LSAISD Class of 2015 Profiles
Sara Kell Bowers
District: SAISD
Election District: 1
“I think the biggest opportunity facing SAISD right now would Parental involvement. From what I know of the people with their children in SAISD and others involved, it seems difficult to motivate the bulk of parents in terms of understanding when and where it is vital for them to get involved. The emphasis right now seems to be placed on just getting their children to graduate High School, where as there is some lacking in understanding and concern for truly preparing kids for college, which is a huge missing piece in getting teens onto a successful path” – Sara Kell Bowers
Robert Calvillo
District: SAISD
Election District: 3
“I would like to be part of Leadership SAISD to explore the possibilities of building collaborations and leveraging YMCA resources to enhance and improve student academic performance within the district. I offer my knowledge in program management, strategic planning, fiscal management and program measurements. In regards to talent, I bring an open mind, innovation and a culturally diverse perspective.” – Robert Calvillo
Kimberly Irving Conaway
District: SAISD
Election District: 2
“I believe the that most significant issue surrounds student and adult literacy in our SAISD community. I believe that for students to become successful that we must leverage support beyond the home to provide our students with incentives and opportunities to become successful. I believe that education is not always a primary goal at home considering social issues that our children and their families endure. I believe that we could provide additional traditional and non-traditional opportunities that are more feasible to the lifestyles of our students to help them become successful.” – Kimberly Irving Conaway
Jenniann Colon
“I moved to San Antonio about a year ago, and I currently work with local public charter schools in the area. I would like to learn more about Texas state laws, regulations and best practices in promoting public education. I have over 10 years experience in communications, content development and research. These skills can provide a strong foundation for critical analysis of current educational practices and can help develop innovative ways to reach underserved populations.” – Jenniann Colon
Christopher Cox
University Health System
District: SAISD
Election District: 7
“I believe the most significant issue facing the San Antonio Independent School District today is Texas' school funding inadequacy. The Texas legislator has made it increasing difficult for school districts across the state to provide equitable and adequate educational funding. Even though District Judge John Dietz has ruled Texas’ system for financing public schools violates the state constitution, the implementation of the ruling has been delayed until after the 84th Texas Legislative Session. The Texas Legislature has an opportunity to make right the many constitutional deficiencies during the legislative session. There is much to be done on behalf Texas public school districts, particularly SAISD & the residents that live within its boundaries. I believe that by earning acceptance to Leadership SAISD I can contribute my skills, experience, and passion to assist the children of the San Antonio community at a the state policy level.” – Christopher Cox
Maria Cruz
District: SAISD
Election District: 4
“I believe I can be a great asset to the LSAISD community because of all my background in the community work. I have been a Court Appointed Advocate for over 10 years working for the Bexar County system, CPS and CASA. I have been a member of the Board of Adjustments for the City of San Antonio for over 10 years serving 4 different council persons. I have been involved with the Ballet Folkolic de Navarro, Graebner Elementary, Lowell Middle School, Burbank High School while my daughter was in her school days and continued to do so for some years after that. I then continued to work with the Palm Heights Neighborhood Association, Nogalitos-Zarzamora Coalition and Palm Heights Advisory Board currently holding office in some capacity for each organization. I have now move on to work with my grandkids and currently helping with the Burbank Band Parent organization and will be helping at Harris Middle School and Graebner Elementary. Currently helping with Kinentic Kids program with Golf and Swimming. I am also helping with the Burbank Class of "73" Reunion committee. This is after retiring after 32 years of federal service with the federal government as a Administrative Assistant.” – Maria Cruz
David Espinoza
District: NISD
“This opportunity would help me develop my skills in leadership and educational growth. I am working for a Master's in Adult Education which has shown how adults learn comes from how they learned throughout their primary and secondary education. As a former student of the SAISD system, I will get the opportunity to give back years of educational and personal experience to help better the lives of others. Teaching, ministry work, adult education, and civic leadership are skills I have developed and continue to develop which may bring a larger perspective to this program.” – David Espinoza
Cirina Flores
District: Castle Hills
“As a graduate and athlete of Thomas Jefferson in 1999, I am interested in serving my community and city. I also just graduated in May 2014 from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Public Administration. My interest in serving the public and civic engagement comes from my education and an internship with the City of San Antonio Juvenile Municipal Court experience. I will contribute my organizational skills and my reputed ability to work well in groups to the table. My experience in the bar/restaurant industry has given me an incredible ability to work with many different people. I enjoy learning from everyone I meet, and in this position I believe that will enhance my ability to perform on a team or group effort. I also have flexibility of time. I currently work two to three days a week and I have the time to put in to participate in all meetings or any extra participation needed because of this.” – Cirina Flores
Rosa Gomez
District: SAISD
Election District: 1
“I'm a first-generation college graduate who grew up and was educated in a small West Texas town school district. I've always had a passion for education, especially for Latinos. Prior to working at H-E-B, I was the communication director for Generation TX San Antonio with Mari Aguirre-Rodriguez where I helped spread the word about higher education for first-generation college students. I believe my passion, as well as my communication, public relations and marketing skills can benefit Leadership SAISD's mission.” – Rosa Gomez
Patricia Gonzales
William C. Velasquez Institute
District: SAISD
Election District: 3
