Llano School Board Position 5

 Nearly 67% of students in Llano ISD are economically disadvantaged.

Before we debate programs or policy, we need to focus on the basics:

• Are children fed?
• Do they have a safe place to sleep?
• Do they have help with homework?
• Do they have a reliable way to get to school every day?

For many families, these are the real barriers to learning.

Right now, much of this support relies heavily on community generosity. I believe we should make stability and student well-being a clearer, measurable priority of our district goals.

School should be a safe, steady place in a child’s life. We can do more to ensure disadvantaged students have the support they need not just to attend school but to thrive.

 We must meet students where they are — and raise them higher.

English as a Second Language (ESL)
We struggle to provide consistent ESL support. It is critical that students gain English fluency as quickly as possible. The faster we close that gap, the faster students can succeed across every subject.

Targeted Tutoring
One-on-one tutoring is proven to be one of the most effective academic interventions. We need stronger systems to provide individualized support, not blanket approaches.

Gifted, Talented, and Advanced Programs
Our GT and Advanced Placement offerings lag behind similar districts. We should invest in:

• Earlier identification of gifted students
• Expanded advanced coursework
• Teacher training to truly challenge top performers
   

Equity means every student gets what they need.

 Everything depends on teacher quality and stability.

If we want better outcomes for disadvantaged students, stronger ESL programs, and more advanced coursework, we must attract and retain excellent educators.

That means:

• Maximizing our funding entitlement through improved attendance, accurate service delivery, and early intervention
   
• Making smart M&O decisions so local tax effort produces real returns
   
• Directing resources toward teacher pay and hard-to-staff roles like ESL and intervention specialists
   

Goal: Move Llano teacher compensation and benefits to higher competitive standards while preserving fiscal discipline.

When we invest in teachers, we invest in students.

 I don’t believe in blaming the system — I believe in changing it.

Llano ISD is a recapture (“Robin Hood”) district. That means a significant portion of our locally generated dollars leaves the district, even though we have clear needs in our schools and community.

As a trustee, I will:

• Organize and participate in regional advocacy with other rural and recapture districts
   
• Use a clear, solutions-oriented voice to push for stronger basic allotment funding
   
• Advocate for recognition of rural staffing challenges at the state level
   
• Work toward reforms that allow Llano to keep more of its resources locally
   

I will use my leadership experience and professional background to go beyond our district and drive positive change for Llano funding.