About Leah

El Paso born and raised, I am a former teacher who dedicated seven years to the Ysleta Independent School District. I hold a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at El Paso. In 2021, I was elected to the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) Board of Trustees, representing District 1. During my tenure, I have been the only trustee to hold regular community meetings open to the public, fostering transparency and community engagement.

I am married to Mickaël, a healthcare administrator, and together we have five daughters. Our family is deeply invested in the local education system: two of our daughters are in college, and three are enrolled in EPISD schools, attending Montessori at Moreno and the Young Women's STEAM Academy. This personal connection provides me with firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities within our schools.

Professionally, I have recently become certified as a municipal advisor, and our firm serves school districts across Texas. I also serve on the boards of Children at Risk and the Rio Grande Council of Governments, reflecting my commitment to advocating for children, families, and educators.

As I seek re-election, my priorities are:

• Fiscal Responsibility: Addressing the district's $18.5 million deficit through a detailed review of expenses, focusing on reducing administrative costs and maximizing classroom resources.

• Equity and Investment in Underserved Schools: Ensuring that historically underserved schools receive the resources and opportunities they deserve, transforming them into "destination schools" through innovative programs and community partnerships.

• Teacher Retention and Support: Offering competitive salaries, reducing workloads, and fostering a culture of respect and professional growth to retain our dedicated educators.

• Transparency and Community Engagement: Continuing to hold regular community meetings and improving communication channels to rebuild trust and collaboration between the district, its employees, and the public.