Katy ISD school board President Victor Perez, a retired chief financial officer who has been on the district’s board of trustees since 2022, is seeking his second term on the school board. Opposing Perez is retired Katy ISD educator and public policy advocate James Cross, who worked in Katy ISD for 20 years of his 30-year career. The Katy Times posed the same questions to each candidate; candidates’ responses are listed with the incumbent first. Answers were subject to editing for length and clarity and to conform with Associated Press stylebook standards.

· What led to your decision to run for the school board?

PEREZ: I am a champion for conservative, common sense values - Katy values. I am running for re-election to make Katy ISD the best school district it can be for all children, and to stop what I see as a liberal takeover of our board. I was elected to the board in May 2022 and as its president in May 2023. We have three children that are all products of Katy ISD, and we have four grandchildren in Katy ISD schools. My strong finance background brings a needed dimension to our board, especially considering potential, upcoming budget challenges.

CROSS: I spent 30 years in public education, with the last 20 years here in Katy ISD. I am so honored to have had the privilege of working and living in this community. When I retired a couple of years ago to do public school advocacy work, I realized the importance of supporting our school district and finding ways to serve it again. I can’t think of a better way to serve the over 96,000 students and families of Katy ISD than to serve as their trustee.

· What unique qualifications do you bring to the position?

PEREZ: I retired from a career as a CFO in the energy industry, and as a banker. I have extensive experience in corporate finance for public companies. Financial stewardship over the district’s $1.4 billion budget is a big responsibility. It is imperative we prioritize what will make a difference to our students, teachers, and support staff in terms of student learning, teacher job satisfaction, and safety. I am not a career administrator or district insider. I come to this role with a healthy, inquisitive attitude. I bring 30 years’ experience in the private sector working with boards and stakeholders.

CROSS: I am a very successful career educator with experience and knowledge of how our district works. Most importantly, I know how decisions made by a school board impact students, teachers, and our Katy ISD families. I have dedicated my adult life to service in public schools. Those thirty years of service bring a unique and valuable perspective that does not currently exist on our school board.

· What are your three top priorities – and concrete plans -- for Katy ISD for the next two years?

PEREZ: Support funding for public education so we can increase compensation for our teachers and staff, fund the needs of our growing special education population, safety for our students and staff, and the growing demand for career and technical training. Improve student outcomes by retaining our teachers,

by increasing their job satisfaction, and by identifying opportunities to lift the schools and student populations that are struggling in math and reading at grade level. I will continue to uphold parental rights. I will continue to protect students from sexually explicit materials, and educationally unsuitable materials that promote liberal gender ideology in libraries.

CROSS: My first priority is to ensure that every dollar provides maximum educational impact in the classroom. Next, we must look at teacher recruitment and retention. Great teachers and staff are the key to student success and achievement. Our teachers deserve our respect and support. Safety has to be a priority. A safe and secure environment is the foundation of children's readiness to learn. Safety is more than a physical structure; it encompasses the child’s physical, mental, and emotional security.


· How do you plan to address budgetary issues and the shortfall in state funding?

PEREZ: Regardless of what funding may, or not come to the school districts, from this legislative session, our priority is to ensure we don’t sacrifice student outcomes. This needs to be our priority always. Teachers are the single most important factor, along with a partnership with parents, in student success. Fortunately, our district is in good financial standing. However, the responsibility of our board is to scrutinize expenditures and the efficient use of our available resources. Additionally, my focus will be on ensuring we maintain a healthy General Fund balance relative to our expenses.

CROSS: We do not know how much additional money, if any, the state will put into public schools. Therefore, we must first look at available dollars and our spending to see where we are maximizing our investment in our students. Over the years, we have offered incredible learning experiences in the classroom, lab, shop, music hall, and athletic field. Our students have been able to succeed in whatever path they choose. We must continue to offer world-class programs and opportunities to prepare them for college, career, or military service. Families move to Katy for the schools, and I will work to ensure we keep our legacy of excellence.

· How do you plan to address teacher shortages and teacher retention?

PEREZ: Last year, as board president, we created an ad-hoc teacher retention committee. Teachers burn out due to administrative workload, discipline issues, and compensation. Last year we implemented a five-year benchmark lump-sum bonus program in increasing amounts to recognize their service. Subject to budgetary considerations, I want to enhance that program. Additionally, in a challenging budget environment, I recommended, and we approved, a 3% raise for all staff. I am supportive of our “grow our own” teacher certification program and the Teacher Incentive Allotment. I want to elevate the teaching profession and encourage the best teachers to stay in the classroom!

