Somerville ISD has two trustee seats up for election: the two seats currently held by Keith Howe and Kim Casanova.
Howe, Casanova, Sandy Thompson and Brian Healy have filed for those seats.
Howe has served on the board since 2020.
“I’m running for Somerville School Board, because I believe my professional experience has prepared me to serve our community effectively,” he said. “I’ve built my career managing people, budgets and making complex decisions -- skills that directly translate to ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
“If re-elected, I would continue to work collaboratively with the Superintendent and fellow board members to provide clear direction, ask the right questions, and make thoughtful decisions that put students, families and our community first,” he said.
Casanova has also been on the board for six years.
“I bring both experience and a continued commitment to serving our students and community,” she said. “Having already served two terms on the board, I understand the responsibilities of the role and the importance of making thoughtful, informed decisions that positively impact our district.”
“Serving in this role has given me a clear understanding of both the challenges we face and the progress we have made, and I want to continue building on that momentum,” she said.
Healy is a newcomer to the race, but said that he believes his history in Army and community service qualify him for the role.
“I bring over 40 years of service as an Army officer, pilot and senior Department of the Army civilian, along with a lifelong commitment to public service,” he said. “I am seeking a position on the Somerville Independent School District Board of Trustees because student success and strong schools are a direct result of community involvement and effective leadership.”
“I am committed to listening, collaborating and working with families, educators and community members to support our students’ success,” Healy said.
Thompson, another newcomer, did not reply to the Tribune’s request for comment.
Candidates were asked: What do you believe are strengths in Somerville ISD?
Casanova said the district’s strengths include exceptional employees and a close-knit environment.
“One of its greatest strengths is the strong dedication of our administrators, teachers and staff,” she said. “They consistently go above and beyond to support student learning, build relationships and create classrooms where students feel valued and motivated to succeed.”
“Additionally, the district has shown a commitment to continuous improvement through academic programs, extracurricular opportunities and maintaining safe and supportive campuses,” Casanova said.
“These strengths provide a solid foundation to keep moving forward and building even greater opportunities for our students.”
Howe said the district’s strategic plan is a strength and key to future success.
“Our district has made meaningful strides in recent years by establishing effective systems and a forward-looking strategic plan -- laying the foundation for continued growth, accountability and student success,” he said.
Howe also said the district must ensure the plan is “continuously evaluated and refined to keep pace” in order to ensure the district is “keeping the big picture in focus while paying close attention to the details.”
“By staying diligent in both areas, we can ensure our district continues to grow, improve, and deliver the highest quality education for all students,” he said.
Healy applauded the district’s emphasis on STAAR performance.
“I would say that the district appears focused on ensuring that the students achieve the STAAR performance standards and students can demonstrate the ability to think critically and apply the assessed knowledge and skills achieved at the next grade level,” he said.
He said Somerville ISD could build on those strengths by ensuring that “teachers at all grade levels continue to develop lesson plans that consistently emphasize development of critical thinking skills.”
Candidates were also asked about weaknesses within the district and ways to overcome those weaknesses.
“One of the clearest opportunities for improvement is in our accountability rating,” Howe said.
He said that while a single set of tests can not fully capture student potential, it serves as a visible measure of district performance.
“We owe it to our students, teachers and community to take that measure seriously -- using it as a tool to identify areas for growth while continuing to support a wellrounded, high-quality educational experience,” he said.
He said that the district has already seen “tremendous growth” in “key components” driving district performance.
“Our educators, administrators and students are putting in the work every day to ensure that accountability ratings reflect the great things happening in our classrooms and hallways,” he said.
“By continuing to focus on deliberate assessments and targeted interventions, we can build on this momentum and support every student’s growth.”
Healy agreed that the district has room for improvement in STAAR performance.
“There may still be areas that need short-term, targeted academic interventions that would help students demonstrate the ability to think critically and apply the assessed knowledge and skills that would assist in getting to mastering grade level without interventions,” he said.
Healy said that the district could improve by ensuring that the “tools and resources” necessary are available to students “to target those required academic interventions.”
Casanova said Somerville, like many districts, faces “an ongoing need to ensure all students are meeting their full academic potential.”
“Continuing to focus on targeted support, early intervention and datadriven instruction will help address achievement gaps and support student success at every level,” she said.
Candidates were also asked about the recent bond passage and what programs they would like to see added to SISD.
Casanova said she is most excited to see the expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE).
“With the passage of the bond last May, Somerville ISD is in a strong position to expand programs that prepare students for a wide range of future paths,” she said.
“Expanding hands-on programs in areas such as skilled trades, health sciences and technology can provide students with practical skills, industry certifications and clear pathways to employment after graduation.”
Casanova also said she would support more college readiness and dual credit opportunities to “help students get a head start on higher education” and the expansion or science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) opportunities to “better prepare students for high-demand careers and encourage problemsolving and innovation.”
Finally, Casanova highlighted the importance of investment in the fine arts and sports.
“Continued investment in areas such as music, art and athletics helps support the whole student, encouraging creativity, teamwork and personal growth,” she said.
“Ultimately, I would like to see programs that reflect the interests and needs of our students while preparing them for success after graduation -- whether that path is college, the workforce or military service.”
Howe agreed with the importance of expanding CTE programs in the district.
“These programs have been thoughtfully developed to provide students with relevant, real-world experience that can lead directly to high-quality employment opportunities for those who choose that path,” he said.
However, he also said it is important that the district remains committed to continuous improvement.
“As our community and workforce needs evolve, we should always look for opportunities to expand and strengthen these programs -- ensuring that every student has access to pathways that prepare them for success, whether in the workforce, technical training or higher education,” he said.
Healy said he would like to see “an honest assessment” of student technology, which he said should allow for upgrades “as AI (artificial intelligence) and other innovations become practical.”
“Additionally, it is important to create a wider range of vocational options for students who prefer not to attend twoor four-year college programs,” he said.
“If elected as a trustee, I will stay laser focused on three primary areas,” Healy said, “(1) ensure students reach their fullest potential in the classroom as well as in district sponsored extracurricular activities; (2) provide staff and faculty with the necessary tools and resources required to help students succeed; (3) and ensure that I protect and safeguard our district taxpayers contribution to education within the Somerville Independent School District.”
As an incumbent, Howe said he is running for reelection to build on the district’s current momentum.
“Our district has made great progress, but there’s more to do,” he said. “I am committed to supporting a culture of excellence, where every student who walks across our stage is prepared for success.”
“I will continue to invest my time, energy, and perspective to help ensure that excellence is not just a goal, but a reality for all SISD students.”
Casanova also said she is looking to build on the successes of her first two terms on the board.
“During my time on the board, I have worked to support student achievement, strengthen communication with families and staff and ensure responsible stewardship of district resources,” she said.
Casanova said the experience has given her insight into the challenges faced by Somerville schools, as well as connections to educators, parents and community members.
“I believe continuity matters, and I am prepared to build on the progress we’ve made while continuing to adapt to new needs and opportunities.”
“I remain committed to creating a supportive learning environment where all students can succeed, and I am ready to continue dedicating my time and energy to serving the Somerville community,” she said.