I have spent the last ten years teaching in Llano ISD, where I served on campus and district improvement committees, bond committees, and as a department head. That experience gave me a clear understanding of how district decisions affect students and teachers. I was honored to be named Llano Junior High Teacher of the Year my first year in Llano. I’ve also served in leadership roles at the state level in science education and for eight years on the board of Llano County Backpack Buddies, working directly to support in-need Llano ISD students.
One of the biggest challenges is attracting and retaining strong teachers while balancing limited resources. Like many rural districts, Llano ISD must manage budgets carefully while continuing to meet the needs of students and staff. It’s also important to maintain a focus on academics while ensuring decisions reflect the values of the community. Clear communication and trust between the school board, parents, students, and teachers will be critical moving forward.
Parents and community members want to be heard and to have confidence in the direction of the district. They care about strong academics, safe schools, and supporting teachers. I also hear a consistent desire for decisions to be made locally with transparency and clear communication. Families in Llano are invested in their
schools and want to know that their voices matter in shaping the future of Llano ISD.
I have been an involved parent and community volunteer in Llano County for 11 years now. My children have attended Packsaddle Elementary, Llano Junior High, and Llano High School, giving me firsthand understanding of each stage of learning. For the past two years, I have attended most school board meetings, so I understand the board’s role and decisions. In my career, I have overseen multi-million dollar budgets and managed programs and staff to exceed compliance goals. I also worked for three years as a substitute teacher in Llano ISD, gaining classroom experience and insight into student and teacher challenges.
Our highest priority should always first be to provide a high-quality education for every student in Llano ISD. We need to strengthen the programs that can support and close the learning gaps with our special education and English as a second language (ESL) students. One of our biggest challenges is recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, especially in specialized areas like special education and ESL. Because nearby districts often pay higher than Llano ISD, we should prioritize teachers over central office overhead. I believe in responsible budgeting and setting clear priorities on the students and teachers in the classroom.
Parents and taxpayers across Llano ISD consistently tell me they feel unheard. Many want more communication, greater transparency and more opportunities for meaningful input on important decisions. The
largest concern is the lack of representation on the school board from areas outside the city of Llano, particularly Kingsland, Sunrise Beach, Horseshoe Bay and the east side of the county where I reside. Residents want to know their voices matter and all communities in the Llano school district are fairly represented. I will be that voice that
represents all communities in Llano County.
