A new exhibit reconsiders its complicated history, Rosie Castro confirmed as temporary council member for San Antonios District 7, Former SAPD officer who shot Erik Cantu Jr. receives criminal trial start date in June. I challenge voters to look at the most recent grade report on their local school and not be horrified. Support for TPR's Education News Desk comes from H-E-B Helping Here. racist or sexually-oriented language. I believe handling growth is going to come down to understanding the data around that growth. Comal Independent School District elections 2015 bond package See also: What was at stake in the 2015 Comal Independent School District election? at 5:30 p.m., a drawing will take place in the Board Room at the Comal ISD Support Services Building, located at 1404 IH 35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130, for the purpose of determining the order in which the names of candidates for the Board of Trustees shall appear on the official ballot for the May 6, 2023, trustee election. I think it shows our message has resonated with the community, and people are ready for change, Sorensen said. Nine out of the 10 incumbents on the ballot won reelection. My top priorities include: Looking at our budget and finding where we are overspending so that we can find a way to pay teachers and support staff more; making sure we are being more transparent and accessible to parents, Comal ISD staff and all community members; offering support by listening to Comal ISD staff to find out what things need to change in our schools to ensure student success; and communicating with constituents. Conservative family values are my moral fiber and have guided me throughout my life. I am an active member of the community, serving as the chairman of an advisory commission for the city of Garden Ridge over the past four years and coaching sports teams for my children. 9:53 AM Apr 21, 2021 CDT, Learn more about the candidates for districts 1 and 2 for the Comal ISD board of trustees. Signup today! Why? Meet the Teacher, Orientation, & Open House, Lamar University Educational Leadership Program. Louie G. Luna, the only viable candidate for Harlandales District 3, won election by just 16 votes. Incumbent Wes Clark is looking to defend his New Braunfels ISD at-large trustee seat. For New Braunfels ISD, there are two at large trustee seats and one for District 1 up for grabs, while Comal ISD is looking to fill trustee positions for District 6 and 7. 1 of 2. May 1, 2021 Election Results: Comal ISD The KSAT 12 News Team provides a look at local, regional, statewide and national news events and the latest information on local traffic and weather. I am married to my wife Beverly for 36 years. Six candidates are vying for Comal ISD single-member districts 6 and 7 in this May's election. Comal ISD is divided into single-member districts and has a seven-member Board of Trustees. CISD has done a great job keeping the schools open and I hope they remain open through the end of the school year. On Tuesday, district administration will go over specific guidelines with the board about what it can and cannot do related to sharing information about the election with the public. Sorensen is the mother of a 5th grader enrolled at SAISDs Bonham Academy and vice-president of the Lavaca Neighborhood Association. As a Board, we are committed to ensuring that our teachers, staff and auxiliary employees are compensated fairly for the work they do on behalf of our students.. Two incumbents and five challengers competed for three trustee seats on the Southwest ISD board. These acquired skills give me a key understanding of educational requirements and issues, personnel and disciplinary issues, construction, capacity planning, maintenance and finances as well as the caring and compassion needed to understand and address any issues facing the Comal ISD School Board. Get the latest breaking news from The Herald-Zeitung. This could be done by being more proactive in reducing construction costs via replication of construction designs. It should also allow contractors to "sharpen their pencils" on how to rebuild similar buildings based on previous experience. A top priority would be implementation of programs,. 2005-2022 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. To the registered voters of the Comal Independent School District, Texas: (A los votantes registrados del Distrito Escolar Independiente de Comal, Texas:) Notice is hereby given that the vote centers listed below will be open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on May 1, 2021, for voting in a general election in single-member districts 1 and 2 to elect Beginning on April 19, there will be an election for three members of the Board of Trustees for Comal Independent School District. I plan to keep a students first mindset in all decisions. If approved by voters, the Maintenance and Operations tax rate for 2021 would be 94 cents compared to 2020s tax rate of 92 cents. Success! The District 5 seat, left open for the first time in 31 years after longtime trustee Katie Reed decided not to run for reelection, also attracted four candidates. Comal ISD, District 7: The trustee candidates speak. With 16 competitive races spread across six different Bexar County school districts Saturday, familiar names held a lot of sway. Trustee (vote for 3) Amy Rogers 43. There was an error processing your request. Proposition A will also fundcampusreinvestmentandinfrastructure projectsas well asthe purchase ofcampus safety and security,busesand land. Ill focus on the latter. The San Antonio Independent School District board elections are among the most hotly contested, with the district's largest teachers union backing a slate of candidates to unseat three incumbents and replace a departing trustee on the seven-member board. I want to be your trustee because corrections are needed on this board. I am involved in and understand the community, and I have based my campaign on the collective opinions and objectives of family stakeholders in the district. 