Occupation
Pastoral Care Minister
Education
BBA - Stephen F. Austin State University
Campaign Phone
214-207-4522
I have lived in the Mesquite community all my life, with my wife, and I graduated from Mesquite High School. I owned an insurance agency in Mesquite for many years, being heavily involved in civic and community affairs. For the last 30 years, I have served on the MISD Board of Trustees, serving in various roles and leadership positions. My tenure on the Board gives me a deeper understanding of the complexities facing Public Schools today, including budget issues, curriculum challenges, and political challenges.
We seek to maintain a salary and benefit package that is competitive with the other districts in our area. Truthfully, it would be very difficult to pay teachers what their important work is worth to our community. So, in addition to just salary considerations, providing a working environment that expresses appreciation for our teachers is critically important. We want all our staff to have a safe and enjoyable place in which to work and use their talents and skills.
Vouchers are really just now coming 'online', so their full impact has not been seen yet. But we expect and are planning for some drop in enrollment because of the voucher programs. Our plan is to continue providing the best possible quality education experience for all our students. In providing that quality education, our families will choose to remain with us; for those that may have left the district, we'll welcome them back as they make the choice to return.
Our district is not unlike many of the suburban districts. Part of our district to the north is 'land locked' with older, well established neighborhoods. To the south, where there is more land for home development we are experiencing some increase in student populations. But overall, the birthrate in Texas and the nation is down so there are fewer children being born and that will eventually affect all school districts. Mesquite ISD has long prepared and planned for these contingencies. With careful planning and by making some boundary line adjustments over the years, we are not facing the closure of campuses that some are facing. We continue to provide a quality education for all our students throughout the district.
The current policies and operating guidelines provide sufficient and clear protections for our students and staff.
Because funding providing by the State of Texas has failed to adequately fund our Public Schools, budgeting issues will continue to be a huge challenge for Mesquite ISD, but really, for all districts in Texas. As a member of the Mesquite ISD Board, I will continue to work with the superintendent to address these financial constraints in a way that delivers the best educational experience for all our students.
Occupation
Certified Medical Coder
Education
High School
Campaign Phone
214-934-7789
As a proud graduate of Mesquite High School and a parent of a Kimbrough student, I understand the impact our public schools have on our families and our community. When my child started at Kimbrough Middle School, I was asked to serve as PTO President, and that one “yes” opened the door to deeper service. I went on to serve on the MISD Strategic Budget Committee, the Facility Planning Committee, and the Legislative Advocacy Committee. Through that work, I met dedicated parents, educators, administrators, and community members. I listened, learned, and shared information about the MISD budget and school bond projects. I learned how to advocate for our kids and schools at the state level. Because of these experiences, I know how important it is to have a parent’s voice at the table, someone who understands our schools from the inside and shows up for every child.
We keep and attract the best teachers by making Mesquite ISD an even more attractive place to work, a district where talented educators want to come and want to stay. That means building a more relaxed, supportive culture and reducing the administrative demands that pull teachers away from what matters most: teaching students. When we remove unnecessary burdens and trust our educators to do what they do best, we create the kind of environment where great teachers thrive, and kids benefit.
Yes, we are seeing enrollment shifts, but it’s difficult to measure the specific impact of vouchers right now because the program is still new. What we do know is that declining birth rates, family mobility, and increased schooling options all play a role. As vouchers expand, they will likely influence enrollment decisions, which makes it even more important for us to focus on strong academics, safe campuses, and meaningful partnerships with families so MISD remains a district that families choose.
As attendance and enrollment are decreasing, we must focus on high‑quality academics, safe campuses, and strong family partnerships. This moment is a chance to prioritize quality and innovation.
I support clear, consistently enforced anti‑discrimination policies that protect every student and employee. We need safe, confidential ways to report concerns and a fair, timely process to address them. Staff should receive regular training, and students should learn expectations for respect and belonging. Transparent, equitable practices help ensure everyone on our campuses feels safe, valued, and supported.
Beyond enrollment and attendance, I want to focus on issues that directly impact student success and family confidence. Strengthening early literacy and middle‑grade achievement remains a top priority. I’m also committed to stronger communication and transparency. Families deserve clear information, consistent expectations, and a board that works together. When we build trust, we build a stronger district.
