Fort Worth City Council Candidate Education Questionnaire

Parent Shield sent a questionnaire to all of the 2025 City Council Candidates that are on the ballot this May. These are the responses we received. Parent Shield Fort Worth is an independent, 501(c)3 organization and cannot endorse any candidate.

What are your top three concerns on the current state of literacy and what do you plan to do as an elected official to address those concerns?

  • I will want to address our School District Reading Levels, Also Focus On Better Parent Engagement.

  • Embrace. Common Sense, Moral and Honesty. Top concerns. Address those concerns by implement

  • Funding. Teacher retention. Student resources.

    We have to stop the assault on public schools. Many of our students attend public schools and without the necessary funding, we cannot retain teachers and provide students with the resources that we need. We need to lobby our legislators to not only fund public schools, but to provide teachers with the incentives that they need to stay in the classroom.

  • I applaud Mayor Mattie Parker making a public statement on the crisis of literacy in Fort Worth. Since then we have seen county, city and school leaders step up to raise awareness and we have witnessed the ISD begin to take action. This will not be solved overnight, but must be solved. Literacy not only impacts the student's ability to learn, it also affects their ability to earn. And this crisis hits our disadvantaged students the worst. Literacy is a civil right, and on council, I will work with Mayor Parker to do what we must to help our students and schools.

  • About 43% of students in Fort Worth can't read at grade level, according to a Fort Worth Education Partnership report, there is a literacy crisis in our City. My top three concerns on current state of literacy are:

    1. Our students can't read at grade level.

    2. FWISD (that covers the majority of District 5) has consistently failed students &their parents with successful outcomes (reading test scores have been constantly below state average).

    3. When the educational system consistently fails, the area isn't attractive to investment in housing or businesses that create the virtuous cycle of economic development, further condemning families to poverty or long- distance commuting, further hindering educational outcomes.

    As the City Councilwoman for the City of Fort Worth, District 5 I will: Foster, encourage & demand on behalf of our students &their families for FWISD to focus on literacy & improving educational outcomes.

  • Learning to read also means learning to write. If the student can write well, then the student can read well. Let's look for ways to reduce the focus on smartphones in classrooms, reduce the growing trend of relying on Al to write book reports and answers to homework. The more we practice in writing down our thoughts, the more likely our literacy rates will continue to rise. And, in the end, TIME is of the essence. Parents need TIME to spend as co- educators with their children at home. Elected officials can help by continuously looking for ways to reduce traffic congestion giving more time back to the parents. Ultimately, the city council members are responsible for attracting more economic development which in turn will provide better paying jobs....again: giving more time back to the parents who may be able to stop working two jobs and give that time back to being co-educators for their children.

  • My top three concerns regarding the current state of literacy are funding, physical participation, and effective outcomes. I currently volunteer with the FWISD/Reading Partners North Texas as a volunteer reader, so my participation has already begun. I feel that there could be more done for addressing literacy, fi we can bring in broader community participation. Not just showing up at meetings, but being available in the classrooms. We have to meet the problem head on, and I feel there are people seeking for opportunities to serve. I will work with the organizations, and groups already on the front line of this crisis.

  • Literacy has been an issue since l've been giving speeches about since 1984. As a University College Government Professor, it is priority to require my students to read. Now, as a Candidate for City Council it is part of my platform to encourage literacy as an initiative to help student read on their grade level.

    Although as a City Councilperson, we do not have direct connection to education because it is an Independent School District responsibility, but it is a parent/community issue. Therefore, I will initiate Literacy and Financial Literacy programs in the churches to help as a community with this issue. It is my view to help make the quality of life better for the people I plan to serve. Education= Opportunity is my motto.

  • 1. Only 1 in 3students in Fort Worth are reading on grade level with only 1in 5 African- American students performing at grade level.

    2. 1 out of 5 adults in Tarrant County are unable to read on a 4th grade level.

    3. Texas ranks 46th of 50 for adult literacy.

  • As an elected official on the Fort Worth City Council, addressing the literacy challenges in our community is paramount. The top three concerns regarding literacy in Fort Worth are: 1) low student reading proficiency, 2) declining eighth-grade reading scores, and 3) adult literacy challenges.

    To address these concerns, the City Council can implement the following strategies: 1) enhance early childhood literacy programs by collaborating with local libraries and organizations, 2) support FWISD’s literacy initiatives by partnering with FWISD to bolster their strategic plan aimed at improving reading proficiency, and 3) promote adult literacy programs by allocating funding and resources to adult education centers. By focusing on these areas, the City Council can play a pivotal role in elevating literacy rates, thereby fostering a more educated and prosperous Fort Worth.

