Excitement Builds in Austin for District 2 School Board Election
Austin is buzzing with anticipation as voters prepare to head to the polls this November to choose a new representative for District 2 on the Austin school board. This comes after the current board member, Ofelia Zapata, announced she won’t be seeking reelection after serving since 2020. The newly elected member will take on important challenges, including a significant $119 million budget shortfall and a state order regarding improvements in special education services.
Understanding District 2
District 2 is quite expansive, stretching along Interstate 35 from just north of Lady Bird Lake to south of East Slaughter Lane. This area houses many schools, including Mendez Middle School, which has been operated by the charter company Third Future Schools since 2022. It’s vital to note that Mendez struggled with state test scores for years prior to this change.
Meet the Candidates
This year, two candidates are vying for the position: Sarah Ivory and LaRessa Quintana.
Candidate 1: Sarah Ivory
Sarah Ivory, 37, brings a wealth of experience to the table. A former teacher who has worked in schools in St. Louis, Del Valle, and Austin, she has a hands-on understanding of the education system. As the mother of a second grader, a kindergartner, and a toddler, she is deeply invested in the future of Austin schools. Currently, she works with Texas Education THRIVE, a program aimed at enhancing professional development for educators.
Ivory is passionate about creating a collaborative environment in which parents and the community’s voices matter in decision-making. She envisions a district with schools that serve as shining examples within the state, stating, “I wanted to be part of a change to make District 2 schools the premier schools, to make Austin ISD the premier district in Texas.”
Ivory has her sights set on improving schools through restorative practices in social-emotional learning and wants to enhance literacy resources throughout the district. She believes Mendez Middle School would greatly benefit from a return to district control, emphasizing that it needs substantial changes. Additionally, Ivory is toying with the idea of partnering with a local art nonprofit to potentially transform Mendez into an art academy.
Candidate 2: LaRessa Quintana
LaRessa Quintana, at just 29, is also well-qualified for the position. A proud graduate of the Austin school district and a former student at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, she is no stranger to what it means to navigate the school system, especially knowing firsthand how it feels to lack adequate resources. Quintana works with the Texas Trial Lawyers Association but has also been active in political campaigns, including one for Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes.
Quintana is eager to bring much-needed resources to District 2 students. “Our board and our system are capable of doing more,” she asserts. Her ambitions align closely with Ivory’s, as she too is advocating for Mendez Middle School to be returned to district management. Quintana expresses concern about Third Future’s ability to assess the success of their initiatives, noting the challenges of current enrollment rates at the school.
Looking Ahead
The excitement surrounding the election is palpable, especially given that early voting begins on October 21, leading up to Election Day on November 5. In addition to the races in District 2, incumbents in other districts are also set for reelection, with two incumbents running unopposed. District 8 features an intriguing contest with six candidates competing to fill the seat of outgoing board member Noelita Lugo.
With stakes high and community needs unmet, the outcome of the District 2 election will play a pivotal role in shaping Austin’s educational landscape. It’s a moment for voters to seize the opportunity to elect someone who can lead the district towards a brighter future!
