Castleberry ISD school board candidates debate facilities, funding and vouchers at forum

Moderator Allen Pennington opened the Castleberry ISD candidates forum and laid out rules for the event before asking the two candidates to make opening statements. Candidate Ariela Martinez and candidate Janice Carroll each described their professional backgrounds, priorities for student achievement and positions on a pending school bond, district facilities and school vouchers.

The forum centered on three recurring themes: the condition and potential replacement of Castleberry High School, funding pressures on public schools, and the proper role of school board members versus district staff in day-to-day operations. The exchange provided voters with the candidates’ views ahead of early voting and the May 4 election.

Martinez, who said she works with students at multiple levels and holds a master’s degree in school counseling, emphasized student achievement and community engagement. She said the district’s building stock limits programming and supports for students: “We can’t host some of the programs because the building does not support that at this time,” Martinez said. Martinez also framed the board’s role as distinct from school operations: “A board member’s role is not to look at day to day operations... The superintendent does that,” she said.

Carroll described parts of Castleberry High School as “from the forties and fifties” and said the aging facilities are small and outdated. Carroll said modernization would improve security and student experience, and cited fenced parking and safer circulation between corridors and lunch areas as examples. “Some of the structures for the Castleberry High School... are very outdated,” Carroll said.

On school vouchers, both candidates said they oppose diverting public funds to private tuition. Martinez stated, “I personally do not support the vouchers.” Carroll agreed, saying that taking money away from the community could damage the district.

Both candidates said they would publicly support the board and the superintendent by attending meetings and engaging with principals and staff. Carroll said attendance is a priority: “The main way that I can publicly support the school board is to attend all the meetings that are there,” she said. Martinez said she prepares thoroughly and will submit questions in advance to inform board discussions.

The candidates answered audience-submitted questions on enrollment retention, community outreach and balancing public engagement with governance responsibilities. Martinez highlighted competition from private, charter and online providers as a driver of enrollment pressure and said the district should “get ahead of it” and seek solutions. Carroll said continued promotion of the district’s programs and student accomplishments is important to retaining students.

There were no formal motions or votes at the forum. The event closed with an announcement that early voting begins Monday, April 22, and the final day to vote is Saturday, May 4.

The forum was moderated by Allen Pennington and featured timekeeping and logistical support from district staff and volunteers. The candidates gave three-minute closing statements and thanked voters for attending.