What motivated you to run for office?
I am running for the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees because I am passionate about children and education, and I genuinely want to serve the public. At my core, I love people, I believe in the power of education and I have worked to ensure that every voice matters. As an experienced leader, I have built a community in Coppell, collaborated with elected officials and successfully rescued and advocated for teen trafficking victims.
I believe that a good education is one of the greatest gifts that you can give somebody. My parents, as refugees of the Vietnam War, came to the U.S. with nothing. I was born in Crowell, Texas, a small rural farming community, and the biggest thing my parents emphasized was the importance of education. Because of their hard work, I graduated valedictorian of my class, went to Texas A&M University and then completed law school at Boston University. My education has opened so many doors, and I cannot think of a greater way to serve the public than by ensuring that today’s youth has the best education possible.
I am a passionate, dynamic leader who will work tirelessly and fearlessly on your behalf. My energy is unmatched. As an attorney, I will advocate for what is best for our children. I am fiscally conservative and will work hard to make sure your taxpayer dollars are managed appropriately. It would be a privilege to serve you.
How has your background prepared you for this role?
As a mom of three elementary aged kids, the leader of a children’s nonprofit and an attorney, my entire career has been focused on making this world a better place for children. Whether through extensive volunteering in school or organizing anti-human trafficking efforts, my passion in life is helping children and teens. Serving on the Coppell ISD Board of Trustees would be a natural extension of my life’s endeavors.
Early on, as an attorney, I represented children in CPS abuse and neglect cases. Next, I started an anti-human trafficking non-profit that worked with law enforcement to rescue trafficked teens and helped them rebuild their lives. When my children started elementary school, I volunteered countless hours and launched the UIL Academics program for CISD. This program has impacted hundreds of children in the district.
I am heavily involved in Coppell, because at my core, I love building community and connecting people. I founded the Coppell Running Club, organized multiple car shows and meet-ups, hosted holiday events for my HOA, started the 4-H Sewing Club, taught Sunday school at Irving Bible Church and more. People who know me often ask, “Do you ever sleep?”
As a leader, I am an out of the box thinker who is not afraid to take initiative and can mobilize people. This is what Coppell ISD needs right now. We are facing unprecedented times with huge financial pressures that have caused the closure of one school with more closures possibly on the horizon.
What are the most urgent issues facing CISD right now?
Coppell ISD does not have enough money to cover our expenses as a school district. For the 2023-2024 school year, we spent $6.5 million more than what we brought in. We have realized an actual deficit, $6.5 million, for the first time in many years.
School districts across the state are being adversely affected just like Coppell ISD, because the State of Texas is withholding funding from public schools. The taxes you pay do not stay in your school district. Because of recapture, a portion of your taxes are sent back to the state and held in a general fund. Currently, there is a $33 billion surplus in the state budget. In fact, since 1992, Coppell has sent back $778 million of your taxpayer money to the state, which has helped that surplus grow into the billions, while we have suffered real consequences in Coppell.
In September 2024, the Coppell school board voted to close Pinkerton Elementary, the oldest school in our town. Generations of families have gone through this beloved school. At the end of May 2025, it will cease to operate. This is the devastating impact on communities when funding is not properly managed by our government. School districts do not have enough money to operate and have to make drastic cuts, such as closing schools.
How do you plan to address those issues?
With declining enrollment and budgetary issues, I would advise the district to create a comprehensive plan that closes the deficit by spreading the impact throughout all grade levels and look at alternative ways to raise funds. Specifically, I would study how neighboring school districts have raised millions through nonprofits and education foundations. I would develop a task force to specifically hunt for ways to raise money instead of curtailing current programming for our students. For example, I would research how Arkansas school districts have currently been able to save millions by installing solar power panels on their campuses. There are so many creative ways to solve our financial issues without cutting programs and closing schools.
Additionally, this spring, I have proactively gone to Austin to advocate for more funding for our students while they have been in session and mobilizing others to do so as well. If elected, I would continue engaging with our Texas legislature to increase funding while developing a creative and holistic plan that closes the deficit, especially since more school closures are on the horizon.
What do you think makes Coppell ISD unique?
CISD is a special community where every learner matters. Together, we have created a unique environment where everyone has a place to grow and learn. Whether it is IB, AP, NTH @C, CHS football, theater, arts, AV production or engineering, there is something for everyone. It is an amazing community where we work together and support each other.
Follow @CHSCampusNews and Yug (@YugTalukdar) on X
