Re-elect Guidry for HISD
She’s been a steadying influence on the board.
Last December, HISD trustees unanimously appointed Myrna Guidry, an attorney, to replace Wanda Adams, who resigned after being elected as a justice of the peace. Guidry, 56, has proven a steadying influence on a board that’s been plagued by dysfunction and has earned our support for a full term.
Guidry’s argument for re-election is that her first 10 months as a trustee have been devoted to selecting a superintendent and stabilizing after a rough patch. She contends the district, under new leadership of Millard House II, is finally on the right path.
We appreciated her straightforward explanation of why she supported a mask mandate in HISD schools. Guidry explained that she listened to the medical experts and also her constituents who “overwhelmingly” supported mask use. Guidry, like the rest of the board, has more to do to earn the full trust of the community she represents. We believe she can. She is engaged in a range of civic organizations and displays a solid grasp of the inequities facing many in District IX and throughout HISD.
Guidry’s challengers, Joshua Rosales and Gerry Monroe, said Guidry is an “establishment” candidate and is indistinguishable from those who were part of the board’s disarray in 2018 and 2019. Guidry wasn’t on the board then, and isn’t responsible for its failures. Gerry Monroe, a 53-yearold community activist, argues that students and parents deserve representation that truly understands their challenges and needs. His dedication is undeniable. But his history of sexist comments online and combativeness suggest he’s not the best choice for a school board position. He was banned from HISD premises for a time in 2019, when district officials said his history of disruption had to end. Monroe speaks for many, but the community is best served with him as an outside force.
Rosales, 35, drew on his marketing and business development experience at a global law firm, time as PTO president of a local elementary school and personal narrative to make his case to be elected. We agree with him that boards are well-served by a variety of backgrounds, but in Rosales’ case, we weren’t convinced that he has the thorough understanding of policy needed to promote his agenda once on the board.
Guidry has so far displayed a willingness to learn and engage, and she listens to the experts and her constituents. We believe she has earned the chance to serve a full term as District IX’s board trustee.