1What is your current or most recent occupation? FILE PHOTO: A vote sign sits on the curb at the Comal County Senior Center voting location Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 in New Braunfels. As a recent student of Comal ISD, I was taught to look at and believe the math and the science. We also need to continue the strategic use of portables so that we build schools at the right size at the right time, all while having a conservative and mindful approach about using taxpayer supported bonds. Served on the districts Safety Committee? Mainly sunny. KTPD 89.3 FM in Del Rio's broadcast signal is currently down. Mainly sunny. Code 11.061; Tex. It now has approximately 30,000 students. Sign up today! School discipline at some schools are lax and district policy is not always enforced. [1] The Comal ISD board of trustees had a busy night Monday, but after some public comments on the district's mask policy the meeting largely focused on the district's tax rate and bond elections. We publish election results following each election. | After the filing period for the upcoming May election closed Feb. 18, a total of 12 candidates filed for two Comal ISD and three New Braunfels ISD trustee positions. May 6, 2017. Comal ISD is very reliant on homeowners to provide growth funding. Comal ISD Board of Trustees meetings are conducted in the Board Room of the Support Services Building, 1404 IH 35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130. I do believe Comal ISD is doing a good job in educating our students. It is no secret that Comal ISD is growing at an unprecedented rate, and how well we handle additional student enrollment is crucial. August 17, 2021 - Monday evening, the Comal ISD Board of Trustees called for two elections to be held on Nov. 2. As a retired educator, I have a keen understanding of what goes on in the classroom and the issues facing our teachers and administrators. The statistics show that masks work in helping slow the spread of Covid. Proposition C, at$20,397,672, will fundstadium capacityexpansion projects at both Canyon Lake and Davenport High Schools. The seats of District 1 incumbent Stephen Smith, District 2 incumbent David Drastata and District 5 incumbent Amy Freund were up for election, in addition to a special election for the District 6 seat held by Marty Bartlett. The Comal Board of Trustees approved a bond package worth $147.4 million at its February 2015 meeting, that was put to voters on the May 9, 2015, ballot. All meetings are at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. I enjoy hunting, fishing, or traveling when I have the time. Four seats on the Comal Independent School District Board of Trustees were up for general election on May 9, 2015. There is a trust that comes from our Constitution that the republic works, and that the People will elect in a fair election the only kind we have here in Texas the representative whose values best represents them. I do not know my opponents, but you have educated yourself and have decided, based our experience and education, whether we are the people for the job and you will vote for the best person accordingly. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. There was no 72 hour notice as it was required by the state and there were no experts present at that meeting to present the actual facts and statistics to the board. While I feel that the other three candidates in the Comal ISD District 7 Trustee race have skills sets that are good and well meaning, I believe I possess the skill sets that encompass the broad picture of the Comal ISD. Alamo Heights ISD had two competitive races without incumbents. Updated You have permission to edit this article. I want your vote as the trustee for our district because I am greatly concerned about the reasons why good teachers and staff are leaving our district, some after only three or four months in the classroom; why bus routes are being canceled; why teachers get yearly pay cuts because any increase they get is less than the rise of inflation, pay cuts, and the failing grades! Elec. Each and every child in our district should be prepared for a productive and fulfilling future. Teachers and support staff are responsible for student success they spend time with our students every day of the school year, and they should be making a wage that matches the work they put in each and every day. Carey Watson Hildebrand will represent Place No. This will have a domino effect on our community if we do not address this before the coming school year. The housing policy coordinator was endorsed by former San Antonio Mayor and HUD Secretary Julin Castro, and the Northside chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. Increasing teacher pay to keep teachers in Comal ISD would be a step in the right direction. The idea of approaching grade level level, for example, is touted as the mark for schools to achieve comfort. Dont be bamboozled! That means we need to open the doors of our schools and invite our taxpayers to see the facilities and programs that could not be possible without their financial support. Ive always visualized Comal County as the place where I would raise a family. What grade on an A-F scale would you give your districts response to the coronavirus pandemic. Comal ISD incumbent Tim Hennessee received 61% of the vote in his race, despite facing two challengers. Six candidates have filed for two Comal ISD trustee positions, five seek two city council spots, and six vie for three seats on the New Braunfels ISD board. Single-Member District 1 incumbent Steve Lechelop, an attorney who has represented the district since 2013, was narrowly defeated by Sarah Sorensen, a former legislative analyst in the New York State Assembly. They will be joined by Daniel Carrillo. that is degrading to another person. No board, no person, no institution is perfect. Share with Us. Two of seven seats on the Comal Independent School District board of trustees were up for by-district general election on May 6, 2017. Be Truthful. Those values, instilled in me from birth, will continue guiding my decision-making if I am elected to serve on the Board of Trustees. Brittany Soto, 19, poses in front of Canyon High School in New Braunfels, where she graduated last May. please consider making your gift of support today. We'd love to hear eyewitness One of the biggest challenges the school district faces is student performance, and I dont mean just performance on state-mandated tests. Each trustee on the