district continues to grow, it will be important to plan carefully so resources are used responsibly, and growth remains sustainable for our community. I also believe data can be a helpful tool in understanding where students are succeeding and where additional support may be needed, allowing the district to strengthen curriculum and academic programs over time. Just as importantly, decisions made at the district level should always keep teachers and classrooms in mind, ensuring educators feel supported and students have the resources they need to succeed.
Our schools should follow established law and district protocol while prioritizing the safety and stability of the learning environment. I support law enforcement and federal immigration authorities in carrying out their legal responsibilities, and if proper legal procedures and documentation are presented, the district should cooperate as required by law.

At the same time, these situations are complex and should be handled carefully and on a case-by-case basis with guidance from district leadership and legal counsel. The primary role of our schools is education, and decisions should focus on maintaining a safe environment for students while respecting the legal rights and responsibilities of all involved.
The district should remain mindful of the resources it has, prioritize responsible budgeting, and ensure funds are used effectively to support student success. Our public schools should focus on providing strong academic programs and well-supported classrooms so families continue to choose them with confidence. While state policy decisions may affect funding structures, the district’s role is to steward its resources wisely, plan for long-term stability, and maintain the quality of education that attracts and retains families in our public schools.
School libraries should provide a wide range of high quality, age appropriate materials that encourage learning, curiosity, and a love of reading. There is no shortage of excellent literary options that can challenge and inspire students while still upholding appropriate standards for children and teens.

Open dialogue between parents, educators, librarians, and the community is important to maintain transparency and trust in the selection process. Clear policies and review procedures can help address concerns when they arise.

Protecting students from clearly inappropriate or overly sexualized material does not limit intellectual growth; it ensures libraries remain supportive, enriching spaces for learning and exploration.
Yes. While statewide standards provide important consistency, districts understand their students, community values, and academic needs best. With significant differences in demographics, growth patterns, and instructional priorities across Texas, districts should have meaningful input in selecting instructional materials that align with their goals and classroom realities.

Greater local involvement allows educators and administrators to evaluate resources for relevance and effectiveness while still meeting required standards. A balanced approach that maintains accountability but respects local decision-making can help ensure textbooks and curriculum materials truly support student learning within each district’s unique context.
I was born and raised in the Hays area. I attended HCISD as did my parents, family, and friends. I am a graduate of Hays High School. I am deeply rooted and invested in the community and the district. I have served on a PTA board for the last 8 years. I served on the HCISD SHAC (Student Health Advisory Council) for over 4 years. I have served on the HCISD FBOC (Facilities & Bond Oversight Committee) for over 5 years.
My top priority would be to fulfill my duties as a trustee to the best of my ability.
Our schools' responses should be that of the procedures that have been put in place for these situations.
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