There has not been a new school board trustee in District 4 of the Dallas Independent School District since 2004. Nancy Bingham has held the seat, and she is not running this term.
Three candidates are trying to win the seat. Jaime Resendez, a product of Dallas ISD schools, has a list of endorsements, including Bingham. But he says he is his own man.
"I make my own decisions. I am my own man. What I like to do is just take people's perspectives into account, formulate my own opinion, and make my own decision based on that – based on what is in the best interest of our kids," Resendez said.
Resendez supported last year's Dallas ISD bond package, aimed at improving the schools.
"Priority number one for me is to provide the highest quality education that we can to our students," he added.
"What is the first thing you will do then to get there?" asked NBC 5 political reporter Julie Fine.
"From my perspective I think the best thing I can do is continue a lot of the reforms that DISD has already initiated," Resendez said.
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Camile White is also in the race. She has run for the seat before, and her children have gone through Dallas ISD schools.
"I always say, 'If you have a concern, you bring a solution to the table.' So if your solution isn't accepted, then get in the race, if that is what you so desire to do," said White.
White did not vote for the bond package, telling NBC 5 the kids needed the upgrades, but the process was not transparent. She has picked up endorsements from the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association.
"We need to turn the situation around with our teachers, and I am not just saying this because I am supported by AFT and NEA. I'm saying this because it's the right thing to do," she added.
Candidate Omar Jimenez is also a product of Dallas ISD schools.
"I want to give back to what DISD has provided me," said Jimenez.
Jimenez is 23 years old, and a familiar face at board meetings. He did not support the bond package, but also cites transparency. He says he wants to be visible in the community, and says he will work to cut down on testing and expand after-school programs.
"Those are some pretty hefty goals. How do you get the school board to go along with you?" asked Fine.
"We have to come together, and agree, as I know we have different board members on the school board, so I am going to work with all of them," Jimenez said.
The election is May 7.