  • My three top concerns are reading comprehension, school safety, and school funding. I plan to be an advocate and use my office to shine a light on these issues. I will attend meetings and state legislative sessions as needed.

  • Low Literacy Rates: Currently, 43% of students in Fort Worth meet grade-level reading standards. Proposed Action: As a city council member, I will look to address the clear link between illiteracy and incarceration by supporting literacy programs in juvenile centers. These programs would focus on early prevention and continuous support to ensure students attain and maintain grade-level reading proficiency. Disparities among student groups: Black and Hispanic students in Fort Worth ISD have notably lower reading proficiency, with only 21% of Black and 30% of Hispanic third-graders reading at grade level, compared to 62% of white students. Proposed Action: Develop initiatives that address the unique issues facing marginalized student groups. Adult Literacy Challenges: One in five adults in Tarrant County cannot read well enough to succeed at a fourth-grade level, which impacts their workforce readiness. Proposed Action: Expand adult literacy programs by partnering with local organizations to provide learning opportunities that empower adults and increase family literacy.

  • I am deeply concerned about the current state of literacy, particularly regarding the percentage of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds in Fort Worth who are unable to read at grade level. Additionally, I recognize the critical importance of adequate funding for public schools and the need for effective early childhood literacy programs. As a municipal elected official, I am committed to partnering with schools and advocating for increased funding. Together, we can empower families and work towards improving literacy rates for future generations.

How can our city increase academic outcomes for the most marginalized students?

  • More Funded School Programs That Going To Benefit The Students

  • More Teachers.

  • The problem is systemic. We have to embrace the entire family to ensure that students are living in homes where there is not food insecurity, where they have decent housing where their parents are making a living wage. We must focus on protecting students, no matter their status and ensure that they are receiving a good education.

  • The city's primary job in improving our marginalized students' quality of life is ensuring the water is clean, their neighborhoods are safe, oarks are clean, and the street lights are working. Working with neighborhood leaders to quickly address the issues and not letting them metastasize. The city shows respect by giving respect in delivering the basic services at a high level. Ensure the library bookshelves are stocked and foster collaboration with our community schools.

  • Besides bringing attention to the issue, City services such as libraries can be instrumental to improving academic and economic outcomes of the most marginalized students. The best education and services should not be dependent on their zip code, they should be equitable so all students can succeed.

  • Economic stability at home, family stability at home, and continue funding those programs designed to reduce those instabilities (food assistance, classroom supplies and essential public and school provided transportation). Again, the elected public officials (mayor &city council members) are responsible for attracting economic development which in turn will provide better paying jobs giving more time back to the parents who may be able to stop working two jobs [and excessive overtime] to give that time back to their children to increase academic outcomes.

  • Academic outcomes increase when decision making is reflective of the most marginalized. Too often good gestures, and intentions don't contribute to the reality in which they're intended for. Most successful academic incomes, are a reflection of a good home and community foundation. The struggles that many of our youth face today are rooted ni poverty, lack, and access to what's necessary for there continued sustainability.

  • As an Educator it takes a village to use that term to increase academic outcomes for marginalized students? That is why literacy is one of my main initiatives. I plan to implement fi so privileged to be elected to City Council to serve the people of District 6.

  • Fort Worth is facing a critical literacy crisis that disproportionately affects our most marginalized communities. Currently, only 1 in 3 students in our city are performing at grade level in literacy, with even more alarming statistics for African-American, Latino, and special education students. These disparities are not only academic—they are directly linked to economic inequality. African-American and Latino families in Fort Worth, who face systemic barriers in education, are more likely to experience poverty, limited access to healthcare, and reduced economic opportunity. This creates a vicious cycle where low literacy rates contribute to lower-paying jobs, limited upward mobility, and a lack of access to the resources needed for success. This fight for literacy must be intentional and strategic. We need a strong, calculated investment of resources—both financial and human—into these efforts. We must recruit volunteers, provide professional development for educators, and build on successful models.

  • Improving academic performance for marginalized communities in Fort Worth requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses systemic barriers, access to resources, and community engagement. Here are some strategies that could make a meaningful impact:

    1. Expand access to early childhood education 2. Improve school funding by increasing the basic allotment and funding schools on enrollment versus attendance.

    3. Ensure all teachers and staff have the necessary resources to effectively educate all students. This also means having resources and curriculum that reflects the demographics of the greater community. Diversity matters!

    4. Address socioeconomic barriers. By ensuring that resources are in place to address hunger, transportation, mental health and social and emotional needs, students will be better positioned to succeed.