“I feel more experiential learning is needed within SAISD. For example, a mentor program for high school students involving leaders in the Stem area could put the youth at an advantage for higher education. Youth need mentors that look like them, have had the same struggles etc.” -Patricia Gonzales
Barbie Leal-Hallam
“As a supporter of school choice, I would like to learn about the great things happening in SAISD. It is my goal to partner with SAISD so that the magnet programs and other opportunities within the district can be showcased to the public across San Antonio. I feel SAISD has many educational opportunities that families may not be aware are open to them and through my organization, Families Empowered, I am seeking more knowledge so I can market those opportunities to the community at large. “ – Barbie Leal-Hallam
Olga Hernandez
District: SAISD
Election District: 6
“First of all, I believe our District is headed in the right direction. There are stats that show our drop-out rates have decreased, our on-time graduation rates have increased, We have many more students taking dual credit college courses while in high school - saving lots of money for their parents, which means we have more college-ready students than ever before. We, in SAISD, have the full day Pre-K program for our little ones and so very few have to rely on PreK for SA. This is good in most cases because they can stay in their own neighborhoods. That being said, we understand that there is still much more to do in the areas of literacy- reading & writing, and math too. Funding, as we all know, by the State, does not meet our needs - as an inner - city district. How do we address this issue - continue being vocal about it so our legislators can hear us.” – Olga Hernandez
Eva Infante
District: SAISD
Election District: 4
“Through my job position with Peter Piper Pizza I have been able to participate in many career days, talent shows, red ribbon week events and science fairs within SAISD schools. I have also been able to work with schools to help them raise money and support the schools with incentives for the students, teachers and staff; however, I see this leadership program as an opportunity to learn more about the needs the schools within SAISD. I understand that House Bill 5 will affect the curriculum for the students moving forward and we would like to know how we could help and partner with the schools to meet some of the requirements when it comes to Business Management, Marketing, or Restaurant Management. “ – Eva Infante
Pat Jasso
District: SAISD
Election District: 3
“High school students are not prepared for college. In order for students to be successful adults there needs to be opportunity for all students to attend higher education institution. I am not familiar with all resources available to students but would like to work to insure the resources are easily available to all students and if it needs to start at earlier age, I would want to see how to make that happen.” – Pat Jasso
Cody Knowlton
“As a graduate of an SAISD school, I desire to learn more about the district and explore ways I can contribute back to it. While not being an expert on the subject, I forsee that Charter Schools could both help and possibly challenge SAISD schools. I think a rising tide floats all boats and that the two can work more together for the betterment of our students.” – Cody Knowlton
Eleonore Lee
Trinity University, Southwest School of Art
District: SAISD
Election District: 1
“I teach Studio Art as an adjunct at Trinity University as well as the Southwest School of Art. In college I also obtained a K-12 Art teaching certificate, and have remained interested in education as a field. I now have 3 children 10 & under, the oldest has just started in SAISD. I have been interested very particularly in how we view education as a society and understanding why there is so much discontent at every level: children, parents, educators, districts, and more. There are many issues that affect our educational system and in a country so large changes will necessarily come slowly. And yet I think that we know that a fundamental change needs to happen. Our system is based upon the very first model of public schools, formulated at a time when we did not have access to facts the way we do know, and needed workers. Hence the system focusses on obedience, stillness, memorization and skill building. While a little of these do not hurt, I think the Skill Building is the only one we really need now. Today, we do not want still automatons, we want innovative, empowered, creative people. Yet we expect them to come out of the system that does not foster, let alone encourage these traits.” – Eleonore Lee
Laura Martinez
Self-Employed
District: SAISD
Election District: 5
“As a member of the community, I choose to live in District 5 on purpose. I am slowly but surely working toward the revitalization of our inner city, especially the areas surrounding Lanier, and Tafolla. I fully understand that without successful schools to tout our area cannot thrive. The quality of our schools and more importantly the caliber of the students produced at our schools are what will ultimately determine how desirable and significant of an impact our part of town can be to the rest of the city. I feel that as a parent of children in the district and an investor in the local community I am eager to engage in how our students learn, and what these students will hopefully decide to bring back to this community once they have finished with their high school tenure.” – Laura Martinez
Daniel Pineda
District: SAISD
Election District: 3
“Why do we have results not so good in some schools and not others? What is being done differently but working. There has to be methods that are working but are the teachers also prepare with those methods to reach the students. So are we listening to the teachers and staff on what works and don't work. Or are we feeding them methods that others have recommend works. I know sometimes methods take longer to start but sometimes changes are needed.” – Daniel Pineda
Colton Powell
District: SAISD
Election District: 1
“I would like to be a part of Leadership SAISD to better understand the community I live within and work with as Program Manager for San Antonio Youth Literacy. I would hope to translate what I learn as a member of Leadership SAISD into best practices for SAYL. As a graduate student studying Public Administration at St. Mary's University I may be in a good position to help the YMCA Texas Youth and Government group at Twain Middle School and Jefferson High School.” – Colton Powell
Johnny Troy
Retired
District: SAISD
Election District: 2
“One of the biggest issues facing SAISD today is the dropout rate of the student population after intermediate education. I would strive to do all I can to encourage all young people to strive for the best they could be by completing their education.” – Johnny Troy