Board is elected separately from the single-member district in which he/she resides. We are one of the fastest growing districts in the area if not the state. Also seeking to win one of the at-large trustee seats, which are currently held by Clark and David Heefner, is Matthew D. Sargent. I am aware of the importance of replication of equipment in our school system to include school designs. Would you like to receive our daily news. Voting and Election Information | Comal County, Texas Home Elections BBM & Early Voting Data May 7, 2022 Election Ballot by Mail and Early Voter Data Data for May 7, 2022 Election **NOTE: If an election entity is not hyperlinked, no data has been reported for that date. I have used my skill sets of Cost Accounting, Capacity Planning and Engineering in multi-million dollar capacity manufacturing facility expansions. One of the school boards primary responsibilities is to approve a budget. I have a B.S. If you are not an incumbent, would you have voted to rescind the mask mandate? . But I believe transparency and accountability lead to trust throughout an organization, and no matter how an organization is currently run, there are always improvements that can be made in transparency and accountability. Proposition B, at $61,487,803, willfunda variety ofathletic programenhancementprojects at Canyon,Canyon Lake, Smithson Valley High and Mountain Valley Middle. View the 2022 School Board Candidates. If elected, I intend to understand and communicate to constituents the districts efforts to close those gaps. This will lower maintenance and supply costs. The last day to register to vote for this election is April 7. Low 52F. Each trustee on the Board is elected separately from the single-member district in which he/she resides. Student success will always be a top priority for discussion in quarterly meetings with community members. *Courtney Beach Biasatti: District No. While the district must manage the predicted exponential growth occurring in our area, the community should be aware of, and participate in, the efforts to maintain high-quality educational opportunities for our growing student population. My wife, Tory, and I attend Northeast Bible Church and have two daughters who go to Garden Ridge Elementary School. Incumbent Laurie Schley lost to former board member Jason York in the race for District 3. In addition, utilizing school design replication would lower design costs, maintenance costs and fixture costs. CTE Spotlight: Health Science Students Gain Experience, Earn Certifications Enrollment (14-15) 20,327 students. The biggest challenge facing Comal ISD is low teacher pay. Parents are concerned about what is taught in our classrooms that Texas is not immune to the rampant progressive ideology that is being taught in other states and there is no mechanism in place for our district to give them any kind of assurance. This skill set will lend itself well to future capital construction projects the Comal ISD will seek out to meet future expected growth. Three out of every four voters chose current Board President Norma Cavazos over former trustee David Abundis, who resigned during TEAs investigation into the district. Lastly, it is no secret that there are divisive political agendas threatening to infiltrate our schools a place where these differences should be set aside. Due to large volume of calls messages left may not be promptly answered. I would have polled the constituents in my district- all staff, parents and student input would be considered before casting my vote. I will do everything in my power to support the school district in providing the best teachers, curriculum and facilities needed to prepare our students for what lies ahead. I served in the Army Corps of Engineers with the 25th Infantry Division. How should CISD handle growth in the district? Manage growth within the district by being as fiscally responsible as the Comal ISD Board should be. If you are in favor of the progressive ideas eating away at the root of our representative republic and democracy, then do not vote for me. These will be held outside of our regular board meetings. For more information about the Comal County Elections, click here. According to a letter sent to residents from Comal ISD. I have experience in Engineering, Cost Accounting, Production Planning and Plant Operations Management. Updated Looking to replace the District 6 trustee seat for Comal ISD, which is currently occupied by Marty Bartlett, are newcomers Amanda Jones and Amber Bracegirdle. Another challenge facing Comal ISD is the lack of transparency from board members and accessibility for community members. I am an avid sportsman and wildlife conservationist. Oak Creek and Freiheit Elementary Schools, and a new middle school to relieve Canyon Middle School. Why or why not? Threats of harming another Student enrollment growth is also a significant challenge for the district, and is projected to increase by 1,200-1,500 students per year for the next four years. I feel compelled to serve on the Comal ISD Board of Trustees, first and foremost, because I have two young daughters and many friends with children in the district. What are their needs? We must continually perform needs assessments across the district to ensure equity and excellence are maintained in existing facilities while also planning for expansion with new facilities. 5:11 PM Feb 2, 2021 CST, Applications for election to the school boards will be accepted until Feb. 12. Early voting begins April 25 and ends May 3. What experience do you have making financial decisions? Zapata was disqualified from the race due to residency issues. The Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved a bond package that will accommodate continued enrollment growth as well as address items such as campus safety and security, student technology, and expansions and improvements at existing campuses during a meeting on Feb. 15. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. I am still learning about budgeting. Drastata and four other board candidates voted to remove the districts mask mandate in March without surveying parents or giving them time to make alternative plans. Transparency is critical to our constituents whether they have children in the district, or not.