2021 Position 2 Candidates

Mariselle Quijano (Incumbent)

Phone: 713-944-0003
Email: mquijano.election.pisdpos2@gmail.com
Social Media: Facebook.com/pisdcontinuethesuccess

CLICK HERE to view candidate video

 

 

Why are you running for Pasadena ISD School Board? Is there a particular passion that motivates you to serve?
I proudly serve you as your Pos. 2 - PISD School Board Trustee since 2009 (12 years). I am running for re-election to continue the successes our board and superintendent have worked hard to provide - such as: new curriculums, additional resources and new partnerships to support our students, teachers and staff. In the next few years, I would like to see the initiatives we have started continuing to succeed. I would also hope that all students return to the classroom for instruction so that the district can meet the emotional, social, and academic needs of each individual student ensuring their future success. Involvement in my community and giving back to the community that has given my family and I so much is what motivates me. My passion is education. Education is the key to success, opportunities in life and the future at any age. My passion to serve has allowed me to do so, in many capacities: Education (School Board Trustee, National Scholarship Programs), Entrepreneurship (Mentoring, Speaking), Mentorship (IMPACT Mentor & Others) and 501c3 Charitable Organizations (Board Member).
 

What qualifications, work experiences or volunteer efforts prepare you to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pasadena ISD?
I have 12 yrs experience serving as your current trustee, in addition to countless continuing education hours on school board matters and governance. BBA (Accounting). Also, as a business owner of 27 franchises, I manage large budgets, 1,800+ personnel, marketing, payroll, accounting, maintenance, facilities and construction, and regulatory compliance. My accounting/business knowledge is extremely valuable in this role. I am a product of this great district. I attended Park View and graduated from Sam Rayburn High School. My daughter and son both received quality educations and graduated from PISD as well. I also am a business owner in our community. I began serving our Pasadena community when my daughter was in elementary school in various organizations. It then evolved into a Future Facilities Planning committee for PISD, Pasadena ISD Education Foundation, past Rotary member, McDonald’s Texas Invitational Basketball & Golf Tournament Title Sponsor, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Member and IMPACT Mentor for the last two years. I support the City of Pasadena, our Police Departments, Pasadena Schools, local organizations and educational programs in the area throughout the year. I am a proud recipient of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award and Business of the Year Award.
 

The chamber has partnered with PISD on many initiatives, and one of the most successful has been the development of an internship program aimed at preparing our future workforce for local businesses. What accomplishment are you most proud of for Pasadena ISD?
There are too many accomplishments that I am extremely proud of. This year PISD will have the largest graduating class of Early College High School in the State of Texas (with Associates degrees, saving families 2 year’s worth of college tuition), Career and Technical Certifications now available at ALL high schools (11-14 Career & Technical Education Program Pathways offered at each high school in the areas of: Agriculture/Food & Natural Resources; Business Management & Administration; Hospitality & Tourism; Law/Public Safety/Corrections & Security; STEM; Architecture & Construction; Education & Training; Human Services; Manufacturing; Transportation/Distribution & Logistics; Arts/Audio/Video & Communication; Health Science; Information Technology; Marketing), Expansion of All-Day Pre-k for All, Graduation Rate over 90%, PISD Named Best Community in Music Education for the 14th Consecutive Year, PISD Named District of Distinction by Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) and the PISD Finance Department has received Superior Ratings on the FIRST report from the Texas Education Agency for 18 Consecutive Years & numerous other financial awards from multiple entities.
 

Through the numerous unprecedented crises our community has faced, the chamber, like PISD, has had to innovate quickly and remain flexible in meeting the needs of the community. What challenges and opportunities for growth exist for PISD currently?
State funding, or the lack thereof, is always our biggest challenge. In addition, there are more required mandates from the state, with no additional funding, to incorporate those mandates, so it is up to local districts to fund these items. We continue to want to improve student success and find ways to overcome performance gaps between students learning face-to-face and those who are learning virtually, due to COVID-19. We need our students back in the classrooms, where they can be more successful. Even though we trained our 5,000+ teachers, 30+ hours of professional development, in preparation for virtual learning and distributed computers/hotspots to every student in the district, students need to be in class, to be assessed and offered corrective and enhanced learning opportunities. Virtual learning can lead to social and emotional isolation, as well as lack of self-motivation. Most homes lack proper resources (labs, libraries, gyms etc.). There are significantly higher failure rates and often distractions in the home which do not allow students to focus on their work. Continue to expand our career and technical certifications that are already now available at ALL high schools.
 

