CANDIDATE Q&A
Get to know candidates running in November’s midterm elections
Incumbent
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Austin ISD board of trustees, Place 4
Austin ISD board of trustees, at-large Place 9
KATHRYN WHITLEY CHU
CLINT SMALL
ARATI SINGH
HEATHER TOOLIN
Occupation: Teacher Relevant experience: Taught middle school and GED classes
Occupation: Builder Relevant experience: N/A
Occupation: educational Evaluator Relevant experience: 10 years operating a consulting company that
Occupation: Interior designer
Relevant experience: engaged mother of two AISD kids, taxpayer, and
clint@clintsmallhomes.com www.smallforaisd.com
kathrynforaisd@gmail.com www.kathrynforaisd.com
evaluates education programs www.singhforaisd.com
local community volunteer www.heatherforaisd.com
Why are you running for the AISD school board?
I’m an accountant turned public school teacher running for AISD School Board to ensure our students thrive, our teachers and sta get the pay and support they deserve and our commu- nity has top notch educational institutions. With a BBA and Master in Professional Accounting, I have the nancial experience working as a tax accountant and auditor to handle Austin ISD’s $1.68 billion budget.
I am running for AISD school board because I rmly believe that we need leadership now, more than ever, that will put the priorities of our kids, our teachers and our growing city above politics. My father and grandfather were both members of the AISD school board, and I had the privilege of watching them as I was growing up as they worked to create consensus around the things that mattered to move our public schools forward.
My re-election will allow me to help ensure the following: Every student is emotionally, physi- cally, and socially safe. Resources are allocated equitably so that every student, particularly his- torically marginalized students, have opportuni- ties to achieve at high levels. Teachers and sta are treated with respect and are paid what they are worth. Public education is adequately and equitably funded in Texas, and school board trustees have a strong advocacy role in this. The next biggest priority is to pass Propositions A, B, and C of AISD’s 2022 bond. I will be blunt. If we do not pass this bond, AISD may have to make major and uncomfortable budget cuts that will directly impact your students. If your home is worth $600K, you will pay $60/year ($5/month) to make AISD a world-class school district. It is truly an investment in our entire city for generations to come.
As a mom of two AISD students, I am running for school board to ensure that our district remains focused on delivering the best edu- cation possible for our students and that we are leaving the politics of adults at the door. I will be a trustee for every parent, guardian and taxpayer in AISD and I will not be beholden to partisan politics.
What is the biggest priority for AISD?
I have many priorities for this position. First, I want to x our infrastructure--from leaky roofs to hot gyms, our kids and sta deserve to learn and work in facilities that meet their needs and allow them to focus on the mission at hand. Sec- ond, we must refocus on retaining, recruiting, and supporting our classroom teachers. They are our front line workers and the centerpiece to a high-quality public education.
AISD faces the biggest teacher and sta shortage in the history of the district. We must resolve the shortage so we can have well functioning schools, smaller class sizes, and the best educational outcomes for our students. Teachers and support sta must be well-com- pensated and respected in order to retain and attract the best educators for our kids.
My biggest priority after winning this election is to champion the role of parents and guardians in their child’s education as well as respecting the views and opinions of the taxpayers whose hard-earned money funds this public school sys- tem. I will work to be a voice for these individu- als while also having an open door for teachers and sta to come and share their needs.
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