Ask David - Your Questions, Answered
Transparency and accessibility matter. As a candidate for Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees, I believe voters deserve real answers, not just during campaign season, but always. This space is for you. Ask your good-faith questions about my vision, priorities, or anything related to our schools, and I’ll respond right here for everyone to see. Our elected leaders should be accountable to the people they serve, and that starts now.
Spring Branch ISD Voters and Families Have Asked:
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Public schools should not be in the business of promoting any particular religion. Our schools serve families from a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs, and it is critical that all students feel respected and included. Education should be grounded in facts, not ideology. The school board's role is to ensure that all curriculum decisions are evidence-based, legally sound, and aligned with what best prepares students for college, careers, and civic life. Efforts to mandate religious instruction in public schools, such as requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, are unnecessary, divisive, and open our district to legal and financial risks. Instead of being distracted by political agendas, we need to focus on improving academic achievement, supporting teachers, and giving students the skills they need to succeed.
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Texas ranks 44th in the nation in school funding, and we must continue fighting for leadership in Austin that will prioritize increasing the basic allotment so our schools can meet the needs of every student. Advocating for better funding should be accessible to all families, not just those who can travel to the Capitol. I will push for innovative ways to organize and amplify voices, from virtual town halls and social media campaigns to grassroots efforts that engage parents, teachers, and community members across the district. While we fight for fair funding at the state level, we must also be creative in bringing new resources to our schools by building partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits, maximizing grants, and ensuring more dollars reach the classroom. Leadership in Spring Branch must be relentless in securing the resources our students and teachers deserve.
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If additional funding becomes available, our top priority should be investing in students and the people who educate them. That means increasing teacher and staff salaries so we can recruit and retain the best educators, expanding academic support programs, and ensuring every school has the resources it needs. Successful districts prioritize early literacy, high-quality teacher training, and career and technical education programs that prepare students for the workforce. Every dollar should be spent with a clear focus on improving student outcomes and ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning opportunities.
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I understand and respect the diverse perspectives within our community regarding the upcoming bond proposal.
Many are concerned that the current focus on athletic facility enhancements may overshadow the pressing need to modernize our academic buildings, particularly our middle schools. Given the recent economic challenges, the prospect of a tax increase is understandably worrisome for many families.
Additionally, proposed state legislation aiming to require a two-thirds majority for bond approvals could significantly impact our district's ability to secure necessary funding in the future.
It's crucial that we engage in open and transparent discussions to ensure that our facility investments reflect the community's priorities and address the most pressing needs of our students and educators.
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School closures should never be the first option when making budget decisions. The district must be transparent about its financial situation and work with families to explore creative ways to keep schools open and thriving. Instead of closing schools, we should be looking at ways to maximize the use of existing campuses, whether by introducing new academic programs, repurposing space, or forming partnerships with community organizations. Parents and students deserve honesty and accountability from the board on these decisions.
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Athletics are important for student development, but any bond proposal must be considered in the broader context of district priorities. Before asking taxpayers to fund new projects, we need to ensure that our current facilities are well-maintained and that every student has access to quality extracurricular programs. Any bond proposal must be transparent about its impact on taxpayers and the direct benefits to students across the district.
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Every child deserves access to a great education, no matter where they live in the district. School funding should be based on student needs, ensuring that every campus has the teachers, resources, and programs necessary for success. Many of the most successful school districts use a student-based budgeting approach, which ensures that funds are distributed based on enrollment, academic programs, and the needs of students, rather than a blanket formula. A transparent budget process will allow parents and community members to see exactly how money is being allocated and why.
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The priority for district spending should always be on students and teachers. While administration plays an important role, we need to ensure that resources are directed where they make the most impact. I am open to reviewing administrative salaries and expenses to identify opportunities to reinvest in academic programs and teacher pay. Many top-performing districts operate with lean administrative structures that prioritize classroom investment, and we should be looking at similar approaches in Spring Branch.
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Every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. I will advocate for policies that ensure all students have access to high-quality teachers, strong academic programs, and schools where they feel safe and supported. That means making sure every family has a voice in their child’s education and that the district is responsive to the needs of its diverse student body. Good governance means listening, making data-driven decisions, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background.
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Public schools should focus on education, not religious doctrine. If religion is discussed in schools, it should be done in an academic context, such as world history or literature, where students learn about different cultures and belief systems. The government should not favor one religion over another, and any policies that do so could expose our district to legal challenges. Our focus should remain on ensuring that students receive a well-rounded, high-quality education that prepares them for the real world.
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Trust is built through open communication and accountability. If elected, I will push for regular public forums, clear financial reporting, and better communication between the district and families. The best school boards operate with transparency and a commitment to engaging with the community. That means listening to parents, teachers, and students, explaining the reasoning behind major decisions, and ensuring that the district is always acting in the best interest of students.
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If funding remains flat, we need to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely. The top priority should be maintaining strong academic programs, protecting teacher and staff salaries, and ensuring schools have the resources they need to support students. Cost-saving measures should focus on reducing inefficiencies rather than cutting essential services. Many districts facing similar funding challenges have successfully restructured budgets to protect classroom investments, and we should be looking at best practices to ensure we are making the right financial decisions.
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Spring Branch serves a wide range of families with different needs and priorities. A responsible school board ensures that all voices are heard and that decisions are made with students’ best interests in mind. Fairness in school funding means making sure every child has access to high-quality teachers, modern facilities, and strong academic programs. Some schools may need additional resources to provide the same opportunities that others already have, and the board must be willing to make data-driven decisions to ensure every student gets what they need to succeed.
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Keeping students safe is a top priority. School safety requires a balanced approach that includes strong security measures, well-trained staff, and support systems for students. Many districts have successfully improved safety by investing in controlled campus entry points, mental health resources, and partnerships with local law enforcement. Any security upgrades should be based on expert recommendations, data, and input from school communities to ensure that students and staff feel safe while maintaining a positive learning environment.