As a result of the 2019 PEDC strategic plan, the Chamber implemented IMPACT Pasadena, a leadership program to develop future leaders for our community. What is your personal leadership style? If elected to the Board of Trustees, what do you think your primary responsibility would be in leading as a trustee and how would you want to be remembered as a leader for PISD?
I am a servant leader. (Characteristics: Integrity, Trusting, Collaborative, Genuine, Listener, Builds Communities, Accountable and Does Not Abuse Authority). The board’s role is to ensure we are achieving our district’s goals and vision (set by parents, community and educators): To empower students to become accomplished, self-directed, collaborative, lifelong learners who boldly contribute to an increasingly complex and evolving world. Additionally, we approve the adoption of a fiscally sound budget, while keeping the focus on what is best for all students top priority. We review student achievement and district policies to ensure success for all. We hire and systemically evaluate a highly respected and knowledgeable Superintendent. We work collaboratively with our “TEAM of 8”, bringing experience, knowledge, trust and mutual respect. I pray the community will look back at all the successes the district has had and remember I had a little part in it. I hope they always remember me as being an active community member that cared about their concerns, their children’s future, our taxpayers, all of our staff and the future of our great Pasadena community!
 

“If you have alignment from the mayor, the civic societies, the nonprofits, and business, you can get a lot done. If not, you are just wasting money.” Jamie Dimon, CEO, JP Morgan Chase. The Chamber’s focus is connecting our community, and we believe collaboration is the key to community success. PISD’s current strategic plan drives the vision for the district and is based on educator, parent, administration, business partner, and community input. How would you work to collaborate with the other PISD Board Members, the Superintendent, and stakeholders to accomplish the mission of PISD?
We have been blessed to have a stable, trustworthy, collaborative board of trustees that always operates with integrity. I will continue to collaborate with the “TEAM of 8” to ensure we are achieving our district’s goals and mission (set by parents, community and educators): Pasadena ISD provides unlimited opportunities to engage students in positive relationships, rigorous curriculum, and innovative meaningful experiences. Vision: Pasadena ISD empowers students to become accomplished, self-directed, collaborative, lifelong learners who boldly contribute to an increasingly complex and evolving world. We have an experienced and knowledgeable board that respects, collaborates and listens to each other. All Pasadena ISD board members are extremely active in the community. We currently partner/work/attend events held with the City of Pasadena, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, civic events, visit with our local elected officials, nonprofit organizations and local businesses. All of these connections with our community, in addition to the organizations we serve, build strong community relations with our school board trustees and Pasadena ISD. I am committed to serving Pasadena ISD and my Pasadena community that I LOVE!
 

Crystal Davila

Phone: 713-518-8029
Email: aycrystalita@gmail.com
Social Media: Facebook.com/educatorsforpisd

CLICK HERE to view candidate video

 

 

 

Why are you running for Pasadena ISD School Board? Is there a particular passion that motivates you to serve?
I'm running for School Board because I believe our students, teachers, and support staff don't have adequate representation. I am a product of Pasadena ISD and have been working at Pasadena High School for five years. Needless to say, our learning and working environments have deteriorated over the years. We have gone a week without working AC, we have seen mold in our buildings, and we are not given enough classroom materials due to budget cuts. I want our school district to move forward with new innovative educational methods which reflect a 21st century reality.
 

What qualifications, work experiences or volunteer efforts prepare you to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pasadena ISD?
I have been working in the classroom since I was a college student at UT Austin. I have been working with students since I was a 19 and I have been officially working as a teacher for the past five years. My work with seniors has taught me that we need to provide more programs for our graduating seniors that translate to internships, mentorships, and job opportunities after graduating high school. I believe all of us want our graduating seniors to be prepared, to have a stable job and participate civically as Pasadena residents. I have also experienced days without AC in our schools, mold in our ceilings, and non quality drinking water. I believe this was allowed because we don't 1) have adequate representation on the School Board and 2) there isn't a process to tackle immediate needs. Having an educator on the board would provide a different voice, and my experience in the classroom as an alumni and an educator would provide the perspective needed to address the needs our students, teachers and parents have.
 

