Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School Board of Trustees

Cinthya Noda

Posted Monday, April 6, 2026 10:31 am

Editor’s Note: The Branch Herald sent identical questionnaires to all candidates in this race. Responses are published in full and have not been edited for content, clarity or length, except for minor formatting.

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1. Name: Cinthya Noda

2. City of Residence: Farmers Branch, TX

3. Length of CFBISD residency: I attended CFBISD schools, including Central

Elementary, Perry Middle School, and R.L. Turner High School. After leaving for

college and living in Euless for a short time, I returned to the district and have

lived here for the past eight years.

4. Occupation: Bilingual Education Coordinator

5. Education: Bachelors of Business Administration: Marketing-Texas Woman’s University

Master in Curriculum and Instruction: Bilingual Education- Texas Tech University

6. Campaign Phone: 469-766-6594

7. Email: cinthyanoda@gmail.com

8. Website: www.cinthyanoda.com

9. Facebook: cinthya.noda

10. YouTube: n/a

11. Other Social Media: Instagram and TikTok: @cinthya.noda

12. Why are you running, and why now? I am running because I have spent 14 years in public education as a teacher, instructional coach, and bilingual coordinator, and I have seen firsthand how board decisions impact classrooms. As a single mother and community member, I am deeply invested in our schools. Right now, CFBISD is facing critical decisions related to the budget, community trust, and student outcomes. I believe our community needs a voice at the table that understands both what happens in classrooms and how district level decisions shape the future of our schools.

13. What do you see as the district’s three biggest challenges? The district’s three biggest challenges are addressing budget constraints, responding strategically to declining enrollment, and rebuilding trust with the community through transparent communication and thoughtful decision making. At the heart of all of these challenges is ensuring strong student outcomes, because every decision we make

should ultimately support student learning, growth, and future success.

14. What are the district’s three biggest opportunities? The district’s three biggest opportunities are strengthening academic outcomes for all students, expanding career and technical education pathways that prepare students for college and careers, and building stronger partnerships with families and the community so we can work together to support student success and the future of our schools.

15. What does success look like in five years? Success in five years looks like strong academic growth across all student groups, improved teacher retention, and a financially stable district where families feel heard and confident in leadership. It also means positioning CFBISD as an innovator by adapting instruction, expanding opportunities such as career pathways and advanced learning, and ensuring our schools evolve alongside how students learn today. Our goal should be to prepare every student not just for graduation, but for success in a rapidly

16. What is the proper roles of a school board trustee? The role of a school board trustee is to set vision and policy, ensure accountability, adopt a responsible budget, and hire and evaluate the superintendent, not to manage daily operations. Trustees are also responsible for asking thoughtful questions that help bring clarity to the public and support transparent decision making. In addition, effective trustees must be able to collaborate with others respectfully and work together productively, even when there are differences in perspective, always keeping students at the center of decisions.

17. How will you balance the needs of students, staff, parents and taxpayers when those interests conflict? I will balance competing needs by prioritizing students first, using data to guide decisions, listening carefully to staff, parents, and community members, and makingtransparent and thoughtful choices that reflect long term impact while remaining responsible to taxpayers and the overall health of the district. I recognize that these decisions are often difficult, and I will take the time to thoughtfully consider all of these factors before making any decision.

18. What unique perspective or skill would you bring to the board? I bring classroom experience, a strong understanding of how school systems operate, and the perspective of a bilingual educator, parent, and former student of CFBISD. I would not be where I am today without the opportunities I received in this district, and I want to help ensure those same opportunities continue for future generations of students. I understand how board decisions translate into real classroom impact, and I believe education is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our students.

19. What do you believe is the district’s core mission? I believe the district’s core mission is to provide every student with a high quality education that prepares them for college, careers, and life, while ensuring all students have access to meaningful opportunities, strong support systems, and learning

experiences that prepare them for the future.

20. CFBISD faces a significant budget deficit. What specifically would you do to help stabilize district finances? I would help stabilize district finances by supporting responsible budgeting, increasing clarity around financial decisions, prioritizing classroom instruction and essential student services, identifying operational efficiencies, and engaging families and community members so they understand how decisions support the district’s long term stability.

