Occupation
Administrator
Education
BA Dallas Baptist University MBA Dallas Baptist University
Campaign Phone
2145435217
I was first elected in May 2017, and I am currently running for re-election on May 2, 2026. I served as president of the Grand Prairie Independent School District Board of Trustees (GPISD) for two years and was elected unanimously by the board; Also served as vice-president and secretary of the board. My education, my professional experience and service on this board and in our community have prepared me to be an effective member of this board. I served on the board during the pandemic and during many other challenging times. We also have new challenges facing our district, including the closing of a well-loved campus; decrease in student enrollment (as are many other districts in Texas); and budgetary constraints. There have been no increases in funding from Austin since 2019. I am asking our community to elect me to continue to serve as a trustee so that I may continue to create a healthy culture that encourages respect, trust and value for all.
GPISD’s budget is based on what is best for our students. Student needs are always my priority. The goal is to create a budget that includes staffing plans that meet the changing needs of our teaching staff & our students. GPISD has received a Superior First Rating for all the years I have served on our Board. Our superintendent's focus has been on finding alternative funding sources that allow us to reallocate local dollars toward staff salaries & incentives. Starting salary for teachers in GPISD is currently $63,000 to $64,000. My commitment is promotion of a better living wage for teachers.
Like all districts in Texas, Grand Prairie ISD has experienced changes in enrollment. Our district started losing some of our student enrollment during the pandemic. Some of our students enrolled in charter schools, were homeschooled, and moved to other districts, etc.
GPISD has currently lost about 3,500 students which equates to a $21,000,000 loss in funds to our district. I have not seen a large departure of students due to vouchers, yet.
As previously stated, we have experienced a decline in student enrollment in our district since the pandemic. Pre-pandemic, our enrollment was over 29,000 students. We currently have an enrollment of approximately 25,000. Our district continues to provide the highest level of service to our students and our staff.
GPISD prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Key policies include Title IX for sex-based discrimination, Section 504 for disabilities, and David's Law for bullying. Reports can be made anonymously via the STOPit app.
Like all school districts throughout our country, I consider the promotion of a safe and healthy learning environment one of the most challenging and important issues facing GPISD.
1) We have successfully implemented Emergency Management software for the coordinated response to school safety issues; (2) Maximized our student achievement by targeting improvement efforts including professional learning communities, intervention efforts, impact coaching, focused monitoring of our data; and (3) retention of talented staff.
Occupation
Investigator
Education
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Campaign Phone
2145526500
I have dedicated my life to public service with my career and want to continue that service as a School Trustee.
Teachers at the midpoint and higher in their careers need additional pay, but we must also support their career growth through attaining graduate degrees to keep highly qualified teachers.
No. We lose students to Charter Schools.
GPISD has not seen any issues in attendance. We always can do better.
Students and employees should not fear being discriminated. There are policies and procedures currently in place to address this issue.
I plan to address additional funding opportunities by creating a virtual campus or offering online classes similar to those found in colleges and universities.
Occupation
Small Business Owner
Education
MS - Ed Leadership & Ed Technology; Superintendent; Mid-Management Administrator; BBA-Business Mgmt
Campaign Phone
(682)313-6839
Note:
Patty Harris for GPISD Trustee At-Large Place 3: Ethical Governance, Reduce the Drama, Improve Student Outcomes
My focus is experience in public education policy, fiscal oversight, and community engagement. I have served on district committees, collaborated with teachers and parents, and managed small business budgets with payroll. I understand both classroom needs and financial accountability. As a trustee, I will listen to stakeholders, rely on data, and stay focused on student achievement, equity, and responsible stewardship of district resources.
Successful districts require effective teachers. I support competitive pay that helps recruit and retain certified educators, especially in shortage areas. That includes transparent budgeting, responsible spending, and prioritizing resources that directly support classrooms. Retaining effective teachers directly impacts student outcomes.
Public schools educate every student who walks through the door. Voucher programs reduce funds for resources for neighborhood schools and limit programs for our students. My priority is ensuring Grand Prairie ISD remains strong by improving communication, expanding academic opportunities, and strengthening support services so families continue choosing GPISD.
Attendance directly impacts student learning and district funding. When students miss class, they lose valuable instruction and schools lose resources that support programs. Because attendance patterns vary by campus and grade, solutions must be targeted. I support outreach to families, partnerships with community organizations, and support services that help students stay engaged in school.
I support clear, enforceable policies that protect every stakeholder from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. District procedures should include strong reporting systems, prompt investigations, consistent consequences, and regular training for staff and students on respectful conduct and civil rights protections. Transparency and documentation are important so concerns are addressed fairly and quickly. I also support policies that promote equal access to opportunities, safe learning environments, and accountability at every level.
My priority is leadership focused on integrity, trust, and student outcomes. I support balanced decision making that values community input while relying on data and best practices. Clear communication, transparency, and measurable goals help ensure policies to improve learning, strengthen graduation rates, and expand opportunities for all students.
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