The Caldwell ISD school board has two seats up for election at the upcoming May 2 election: those currently held by William Foster and Pam Evans.
Both Foster and Evans filed to retain their seats, and are joined in the race by newcomer Dustin Strange.
Foster, who has been on the board for nine years, said he believes his past experience as an educator makes him qualified for the position.
“When I ran for election in 2017, I ran because I thought as a retired teacher after 24 years in the district, I would have a lot to contribute to make our district a place where families would like to raise their children,” he said.
He also said he has seen school board members “have a personal agenda.”
“My thinking was that my kids have graduated, and I am not related to anyone employed in the district so that I could be an effective member of the board,” Foster said.
Evans has also served on the board since 2017.
“Over the past 3 terms -- nine years -- I have completed extensive training through Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) to strengthen my leadership, governance and advocacy skills,” she said.
“I am proud to have earned the designation of “Master Trustee” and to be a lifelong member of the Leadership TASB (LTASB) program.”
Evans said these trainings have also allowed her to build relationships with other school board trustees from around the state for “continuous learning and collaboration.”
“I remain dedicated to growth by attending Summer Leadership Institutes, Delegate Assemblies, Governance Camp and participating in online learning opportunities,” she said.
As a lifelong Caldwell resident, Evans said five generations of her family have attended Caldwell ISD, beginning with her parents (Class of 1942 and 1946) and continuing today with her grandchildren.
Evans also worked for the district for many years.
“I dedicated 20 years of service to Caldwell ISD before retiring in 2012,” she said. “My career reflects a strong commitment to student success, innovation in education and supporting both teachers and staff.”
Evans said in her time with the district, both as an employee and on the board, she has seen the district grow in academics and extracurricular opportunities.
“I want to continue serving alongside board members who are committed to moving our district forward,” she said.
Strange said his background as a parent, business owner and Christian qualify him for a position on the board.
“As a parent of students, I am personally invested in student success, safety and school culture,” he said. “The decisions we make affect my family just like everyone else’s.”
Strange said his business experience gives him “management experience with a results mindset”.
“Most importantly, my Christian faith guides how I live and serve by emphasizing integrity, responsibility, compassion and respect for others,” he said.
Strange said he has seen firsthand how school board decisions affect students and families.
“I want to be involved in shaping those decisions so our schools are safe, supportive and focused on helping every child succeed,” he said.
Candidates were asked: What do you believe are strengths in Caldwell ISD? How do you see Caldwell ISD would be able to build on those strengths?
Evans said Caldwell’s students are “a true joy to teach” and that “state-of-the-art technology throughout our district” benefits teachers, students and administrators.
“Caldwell ISD is blessed with outstanding staff members who genuinely care about students, a strong administrative team invested in the success of our schools and a school board that works collaboratively for the benefit of the entire district,” she said.
“To build on these strengths, Caldwell ISD must continue to stay ahead in technology, ensuring our classrooms have the tools needed to promote learning,” Evans said.
She said the district must continue to hire quality staff members, provide teachers with professional growth opportunities and support district leadership to “ensure continued success for our students and community.”
Strange said the district has many strengths, including “dedicated teachers and staff who genuinely care about students.”
“I also see a strong sense of community and parents who are engaged and invested in their children’s education,” he said.
Strange said these strengths provide a solid foundation for future improvement.
“Building on our strong community involvement starts with open, honest communication and a commitment to transparency,” he said.
Foster said that he believes the district’s strengths lie in its future planning and positive attitude.
“The past four years, we have begun to move consistently in a direction where student outcomes have become the focus of the district -- not in just words on a plan but in accountability of preparing our students for success after graduation,” he said.
He credits the administration team for this growth.
“The positive attitudes of transparency while managing the district has become the focus for our administration under the leadership of our superintendent along with his admin teams,” he said.
Candidates were also asked: What do you believe are weaknesses in Caldwell ISD?
“A healthy school culture is built on shared values like respect, accountability and trust,” Strange said. “I believe those have eroded somewhat, and it’s important we intentionally rebuild them.”
He said he would like to see the district clarify expectations and priorities across the district.
Evans said the district struggles with teacher retention and reduced state funding.
“One area we continue to focus on is teacher retention -- ensuring we not only attract quality educators but also create an environment where they choose to stay and grow,” she said.
“Additionally, reduced funding from the state presents a challenge, requiring careful, strategic decisions that can limit resources, programs and staffing needed to fully meet the needs of our students and staff.”
Evans said the district should continue to invest in teachers and prioritize financially to ensure a high-quality education despite these challenges.
Foster said he believes the district’s greatest challenges are unknown variables for the future and unknown expectations from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
“I believe we are prepared for the known expectations from TEA and the legislature. It is the unknown expectation that challenges us,” he said.
“From how many students we will have next year to what TEA has in store for us. With TEA moving the goal post during the middle of the year is what keeps us up at night.”
Finally, candidates were asked: Wi t h Caldwell ISD moving to being a large Class 3A school from a small 4A, do you think that the new classification will move more families to choose moving into the district? Or will this matter?
Evans said enrollment has remained “relatively stable” from 2013 to 2021, with noticeable growth beginning in 2022.
“With new housing developments, future growth is certainly possible. However, I do not believe our UIL classification is a primary factor in enrollment trends,” she said.
“Regardless of classification changes, our district will continue to adapt and meet the needs of our students and community.”
Strange said he believed the district’s size was a positive factor for potential residents.
“I believe that families prefer smaller school districts because they offer a more personal learning environment, stronger relationships and greater opportunities for students to be involved,” he said.
“Caldwell is a community where many families choose to live because they value close relationships, personal attention in schools and a strong sense of belonging,” Strange said.
“I’m not running to advance an agenda or create division. I’m running to listen, to lead responsibly, and to work alongside parents, teachers and administrators to make Caldwell ISD the best it can be.”
Foster said he also hopes to continue the district’s progress.
“We still have many things coming up in our future of changes coming from the state,” he said.
“I look forward to meeting those challenges positively and continuing to strive for a better district and community connection.”
Evans agreed. “As a graduate and retiree from Caldwell ISD, I felt called to give back to the district that helped shape who I am today,” she said.
“I want to be a part of continuing to make this district one of the best in Texas.”