Gonzales ISD, District 6 Trustee

The Gonzales ISD District 6 school trustee race will feature Ashley Molina facing off against Krystal Navejar on the May 6 ballot.

The two candidates answered candidate questionnaires for the Gonzales Inquirer this week.

The candidates will be introduced and their responses to our questions will be given in ballot order. The responses have not been edited and are the words of the candidates in their entirety.

Name: Ashley Molina

Age: 34.
I am married to Gabriel Molina and we have 2 children.

Education: High school graduate.
I attended San Antonio College and a graduate of Victoria College.

Current Occupation: Public Service

Certifications held: Child Safety

Previously elected to any office: none

Volunteer work or service in non-elected positions: My roots run deep in Gonzales by being a representative on the Norma’s House Board, being an active member in Saint James Catholic Church of Gonzales as a Faith Formation teacher (also known as CCD), being a safe environment training instructor for the children within the church in Gonzales, Gonzales Elementary PTO, having children that attend and are very active in Gonzales extracurricular activities, and being dedicated to my career in public service.

Name: Krystal Navejar

Age: 40

Education: Gonzales ISD Graduate 2001. Victoria College 2005-2007

Current Occupation: Branch Office Administrator at Edward Jones

Certifications held: N/A

Previously elected to any office: N/A

Volunteer work or service in non-elected positions: Come & Take It Celebration and Chamber of Commerce Volunteer 2016-2019; Gonzales ISD Education Foundation 2019-2022; Gonzales ISD Education Foundation-VP of Development 2021-2022; Miss Gonzales Royal Court Liaison 2021-2022; Gonzales Little League Board, Secretary 2021-Present; North Avenue PTO, Member 2022-Present.

Tell us about why you are running for office?  

Molina: I have one child who is currently attending Gonzales ISD and another child who will soon start his education at Gonzales ISD. I chose to run for the Gonzales ISD school board because I had a desire to be an influence and voice in my community to make positive changes, not only for my children, but for all the children in the district. I advocate for children and their safety every day. Being in public service has also given me opportunities to see the operation within the schools and has given me insight on areas of improvement. I am honored to be able to share my passion for the children in the Gonzales community to have access to a quality public education. I look forward to speaking to people in my district and the community to gain more knowledge on their concerns and suggestions. I want to make certain there is always open communication between me and the members of the community. I want people to know their voices will be heard without judgement and I will try my best to make their concerns known. I look at all sides of a story before making a decision and I truly have the children’s best interest at heart. I have no hidden political agendas outside of this race. My decisions would be based purely on the needs of our district. I believe if I am selected to represent the students and community on the GISD School Board, I will be able to provide leadership, inspire our students to achieve their goals, and be a positive voice for the community. I desire to keep the safety of the students and employees of GISD a top priority and to ensure every student receives a quality education. I look forward to serving our community as an advocate for students within the district and working with the school board and superintendent to continue to “Grow Greatness.”  
 

Navejar: I chose to run for school board trustee to ensure that current and prospective students have the same opportunities that I did, if not more. As a GISD alumni, I believe it is my time to give back to the district. I have experienced firsthand the education, relationships, life lessons, and school pride that is developed within Gonzales ISD. My goal is to work with fellow board members to make the best decisions that will support GISD mission and values.

What are the greatest strengths of Gonzales ISD in your opinion?

Molina: The new Superintendent is a great asset to our district and is making a positive impact. I feel the direction the school board is now going shows their strong commitment to all students being "great" in all aspects of life. They are committed to education and safety. The quality of Teachers and the commitment to "grow our own". This is why I would love to be a part of the board.

Navejar: The greatest strengths of Gonzales ISD, in my opinion, are the people. From the students, staff, and volunteers, they are doing remarkable things to move our district forward.

What are some of the biggest challenges currently facing Gonzales ISD? 

Molina: GISD has some areas that could use some improvement and as a board we can help bridge the gap to help improve in these areas. We are all aware of the low academic scores, but I believe this administration will bring in expert curriculum specialists to correct this issue. Safety is a concern throughout America in schools and I want to be a part of the school board to assist in influencing other board members to hire law enforcement officers for each campus within Gonzales ISD to ensure our children and staff are safe. Another challenge not just within GISD, but society today is bullying. I do not stand for it, and I believe that all children should have an outlet to reach out to if they are being bullied or want to report bullying. I believe it is an obstacle that can be overcome with great leaders and I want to support and implement the anonymous reporting tool that is already in place for GISD as well as explore other options for the children of GISD against bullying.

Navejar: Some of the biggest challenges facing Gonzales ISD currently, like all districts across Texas, are recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers, demonstrating sound financial decisions, and increasing academic achievement for all students. 

What is your vision for the Gonzales ISD five years from now? How about 10 years from now?

Molina: My vision for Gonzales ISD five years is GISD academics will be an A rating. Our students and staff will be safe. The high school is now partnering with Victoria College to add some more classes that students can take on their pathway towards graduation and obtain a certification. Students will be able to graduate with certifications in plumbing, HVAC, as a journeyman, fireman, cosmetologist, florist, food management, aviation and so on. Also working with members of the community on the strategic plan and ensuring that all stakeholders understand and have input in what is important. My vision for Gonzales ISD ten years from now is to continue working with members of the community to plan and implement the district’s strategic plan and to ensure that all stakeholders understand what is important, feel heard, and be able to voice concerns knowing the information will be used diligently.

Navejar: My vision for Gonzales ISD is to see the success rates of students increase and to continue to provide the resources and tools to enable them to be educated to the highest level of achievement, in whatever path they may choose. I want to be diligent and thorough in seeing that campus security is enhanced to the highest standards while also providing safety training to all staff and teach safety drills to students. Moving forward, I also want to ensure all campuses are well taken care of to provide a positive learning environment for all students and staff. 

What do you think your role should be as a school board member?

Molina: The role of a school board member is:

• Share visons and goals for our district.

• Be a voice/advocate for our students.

• Collaborate with fellow board members and the superintendent.

• Focus on student achievement.

• Build positive relationships throughout the district.

• Stay connected with the community.

• Stay up to date with policy and procedures. 

The personal qualities of a board member are a very important piece of a board's successful operation. Some components are things such as integrity, competence, insight, dedication, and effectiveness. At the end of the day, our school board members are responsible for the success or failure of our local public education through the policies they make. School board members are volunteers that make valuable decisions regarding our children’s education. I feel that Gonzales ISD is moving in the right direction and making sure that all students succeed and I would appreciate your vote so that I can be the next board member for district 6 to be a voice for every child in Gonzales ISD.

Navejar: My primary role as a Gonzales ISD School Board member is to uphold and support the district mission of "designs meaningful learning experiences that inspire students to make an impact beyond themselves." Additionally, a school board member should actively participate responsibly, strengthen communication with the community and encourage parent involvement. I'm committed and prepared to help lead our district, working alongside of fellow board members, while being an engaging and effective trustee.