The chamber has partnered with PISD on many initiatives, and one of the most successful has been the development of an internship program aimed at preparing our future workforce for local businesses. What accomplishment are you most proud of for Pasadena ISD?
I embrace the college program and college advisor we have invested in our schools. Pasadena High School brought millions of scholarship money to our students and a good portion of it is due our awesome college advisor. We didn't have a college program when I was in high school and I know I would have personally benefited from it. I am proud our students have access to more programs and I encourage Pasadena Independent School District to expand this type of service to our schools and community. We want everyone in Pasadena to be proud to be from Pasadena and providing resources and opportunities is a step forward.
 

Through the numerous unprecedented crises our community has faced, the chamber, like PISD, has had to innovate quickly and remain flexible in meeting the needs of the community. What challenges and opportunities for growth exist for PISD currently?
Virtual learning has been challenging for students and teachers. However, I think this experience has taught us virtual learning can be an alternative to students who are sick because flu cases were significantly low compared to pre-Covid years. The pandemic allowed the time for teachers and students to reflect on the quality of services and how administration leadership dealt with a life or death situation. 
The biggest challenge is PISD is assuring all schools have adequate learning environments that provide reliable AC, mold-free buildings, and basic educational resources such as having enough paper for our classes. Active community members in PISD are split between investing $27 Million for an administration building OR investing that money into our schools. I am adamant about ensuring our schools are safe and have good learning environments before investing money into an administration building that does not have pressing issues like non-reliable AC, mold, and access to quality drinking water. Our campaign is adamant about investing money into our schools and fixing them before building a state of the art administration building.
 

As a result of the 2019 PEDC strategic plan, the Chamber implemented IMPACT Pasadena, a leadership program to develop future leaders for our community. What is your personal leadership style? If elected to the Board of Trustees, what do you think your primary responsibility would be in leading as a trustee and how would you want to be remembered as a leader for PISD?
My leadership style is people based in that I want to build relationships and meet everyone who has a role in the community. I want to meet with the student, teachers, parents and gather the consensus within the community. I want to develop a direct relationship to members in our community and not solely rely on those who have leadership positions in our communities. When I am elected for the Board of Trustees I would want to make the school board an inviting place where we work with our community to make the best decisions going forward for EVERY student. I would want people to remember me for inspiring young Latinos and Latinas to get involved civically in their community and challenge themselves to improve the conditions for our neighbors. I would also want my legacy as a leader to be remembered as a person that worked to adhere to solve the needs of the community.
 

“If you have alignment from the mayor, the civic societies, the nonprofits, and business, you can get a lot done. If not, you are just wasting money.” Jamie Dimon, CEO, JP Morgan Chase.  The Chamber’s focus is connecting our community, and we believe collaboration is the key to community success. PISD’s current strategic plan drives the vision for the district and is based on educator, parent, administration, business partner, and community input. How would you work to collaborate with the other PISD Board members, the Superintendent and stakeholders to accomplish the mission of PISD?
I would encourage our leaders in Pasadena ISD to open our doors and invite organizations in our area. We have a large undocumented population in Pasadena and we are not doing anyone a service by pretending they do not exist in our community. I would work with other stakeholders to bring into our city new programming to address the needs of the most vulnerable students in our schools. We as leaders of our city have the responsibility to close the gaps that exist in our city and education and the schools can play a major role in creating this change. However, I understand that in a lot of issues many of us will not be on the same page. Yet, I am willing to listen to find common ground to improve our city together. In order to work together, I would want to learn everybody's perspective and priorities and get to know our leaders. Afterwards, I would like to get community input in order to find the best way to represent every families and elected leader's needs. I would also encourage school board members and other stakeholders to be active in addressing the needs of the people we serve.