  • Providing resources at our level, such as school safety (cross walks, flashing lights, & sponsored after school programs)

  • Our city should collaborate with non-profit organizations and small businesses to provide mentorship programs and activities that support personal development and academic success. To have equitable resource allocation, our city needs to ensure that schools that are in underserved communities receive equitable funding to bridge the opportunity gap.

  • In addition to advocating for increased funding, the City will continue to actively support after- school and summer camp services. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our schools through enhanced school zone measures and the presence of resource officers and traffic control provided by the Fort Worth Police Department. Our Library is dedicated to thinking creatively in order to deliver exceptional services to the community. We are intensifying our efforts to focus on our youngest children by offering engaging reading experiences and programming throughout the year.

What are some specific ways that you will work with parents and invite their participation/feedback as an elected official?

  • Have More School Town Hall Meetings

  • The same way I have for the pass 10 years, holding public meetings. I have rented sever schools (At my own cost mind you)

  • As an elected official, you have to be present and engaged. I currently work with groups that provide resources to parents of marginalized students. As a graduate of leadership ISD. I am acquainted with the issues that we are dealing with, and will use my knowledge of public education, along with my knowledge of city government to champion initiatives aimed at improving the life of the entire child. City programs aimed at affordable housing, providing creative outlets for students to engage in can help with this

  • As the district's representative on the Fort Worth Park and Recreation Advisory Board and as President of my neighborhood association, I have been in leadership positions that involve giving and receiving feedback. This process is critical for the government to truly serve the people. I'm currently involved with several of the area neighborhood leaders to develop a neighborhood coalition, to create louder voices that cannot be ignored. fI elected, I will be on the receiving end of this voice and welcome it.

  • I am known for answering every email, phone call and text message. I will not pursue any higher office. As a former educator and juvenile court officer, I have worked with minors and families during their hardest moments, to help them pursue a better outcome, I've done it for more than thirty years, and I will continue to serve all of my community. The City of Fort Worth needs to improve its communication and community outreach efforts so that all citizens are aware and informed about the issues that affect them.

  • Town halls are not enough. Parents of school children need individual attention. As an elected official I would perform individual meetings to understand their current needs and where city government can help. The city of Fort Worth has many neighborhood services available that can reduce pressures at home and in turn allow students to focus on their academic achievements. Feedback from the parents is critical to the City Council to ensure our priorities are fully aligned with those of our parents!

  • I feel that advocating for more volunteerism can contribute to the cause of greater literacy. There a plenty of people seeking to be part of the needed solutions, but no one has presented what's necessary for them to do so. If we empower parents, we empower children, which ultimately empowers communities!

  • I plan to be a fierce Role Model because as said, Education = Opportunity. Just look at me.

  • Effective engagement with parents is crucial for fostering trust, shaping responsive policies, and improving educational outcomes. Parents are vital partners in the educational process, and I am committed to actively involving them in our community's decision-making. As an elected official, I will utilize the following strategies to ensure their voices are heard and valued:

    1. Host Regular Town Hall Meetings

    2. Create a Diverse and Inclusive Advisory Committee

    3. Partner with Local Schools for Community Engagement

    4. Utilize Social Media and Email Newsletters

    5. Host Parent Workshops on Relevant Topics

    6. Partner with Nonprofit Organizations

    By engaging parents in these ways, I will ensure their voices are central to the decisions that affect our community & their children's futures.

    It's essential that we establish strong partnerships between families, schools, & the city to build a thriving, equitable community for all.

  • I'm running for City Council because Iam passionate about serving people-especially those whose voices too often go unheard. The decision to run for City Council was not one |I took lightly, but the people of this community asked me to step up, and I didn't just answer the call-I embraced it. They know that real leadership isn't about chasing headlines or playing political games-it's about listening, solving problems, and delivering results that improve people's lives. As a public servant, my responsibility is to listen to the voices of my community and make sure they are heard. District 6 deserves leadership that listens before leading, and stays focused on real solutions that create real change. Too often, politics is about chasing the spotlight rather than delivering for families. That's not me. My life's work has been about bringing people together, cutting through the noise, and producing results—not for personal or political gain, but to help make lives better.

  • Hold town hall meetings and attend small groups or when asked to provide feedback, resources and answer questions.

  • As a city councilmember, I will host regular town halls specifically for parents and students to foster open dialogue and make sure their voices are heard. In addition, I will support programs that equip parents with tools to support learning from home, because when our families are empowered, students succeed.

  • As an elected official, I have personally attended meetings and will continue to engage with concerned parents. Recently, I facilitated a connection between a group of parents and our City Education Strategy Manager to explore ways our city can collaborate more closely with families. My very first community event was held at an elementary school in the district, where I had the opportunity to meet numerous parents and hear first hand about their concerns. I am committed to continuing these efforts to be an accessible representative for District 11.