By David Taylor / Managing Editor
Early voting is underway for three seats on the Aldine Independent School District Board of Trustees, and candidates gathered at Lone Star College – North Harris campus for a spirited debate hosted by Mi Familia en Accion. The forum, moderated by Rice University student Hasiel Alvarado, gave families, educators, and community members a chance to hear directly from those vying to shape the future of Aldine ISD.
Meet the Candidates
Position 3 features Jill Metcalfe and Angela E. Williams, both long-time educators and residents. Position 4 is a crowded race with Samuel Cosme, Jr., Veronica Sanches, Steve Moore, Judy Palmeros, and Jacquline Alvarado. Neither Moore, Palmeros, or Alvarado showed up for the debate. In Position 5, incumbent Steve Mead faces Nataly Perez.
Equitable Access to Quality Education
Candidates were asked how they would ensure equitable access to high-quality instruction and academic support across all campuses.
Jill Metcalfe emphasized the urgent need for classroom support, sharing a story about a teacher struggling to meet diverse student needs.
“We’ve got to get the money back in the classrooms, support the teachers and support our students,” Metcalfe said.
Angela E. Williams focused on building relationships.
“Let us know what you need, let us know what you want, and continue to move forward as the district is moving forward. … We’ll continue to be creative, continue to be innovative,” Williams said.
Samuel Cosme, Jr. called for salary parity and transparency.
“We need an overview to see where all the money is being directed … because I believe everybody needs an equal opportunity and not all the attention is being taken to all, especially elementary schools,” Cosme said.
Veronica Sanches advocated for an open-door policy and creative funding.
“Being able to engage with the teachers, how can we help you bring this program? … If it’s bringing in more funding, let’s go get that funding. … There are grants out there,” Sanches said.
Steve Mead highlighted the importance of board leadership and teacher compensation. “The number one job of the school board is to select the superintendent. We’re always looking for more money for our teachers. We have many teachers in our school that are making over $100,000 because they have the opportunity to be graded at different levels,” Mead said.
Nataly Perez stressed board member visibility.
“We’re not hiding behind the boardroom doors, that we are here, we’re present, and we want to make that difference,” Perez said.
Student Mental Health and Safety
On strengthening support for student mental health and safety, Williams said, “Mental health is very serious now. Definitely have our counselors, our admin team, our teachers, be in relationships with the kids. The bottom line is to build relationships,” Williams said.
Cosme called for more counseling and police presence.
“Training the teachers to be able to detect mental health … and security is always safety first. … Just the presence of someone there could deter someone from doing an unsafe act,” Cosme said.
Sanches suggested more after-school programs and partnerships.
“We have to be able to find other outlets, other ways to be able to help these students like bringing in the YMCA, a gaming club and making it a safe space,” Sanches said.
Mead noted recent investments.
“We now have mental health specialists in the high schools; we have police officers at all the high schools full-time. It’s very important that we have this middle problem [addressed],” Mead said.
Perez highlighted infrastructure needs.
“A lot of those kids walk to school. There’s no transportation so that’s something that we need to look at. Also lighting and just supporting our Aldine ISD PD,” Perez said.
Metcalfe described a micro-to-macro approach.
“When you work with students and you teach them how to be safe, it increases their confidence. The students should be able to rely on the school district to set up the infrastructure so that we have safe systems and processes in place,” Metcalfe said.
Building Trust and Raising Enrollment
Sanches and Perez both championed “boots on the ground” outreach.
“We have to be a team out there. … It’s about engaging with the families, engaging with them at anything that they’re doing,” Sanches said.
Perez added, “Board members should be out there and making sure that, again, everybody’s being heard and their concerns are being listened to.”
Metcalfe called for transparency and consistency.
“Trust is a function of honesty, authentic relationships, and transparency. Consistency in how you engage with the community is where you get that trust,” Metcalfe said.
Williams summed it up saying, “We need to be visible. We can encourage and attend community events. Everyone is of importance. And always be in service,” Williams said.
Election Details
Early voting runs through October 31st, with Election Day on November 4th. All races are district-wide with no single districts.
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