April NEISD Board of Trustees Election
The North East Independent School District (NEISD) will hold an election on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Trustee Positions 1, 4, 5, and 6 will be on the ballot to serve a four-year term. Elections are held during even-numbered years. Voters elect trustees in the single-member district (SMD) where they reside.
A special election will also be held to fill the SMD 2 vacancy. Since the vacancy is an un-expired term, it will be on the ballot again in 2026. The candidates for each SMD are listed below in the order in which they will appear on the ballot.
The NEISD is facing the same scrutiny and polarization of the national politics now confronting school boards. These races are non-partisan, so you’ll have to dig deeper to learn more about the candidates’ platforms and values.
The candidates for SMD 1:
Michael Gurwitz – A former math teacher at Northwest Vista College. Endorsed by Parents United for Freedom (PUFF). Per his platform website, Gurwitz is focused on improved reading comprehension and communication skills, and thinks trustees need to pay more attention to student performance data. In a recent San Antonio Express-News (EN) article, he stated he wants to end “rubber-stamping” of the superintendent’s agenda, arguing he needs more oversight.
Lisa Thompson was the former PTA President at Churchill High School and received the Texas PTA Honorary Lifetime Service Award. Per her campaign website, Thompson’s priorities include student safety, education, and preparation each day. In the same EN piece, Thompson states that history should be taught “the way it happened” and that students who opt-in to sex education need “medically accurate” information.
The candidates for Single Member District 4:
Jack Hoyle – Mr. Hoyle is self-employed and has lived in the district for two years. We understand Texas Family Action endorses him. This organization appears closely linked with the San Antonio Family Association.
David Beyer – The incumbent. Temperamental. Per the EN article, Beyer plans to focus on balancing the budget and improving graduation rates and test scores this term. He represents the status quo in NEISD. Under this leadership, the district is facing a $39 million shortfall. David has been known to lose his temper at board meetings, which can be seen on NEISD’s YouTube Portal.
The candidates for Single Member District 5:
Dick “Raz” Rasmussen – Per his campaign website, an Air Force Veteran is running as a “proud Texan” and an American patriot,” with a focus on “respecting parents, uplifting teachers, equipping students’ voices, and honoring taxpayers.” He argues he will fight for transparency, honesty, and conservative values. His campaign signs vow to “end woke in schools.” He is supported by PUFF.
Chris Evans – Per his campaign Facebook, priorities include caring for teachers, kids, and the community. Evans promises to be a good listener for all constituents and represent the voices of all in his district. He wants to “rebuild trust” across the NEISD landscape and increase student and faculty safety. He supports fiscal transparency and accountability. Chris is actively involved with the Johnson High School and NEISD community as a volunteer.
Melinda Cox – A proven servant to the Johnson High School community, Cox has been actively involved with the PTA, including the Safe Driving Club. Melinda’s campaign strategy is “eyes on the future.” She is a vocal advocate for the school district and will likely support the status quo. If you like what you have, Melinda is your candidate.
The candidates for Single Member District 6:
Steve Hilliard – The incumbent. He is an Air Force Veteran. Endorsed by PUFF and recommended by Texas Family Action. Steve is running on an agenda of fiscal transparency and protecting kids. Steve has been a calming force on the school board and wants to continue focusing on keeping the district accountable to parents.
Terri Chidgey – Terri is a former NEISD Principal and has remained active in the district as a volunteer. Per her campaign Facebook, Chidgey wants to concentrate on supporting teachers and fiscal responsibility. She says she will listen to constituent feedback about the district and respond to support parents’ concerns. Terri has students and parents glowing about her on her campaign page.
On January 8, 2024, the Board of Trustees took action to order a special election to fill the vacancy in Single Member District (SMD) 2.
The candidates for Single Member District 2:
Rhonda N. Rowland – Rhonda is a former Principal running to support parents’ voices in school. Per a recent Express-News article, she says she is closely aligned with the values of the San Antonio Family Association, “and if that’s not what they [voters] stand for, then they shouldn’t affiliate with me.” Rowland says she wants to hold district administration accountable and restore integrity to the board.
Tracie Shelton – Per her campaign website, Shelton believes that a solid K-12 education is foundational to building a strong community. She is an entrepreneur and manages Alamo Kitchens. Her Master of Business Administration and background in accounting will be an asset to her quest for financial transparency on the board. She says she is committed to serving all students of all backgrounds.
Jacqueline Klein – Endorsed by PUFF. Highly motivated to serve. Per her campaign Facebook, Ms. Klein says her three core issues include safety, stewardship, and student success. She is concentrating on improving test scores her in her district and addressing the $40 million shortfall facing NEISD. She also wants to improve campus safety.