CROSS: Teachers deserve a competitive salary…and not just for beginning teachers. Our veteran educators need to feel equally valued. We all benefit from their experience and wisdom in the classroom. The next step is to look at teacher/staff morale and efficacy. They must have a voice in what goes on each day on the campus and in the classroom. They are professionals, and listening to and welcoming their input increases our success. With numerous vacancies in special education staffing, we

need to prioritize teacher recruitment to ensure a quality education for our expanding special education population.

· How do you plan to address student achievement?

PEREZ: Katy ISD offers many quality programs in fine arts, athletics and career and technical education. These programs keep kids coming to school and offer varied paths for student success. We need to ensure that our highest priority is on core subjects like reading, math, science and social studies. Parents want above all for their kids to be proficient in reading and math. I’m concerned about some of our student populations that have a high percentage of kids performing below grade level. I look forward to reviewing the proposed new state implementation of K-8 math and algebra curriculum this year.

CROSS: I have spent thirty years doing just that, from my early days as a teacher worrying about how my students would do on my tests and our state assessments to becoming a principal and worrying about how thousands would do on those same assessments. I have experience and extensive knowledge in this area. I understand the challenges facing students, their teachers, and our families. I look at data with an experienced eye, see trends and what they mean, and adjust as needed. That is a unique skill set as a school board trustee.

· How do you plan to engage parents and the community in supporting KISD?

PEREZ: Katy ISD does a good job of engaging with the community and soliciting input. It’s particularly important to identify and pursue opportunities to engage parents in portions of our district that have a greater percentage of economically disadvantaged. Since becoming president of the board, I instituted two board meetings per month to provide the community two opportunities per month to speak publicly at board meetings in Open Forum, and also two opportunities per month for the board to engage in open discussions and ask questions.

CROSS: Katy is known for engaging parents and the community with programs like Volunteers in Public Schools, Bond committees, Strategic Design, and Leadership Katy, where community members learn about all aspects of our district. Business partnerships provide valuable support for our campuses. We still have to look for ways to bring ALL parents in as partners in their child’s education. As a campus leader, I invited parents and the community to “Conversations with the Principal.. I found this open door and listening attitude very successful in building a stronger school and district. I will continue to be available to the community as a trustee.

· What are the top two reasons that voters should cast their votes for you?

PEREZ: I am a committed leader with a proven track record. I will continue to champion common sense Katy community values, parental rights and transparency. I have a history of meeting with parents and teachers to try to solve problems and address concerns. The board’s role is financial stewardship and oversight. With my extensive experience in finance, I focus on the analysis of our district finances and our $1.4 billion budget. Our budget has a ripple effect throughout the district – student outcomes, teacher and staff compensation and retention, funding programs and to keep up with the growth in student enrollment.

CROSS: Experience and Investment! My experience from the classroom to the campus means I understand the needs of students and staff. Empowering teachers and staff to meet the needs of students is vital to delivering quality education. As a campus leader in one of Texas's largest, most successful 6A high schools, I built relationships with all stakeholders. I collaborated with parents because a strong bond between home and family builds excellence in educational outcomes. Including business partners and community leaders in the school reflects community values and strength. These experiences will provide a unique perspective to the role of trustee.

· What else should readers of the Katy Times know about you, your candidacy and your vision for Katy ISD?

PEREZ: I fled communist Cuba when I was seven years old. I have an appreciation for this country and the opportunities it has provided me. I have a strong work ethic, which I learned from my father since he had to start from scratch. I apply this strong work ethic in my role as trustee. I take seriously our board’s oversight responsibility over the superintendent and the district. I am not a “business as usual” trustee. Our award-winning district has amazing staff and programs. I look forward to continuing to make Katy ISD better and improving student outcomes for all.

CROSS: I am from a family of award-winning educators. It’s the family business. My wife, both daughters, son-in-law and extended family are all teachers. My grandchildren attend Katy ISD schools. Our roots are deep in Katy. Living and serving here are a huge blessing. I mentor two students every week, I am a member of Katy Area Retired Educators (KARE) and an investor of the Katy ISD Education Foundation. My experience brings a unique and valuable perspective to the role of Katy ISD Trustee. The success of Katy ISD changes lives, and I want to continue contributing to the future.