Commerce ISD Place 3 candidates oppose voucher-style education savings accounts, back partnership with Texas A&M-Commerce for child care and workforce pathways

Abby Harper and Henry Ross, candidates for Place 3 on the Commerce Independent School District board of trustees, told a candidate forum at Commerce City Hall that they oppose pending state measures to create education savings accounts and urged the district to expand partnerships with Texas A&M University–Commerce to support full-day pre-kindergarten and daycare services.

Both contenders framed the issues as threats to public education and as opportunities to strengthen local supports. "I am very much opposed of, of that, that legislative, movement. I think it really hinders the the growth and the movement of public education," Harper said, adding that Commerce ISD should seek alternative revenue streams and be "good stewards of our taxpayer dollars." Henry Ross said he also opposed vouchers and emphasized cooperating with the superintendent and board to protect programs and staff: "I would not be opposed to those students who are homeschooled to, have the opportunity to participate in, educational opportunities within public school."

Why it matters: the Texas Legislature is considering education savings accounts that would route public dollars to private schooling, a shift that both candidates said would reduce funding and opportunities for public-school students in Commerce. Local implementation choices — from whether homeschooled or private-school students can participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities to how to use increased pre-K funding — would be made at the district level if the state changes law.

The candidates discussed how Commerce ISD could adapt if full-day pre-K funding becomes available. Harper said the district should partner with Texas A&M University–Commerce to create a lab school or daycare that would serve children of CISD families and university employees, calling Commerce "a daycare desert" and arguing the partnership would train future teachers. Ross agreed, saying he "was thoroughly upset when the university closed its daycare center" and would welcome collaboration and shared funding between the ISD and the university.

On extracurricular access and UIL play, both candidates said they would not favor banning student participation. Harper said UIL opportunities changed her life and that the district should ensure students without home support can access programs such as band and speech. Ross said public education should give students "access to a wide variety of information" and opposed book bans.

To address teacher recruitment and retention, the candidates urged "growing our own" teachers and creating clear pathways for paraprofessionals and local staff to obtain certification without leaving jobs or families. Harper recommended using state-funded teacher incentive allotments and expanding professional-development opportunities; Ross emphasized investing in local educators and supporting their advancement.

The forum followed a timed format of opening statements, a question-and-answer period and closing remarks. Both candidates highlighted their ties to Commerce: Harper said she is chief operating officer at Texas A&M University–Commerce and has led partnership work; Ross described himself as a retired professor and longtime educator who has taught at the university.

The forum closed with extended statements and an invitation for attendees to speak with candidates in person.