In an extremely quiet 2022 general election season, local residents only have one actual race in which to cast ballots. And that race is in the Boerne Independent School District as incumbent Place 4 Trustee Maritza Gonzalez-Cooper is being challenged by Armando Trevino Jr.
In Place 5, Garrett Wilson, who was appointed by the other board members to fill that spot last year, is unchallenged and will be reseated for a three-year term.
Gonzalez-Cooper, 53, is a USAA adjuster and married to San Antonio firefighter Rob Gonzalez-Cooper. The couple has two sons who are Champion High School graduates.
Trevino, 54, is retired from U.S. Air Force. Currently, he is a federal civilian for the USAF.
Election Day is Saturday, May 7, with early voting getting underway on Monday, April 25. Everyone who resides within the Boerne ISD boundaries and is an eligible voter may vote in the election, including those who live in Bexar and Comal counties.
According to information from the school district, during early voting people can cast ballots at either two polling locations – the old schoolhouse at Van Raub Elementary School, 8776 Dietz-Elkhorn Road in Fair Oaks Ranch, or the Kendall County Elections Office, 221 Fawn Valley Drive in Boerne.
On Election Day, people who reside in Bexar or Comal county may vote at the old schoolhouse at Van Raub Elementary School. Individuals who live in Kendall County may cast ballots at any polling location in Kendall County.
The Boerne Star sent identical questionnaires to Gonzalez-Cooper and Trevino. The questions and their responses are included below. Only minor editing was done for space restrictions.
• Why did you decide to seek a spot on the BISD board of trustees?
Gonzalez-Cooper: It has been my honor to serve as a trustee on the Boerne ISD board. I love this community and am passionate about providing excellent opportunities for all our students.
Trevino: I am running for the BISD board trustee position to advocate for clear and transparent policies focused on fiscal responsibility, education, school safety and the future of the children. As a BISD board trustee, I will advocate for greater BISD school board transparency, fight for parental rights, staff accountability and listen to concerns of the parents.”
• What are your qualifications to serve as a BISD trustee?
Gonzalez-Cooper: As a nine-year trustee I have had the opportunity to serve on almost every subcommittee of board service, including finance, facilities, curriculum, etc., which has given me a broad base of experience. Prior to my election to the board, I served Kendall Elementary School as PTO president for three years. I also currently serve as chair of the Kendall County Parks Advisory Committee and have been a member of the Texas Public Energy Alliance Board since 2015.
Trevino: As a veteran of the Air Force with 23 years of honorable service, I have had the opportunity to serve my country working with cross-functional committees to find the best solutions to complex challenges. My extensive knowledge and experience of working within large and complex DoD organizations with over 35 years in the Department of the Air Force, managing $19 billion in real property assets for Joint Base San Antonio and director of operations for a public charter school provide me with the skills to help provide public oversight for the BISD. I have worked in both blue collar to white collar positions during my lifetime. I hold a BBA/information systems, MBA and Master Certificate in project manager from the University of the Incarnate Word.
• What are your strengths as a candidate?
Gonzalez-Cooper: I have a strong knowledge of the district, our community and its values. As the parent of two BISD graduates I have been involved with many school activities over the years.
Trevino: I will bring sharp questions, innovative ideas and fresh energy. Before making a decision, I must understand the challenge and efforts taking to resolve it. I then rely on accurate data from reliable sources, all known facts and community comments before a decision is made. … As a BISD trustee I will ask questions, and seek clarification to help clarify issues not just for the board but for students, families, the community, and even school system employees.
• What are BISD’s greatest strengths as a district?
Gonzalez-Cooper: BISD is never complacent and we operate with a spirit of seeking continuous improvement. We promote community engagement as exemplified by having over 400 community members involved in the development of the district’s strategic plan. This has resulted in numerous accolades, including HEB’s designation as Best Small District in Texas, national recognition for our fine arts programs, numerous regional and state athletic championships and a superior rating by the state of Texas for financial transparency and management.
Trevino: The small-town feel in the Hill Country is attracting more development and growth in the district. We must continue to remain competitive with the best education focused on the future of the students. BISD is small, but it is the most important daily civic commitment we as citizens make to our communities, our children, and our future.
• Where can BISD improve?
Gonzalez-Cooper: Continue to improve the college, workforce and military readiness of our graduates. BISD should continue to work with local businesses and professionals to offer intern opportunities for students. We are excited about opening our first Pathways in Technology Early College High School that will focus on cyber security this next school year and are planning to add within several years a health careers early college. This will provide our students with the opportunity to receive both a high school and associates college degree upon graduation.
Trevino: The BISD needs more transparency and accountability to the public. Board members and staff must earn the trust and respect of the people. Leaders must listen to understand the concerns. The impact of respect goes beyond the board. The board sets the tone for the entire school system.
• What is/are BISD’s greatest need(s)?
Gonzalez-Cooper: We need to continue being proactive about managing our growth. As we grow it will be important to place new schools in emerging population centers which should help alleviate some traffic congestion within the city of Boerne. We also need to continue providing opportunities for our students to remain or return to Boerne with the skills necessary to find good jobs that pay a living wage.
Trevino: The district must continue to plan for strategic growth on a continuing basis with the support and involvement of the public. Work together with the community, school staff and parents will deliver innovative ideas and stronger support in the interest of the students.
• What is the biggest issue facing the district today and why?
Gonzalez-Cooper: Managing growth while retaining the small-town charm and feel of a community which has attracted people here.
Trevino: Infringement on parental rights. Many parents have approached me expressing concerns over parental right’s infringement and their concerns not being heard at the local campus or district office. BISD must listen to the concerns of the parents in order to make an informed decision.
• How can the district best handle the expected fast enrollment growth?
Gonzalez-Cooper: Good planning and community involvement is essential. An example is the effective work done by the Long Range Steering Committee comprised of a strong cross section of 80 residents representing all age groups, professional backgrounds, and community involvement.
Trevino: The district should establish a recurring strategic committee with the public, parents and school staff to continue to focus on growth and develop fiscal responsible solutions.
• How can the district continue to best handle its growing financial needs, including the construction of new schools and the hiring of additional personnel?
Gonzalez-Cooper: We have worked hard to be fiscally responsible. We have one of the lowest tax rates of any fast growth districts in the state. While spending more than 15 percent less than the average district statewide, we produce some of the best results. I believe we accomplish this by focusing on needs, not wants and prioritizing spending to be dedicated directly to the classroom. We will continue to manage our debt through refinancing ($80 million in saved interest over the past decade) and early retirement of previous bond issues. This has allowed us to propose a school bond with not only no tax rate increase but will allow us to adopt a budget for the next school year with another tax rate decrease. This will represent the fourth year in a row of reduced tax rates.
Trevino: The district should have an independent audit of the financial records to provide an audit trail of expenditures. Then review the financial report to determine district financial priorities. The information will need to be made public.
• Why should people vote for you?
Gonzalez-Cooper: I have a proven commitment to the students, parents, staff and taxpayers of this great community and hope to continue representing them.
Trevino: I am running for the BISD trustee Place 4 position to work for parents, students and the community in a public office with public trust. I understand and hold this honorable through my 35 years of public service and public trust working with the Department of the Air Force. I will advocate for parental rights and policies that are in the best interest of the students. I will also advocate for more transparency with the public.
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