Lake Travis - Westlake Edition | March 2024

Election

BY CHLOE YOUNG

*INCUMBENT

Lake Travis ISD board of trustees, Place 1

Why are you running for this position?

What are your major areas of concern for the district?

I love our Lake Travis community, having lived here with my family since 2010. I believe in the potential of all kids in our community and creating an environment of opportunity in our schools by providing support to our teachers and staff to deliver the best education possible for each student.

It is important for LTISD to have a strong plan for the future that provides a safe school environment; retains and recruits the best teachers; maintains clear and consistent policy; and welcomes parent and community involvement.

Craig Cancienne Occupation: technology executive Relevant experience: proud dad of two daughters, former Lake Travis Youth Association coach, LSU

advisory board member www.craigcancienne.com

I am seeking re-election to the LTISD school board Place 1 to continue the joyous work of supporting our students, teachers and staff while strengthening our community. My experiences as a board member, faculty member, academic administrator, and business executive provide invaluable insights into the challenges within our community.

A major concern I have for the district is our ability to responsibly grow, while ensuring we offer the best educational experience for our students and provide a nurturing culture for our teachers and staff. Achieving this balance is paramount to our community, as we navigate and grow together.

Phillip Davis* Occupation: Associate Dean for Faculty Success and Research at the McCoy College of Business Relevant experience: tenured Texas State University faculty member www.votephillipdavis.com

I am committed to fostering foundational values, which I intend to champion districtwide. Additionally, with my own two children enrolled here, I’ve witnessed the exemplary dedication of our educators and administrators. My aim is to continue to attract and retain the finest talent available.

If our district lacks fiscal strength, our students suffer. I advocate for robust Parent/Teacher Organizations, vital for high performance education, by fostering open and robust communication between parents and schools. Rallying volunteer support, I expect to make positive impacts on both fronts.

Michael Leen Occupation: Senior Vice President of Global Sales

Relevant experience: former PTO co-president at Mathews Elementary michaelforltisd@gmail.com

Lake Travis ISD board of trustees, Place 2

Why are you running for this position?

What are your major areas of concern for the district?

As a fast growth district, Lake Travis is experiencing growing pains. I know that my professional experience, collaborative approach to problem solving, and heart for this community are needed traits as we work to ensure allocation of resources to the right areas and academic success for all LT students.

The major areas of opportunity are… 1) implementation of assessment strategies that measure student learning outcomes and better inform teaching practices, 2) enforcement of current policy alongside policy adaptation that ensures clarity and consistency, and 3) strengthen parent and community partnership through welcomed involvement and appropriate allocation of tax dollars. Academic outcomes, student safety, budget, and teacher retention and recruitment. With looming budget cuts due to stagnant state funding, it’s critical that the board carefully manage our limited financial resources. We must do so while still prioritizing student safety, academic success and teacher and staff retention and recruitment.

Christy Comfort Occupation: chief of staff at the Comfort household Relevant experience: senior executive, post-grad MBA, substitute teacher www.christyforlt.com Lauren White* Occupation: former teacher Relevant experience: LTISD trustee, former elementary/special education teacher www.votelaurenwhite.com

My experience as a board member and former teacher gives me unique insights into our district’s challenges and opportunities. I want to continue to serve to ensure every student in Lake Travis receives an unparalleled education, preparing them not just for today, but for the future.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 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. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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