Two Snook ISD school board seats are up for election at the upcoming Saturday, May 4, election -- those currently held by Adam Janac and Joey Withem.
Joey Withem filed to retain his seat, with Holly Giesenschlag, Natalee See-Kovar and Dr. Lauren Ashley Williams also running.
Janac did not file. The Tribune recently held a candidate forum for each candidate to weigh in on their qualifications as a Snook ISD trustee.
Withem, the incumbent, said he is seeking a second term “to continue serving and giving back to our community.”
“I currently have one child attending Snook ISD and another who graduated last year. My wife, along with her father and siblings, also attended and graduated from Snook ISD, making this district an important part of our family’s history,” he said.
Withem said that he is “committed to advocating for our students, staff and the community” as a current board member.
“I strive to ensure that every decision made by the board reflects the best interests of all involved,” he said.
“I look forward to continuing this work and helping ensure that Snook ISD remains strong and successful in every area.”
Giving back to the community was also central to See-Kovar’s motivation for filing.
“I believe I’m a strong candidate for the Snook School Board because Snook isn’t just where I live, it’s home,” she said.
“I was born here, raised here, and graduated from Snook ISD, so I have a deep understanding of our community, our values and our school. Because of that connection, I care deeply about the future of our district. Snook has given me so much, and I want to give back by serving in a way that helps strengthen our schools for the next generation.”
See-Kovar said her main goal in becoming a trustee is to positively impact the students of Snook.
“I’m invested in the success of our community because it has shaped who I am today,” she said. “I’m committed to helping our school district continue to grow and improve, while ensuring that every student has the opportunities and support they need to succeed.”
Giesenschlag and Williams also have personal ties to the Snook community.
“I was raised in Burleson County, and I have three children in Snook schools,” Giesenschlag said. “I bring valuable experience in school finance and auditing from my time as Chief Financial Officer of Snook ISD and as a Senior Auditor with the Texas A&M University System.”
Giesenschlag is also a Certified Public Accountant, which she said supports her mission to “oversee fiscal responsibility and ensure transparency within our district.”
“ I stay involved by supporting the Snook PTO and volunteering with athletic boosters, which gives me direct insight into what is working well and where support is needed,” she said. “This combination of professional experience and personal connection gives me a strong understanding of the needs of our students, teachers, and community.”
Giesenschlag said serving on the board would allow her to apply this personal experience while giving back to the community.
“I want to help ensure Snook ISD continues to offer strong academics, support teachers and provide opportunities for students,” she said.
In addition to having children who attend Snook schools, Williams also works in education herself as a district leader.
“I think what I bring is a perspective that comes from both being a mom and working in education every day,” she said.
Williams adds that connection to the classroom is very important to her.
“That’s why I still teach students for part of my day, so I can stay grounded in what teachers and students are experiencing every day,” she said.
“Because of that, I see schools from several different sides. As a parent, as someone working alongside teachers and school leaders, and as someone who is still in the classroom. That perspective is what I would bring to the board, always keeping students and teachers at the center of every decision.”
Williams said her reasoning for filing is centered around love for the community.
“I love this community and the people in it and I want to be a good steward of the gifts and experiences I’ve been given by using them in a way that makes a meaningful impact,” she said. “For me, that comes back to our schools.”
“Through conversations with people in Snook, it became really clear how much people care about our schools and how important it is to have thoughtful leadership that understands both education and the needs of our students and teachers.”
Williams said that as a parent and educator, she cares deeply about the experiences of Snook ISD students.
“I truly believe our school district is the heartbeat of this town. When schools are strong, it strengthens everything else,” she said.
When asked about Snook ISD’s greatest strengths, there was a clear common thread among candidates: community.
“One of the biggest strengths of Snook ISD is the sense of community,” Williams said. “People know each other, relationships matter here and students are truly known by the adults in the building.”
She said this community is clear in programs like the Snook Education Foundation, which allows community members to directly support teachers and students.
“To build on those strengths, I think it’s important that we continue to support teachers in meaningful ways,” Williams said.
“When teachers feel supported, informed and valued, it not only strengthens the classroom, but also helps build trust between schools and families.”
See-Kovar agreed that community is one of the district’s assets.
“The smaller size allows for more personalized attention for students and stronger relationships between staff, students and families,” she said.
“Another key strength is how tight-knit the community is. There is a strong sense of support and pride in our schools, which creates a positive environment for students to learn and grow,” See-Kovar said.
She also praised the district for its continuous growth and improvement.
“Snook ISD can build on these strengths by continuing to use its small size to provide personalized support for every student,” she said.
She also said she would like to see strong communication between schools, families and the community to keep the district “moving in a positive direction.”
Giesenschlag cited Snook’s teachers as one of the district’s greatest strengths.
“Snook ISD has dedicated teachers, small class sizes and strong family and community support,” she said. Giesenschlag said she would like to build on the district’s strengths by “supporting teachers and expanding academic and extracurricular activities.”
“I’d also like to see more students involved in athletics and activities, as participation helps keep them engaged and connected,” she said.
