A lesson against apathy in races for school board
North East ISD District 6 trustee Steve Hilliard is not on the ballot this election, but we see his brand of politics as front and center. As a parent, Hilliard filed a grievance in 2019 against NEISD, seeking to revoke its sex ed curriculum, arguing it did not stress abstinence enough. He was then elected as a trustee in 2020 with the backing of the San Antonio Family Association.
The grievance was recently rejected — and for good reason. The district’s sex ed curriculum, “Draw the Line,” was adopted in 2016, is in use in multiple districts in Bexar County, and a Texas Education Agency review panel recommended it as a way to prevent HIV and AIDS. It is also optional. Parents have to opt in for their kids to participate; and, yes, there is plenty of advocacy for abstinence.
But one detail from Hilliard’s grievance nags at us: A request made in January 2021 for $100,000 in compensation for allegedly violating the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath rejected this claim, saying he lacked jurisdiction. But the request is unusual.
We asked Hilliard for comment. In an email, he directed questions to NEISD Board President Shannon Grona, whom he said is the “appropriate spokesperson for board matters.”
But it was his grievance .Ashe emailed Express-news reporter Claire Bryan in March, the grievance was “a personal matter as a parent completely unrelated to and preceding my elected office.”
During the March 21 special board meeting about Hilliard’s grievance, his wife, Paula Hilliard, said the $100,000 was an attorney’s mistake and that Hilliard never read the document.
Nevertheless, the request is in the document, which one would expect Hilliard to have read.
Actions like these ultimately distract the board and the district, taking away time and energy from focusing on student learning and achievement. This brings us to the current election. We wonder just what might unfold should a slate of so-called “parental rights” candidates join Hilliard on the North East ISD board.
For Election Day, we again offer our recommendations. Don’t let apathy win. Please vote.
State of Texas Proposition 1: For
This proposition would lower property taxes for homeowners who are elderly or disabled, allowing them to receive the benefits other homeowners received under a 2019 law that reduced property taxes.
State of Texas Proposition 2: For
Proposition 2 would increase from $25,000 to $40,000 the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes for public school purposes.
Alamo Community College District 2 trustee
We recommend Gloria Ray.
City of San Antonio bond
• Proposition A: For.
Would dedicate $471.5 million toward 62 streets projects, including $100.5 million to repair “F” streets where the pavement has deteriorated. • Proposition B: For.
Would designate nearly $170 million for 23 drainage and flood control projects.
• Proposition C: For.
Would dedicate nearly $272 million to preserve and expand green spaces, including $103.5 million to continue the expansion of the greenway system.
• Proposition D: For.
Would dedicate more than $58 million to nine library and cultural facilities.
• Proposition E: For.
Would dedicate more than $78 million to six projects, including a new police substation and two new fire stations.
• Proposition F: For.
Would dedicate $150 million to address the housing affordability crisis in San Antonio to build new homes, renovate existing homes and provide homeless assistance.
Harlandale Independent School District bond
• Proposition A: For.
Would dedicate $93.5 million for facilities, including career and technical education and ROTC buildings, gym and multipurpose buildings, athletic facility renovations and technology space.
• Proposition B: For.
Would dedicate $22 million to refund maintenance tax obligations.
• Proposition C: For.
Would dedicate $9.5 million to complete Memorial Stadium, which has no locker rooms.
North East Independent School District trustees
• District 2: Terri Williams
• District 3: Omar Leos
• District 7: Sandy Winkley
Northside Independent School District bond
• Proposition A: For.
This $992 million bond is largely focused on improving existing schools, including addressing infrastructure, technology, transportation and security needs. Again, it would not raise taxes.