“At the same time, it’s important to preserve the close-knit culture that makes Snook special,” she said.
Withem said he believes the district has many strengths, including “dedicated teachers, quality facilities and strong academic programs.”
“Snook ISD has been raising the bar academically and has achieved impressive progress,” he said. “If I am reelected, I will work diligently to help continue that momentum.”
Withem said that despite the past year’s administrative changes, he feels the district has strong leaders in place.
However, he also pointed out that like many Texas school districts, Snook ISD faces an educator shortage.
“One of our strengths also highlights a challenge -- teacher retention,” Withem said. “We must focus on creating an environment that encourages teachers to stay and build their careers here, rather than using our district as a temporary stop.”
See-Kovar agreed. “Continuing to support and retain quality teachers will help strengthen the district,” she said. “There can also be opportunities to improve communication and understanding between the school board and the community.”
See-Kovar said that she would like to see strong relationships and transparency throughout the district to “ensure everyone feels connected and working toward the same goals.”
“Snook ISD can continue to grow by fostering an environment where everyone feels included and heard,” she said.
Williams said she would love to see the district become a place “where teachers not only want to work, but where they want to live and truly be part of the community.”
“Research shows that when teachers feel connected to the communities they serve, it strengthens relationships, consistency and student outcomes,” she said.
“When communication is clear and teachers feel comfortable sharing their experiences, it creates a stronger environment for both teachers and students.”
Giesenschlag said that while limited resources and teacher retention are challenges faced by the district, she believes Snook ISD can overcome these challenges by staying focused.
“By making smart financial decisions, supporting teachers and prioritizing investments that directly benefit students, the district can continue to improve while maintaining stability,” she said.
Among those smart financial decisions, Giesenschlag said, is planning for future growth based on current data.
“Based on recent enrollment data, growth is not an immediate concern,” she said, citing a 35-student drop in enrollment this year.
“While we should always plan for the future, it’s important that those decisions are grounded in current enrollment trends while also considering projections,” she said.
In response to a question about recent school bond discussions, Giesenschlag said she would like to explore other potential solutions.
“A bond isn’t the only option,” she said. “Before asking taxpayers to take on additional debt, I would want to fully evaluate our current financial position, explore alternative funding options and prioritize the district’s most critical needs.”
“My approach would be to make thoughtful, data-driven decisions that balance responsible financial management with the needs of our students, ensuring we invest wisely without placing unnecessary burden on the community.”
See-Kovar agreed, saying that while growth is likely in the future, current facilities are adequate.
“Planning ahead for future growth is important, but at this time, our schools are able to accommodate students effectively without immediate changes,” she said.
See-Kovar also said that when the district does expand facilities, she would like to see community involvement.
“Additionally, involving the community in discussions about growth and exploring creative solutions can help ensure that Snook ISD continues to provide a high-quality education as enrollment increases,” she said.
Williams also prioritized communication with community members in any future discussions on a potential school bond.
“For me, the most important thing is that any decision like that is made carefully and with clear communication,” she said.
“Those conversations need to be held in a way that is transparent for all community members because decisions like that affect everyone in Snook.”
Williams said she believes growth should be balanced with preserving the existing culture of Snook ISD and the surrounding community.
“I would want to take the time to fully understand the details of the proposal and make sure it truly meets the needs of our students while also being responsible to the community,” she said.
“At the end of the day, growth is something we should plan for, not react to, and always with the goal of keeping our schools strong for the long term.”
Withem commended the current administration for making the most out of the current facility.
“Snook ISD is continuing to grow, and with that growth comes the responsibility to thoughtfully consider the most cost-effective ways to expand,” he said regarding future growth.
“Serving on the school board for the past three years has given me valuable insight and a deeper understanding of how to move our district forward,” Withem said.
See-Kovar closed the forum by emphasizing her connection to the community.
“To the Snook ISD voters, I am one of you,” she said. “I’m from Snook and proud to call this community home. I want to give back by helping improve Snook ISD and making a positive impact on our students’ education.”
“I also bring a young, fresh perspective to the school board, with new ideas and energy to continue building on our district’s strengths,” See-Kovar said. “I would be honored to serve and work with our community to make Snook ISD the best it can be.”
Giesenschlag reminded voters of her involvement with the district and experience in school finance.
“I’m personally invested in the success of our district,” she said. “I actively support the PTO and volunteer with athletic boosters, keeping me connected to teachers, students and families.”
“With experience in school finance and auditing, I bring a practical, responsible approach to decisionmaking. I am committed to supporting teachers, strengthening student opportunities and helping ensure a strong future for Snook ISD.”
Williams focused on her personal connection and prioritization of communication.
“Snook is home for my family and I care deeply about the experience our children are having and the future we’re building here,” she said. “I spend my days working in education and staying connected to the classroom because I believe that matters when decisions are being made for students and teachers.”
“I will listen, I will ask thoughtful questions and I will always keep the focus on what is best for our kids. I would be truly honored to earn your support.”