21. What do you believe caused the district’s current financial situation? The district’s current financial situation reflects the combined impact of declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and limited state funding. At the same time, many community members have expressed concerns about past leadership decisions and whether long term sustainability was consistently prioritized. Moving forward, it is important that the district focus on thoughtful planning, transparent communication, and responsible decision making that supports stability and maintains strong opportunities

for students and teachers.

22. What spending areas should be protected at all costs? Spending that directly supports classroom instruction, teachers, and essential services for students should be protected because these areas have the greatest impact on learning and long term student success. These are the investments that touch students every day, and protecting them helps ensure every child has the opportunity to learn,

grow, and reach their full potential.

23. What spending areas should be reviewed for possible reductions? Administrative costs, underused programs, and operational inefficiencies should be reviewed carefully to ensure resources remain focused where they make the greatest difference for students. This process should include regular evaluation of program effectiveness, clear alignment to district goals, and a commitment to using data to guide decisions, while thoughtfully considering the impact on students, staff, and the

community.

24. Would you support closing additional schools if necessary? Under what circumstances? School closures should only be considered as a last resort and only when supported by clear data and thoughtful long term planning for sustainability. Schools are more than buildings; they hold memories, relationships, and a strong sense of community, so these decisions carry real emotional impact for families. If closures become necessary, they must be approached with transparency, clear communication, and meaningful opportunities for community input so families feel informed, respected, and supported throughout the process.

25. How closely should trustees scrutinize administrative spending? Trustees should carefully review administrative spending to ensure it aligns with district priorities, supports student learning, and reflects responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. It is also important that trustees exercise strong discernment when reviewing these decisions so families and community members feel confident that resources are being used thoughtfully and in ways that best support students and classrooms.

26. Do you believe the recent school closures were handled appropriately? Why or why not? Many families felt the recent closure process lacked transparency and did not include enough early community engagement. Schools hold special memories and deep meaning for students, families, and neighborhoods, so decisions like these are never easy and can be very emotional for a community. Future decisions of this scale should involve clearer communication and stronger opportunities for stakeholder participation so families feel informed, respected, and included throughout the process.

27. How do school closures affect student performance and community stability? School closures can disrupt student learning and community stability, especially when students and families do not feel informed, supported, or secure. When basic needs such as routine, belonging, and safety are unsettled, which are key elements in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, students can struggle both academically and socially.

Thoughtful planning, strong transition supports, and clear communication with families are essential to help students feel grounded and maintain a sense of connection if closures become necessary.

28. How should the district measure success beyond test scores?

Success should be measured through multiple indicators, including student growth, graduation rates, college and career readiness, engagement in learning, and overall student well being in addition to academic performance. It is also important to consider long term outcomes, such as postsecondary success, to ensure students are truly prepared for life after graduation. A more comprehensive approach allows the district to support the whole child and make decisions that lead to lasting success.

29. How should the district support struggling students? The district should support struggling students through early intervention, high quality literacy instruction grounded in the science of reading, targeted academic support, and access to services that help remove barriers to learning. Early literacy is critical because it serves as the foundation for all future learning, and current trends across the Dallas Fort Worth area show that many students are not yet meeting grade level reading

expectations. By prioritizing strong foundational reading skills and providing timely, evidence based support, we can ensure students develop the skills they need to access all content areas and succeed academically and beyond.

30. How should the district support high-performing and gifted students? High performing and gifted students should be supported through expanded access to advanced coursework, enrichment opportunities, and differentiated instruction that encourages continued academic growth. It is also important to foster student engagement and creativity by providing learning experiences that challenge students to think critically, explore their interests, and apply their learning in meaningful and innovative ways.

31. What role should career and technical education play? Career and technical education should play a strong role in the district by providing students with real world skills, industry certifications, and multiple pathways that prepare them for success after graduation. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the workforce, it is increasingly important that our schools evolve alongside how students learn and how careers are changing. High quality CTE programs not only prepare students for in demand careers, but also help develop critical thinking, problem solving, and adaptability, which are essential for the future. By expanding these opportunities, CFBISD can position itself as a forward thinking district that prepares students for both today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s challenges.

32. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing teachers in CFBISD? Teachers are at the forefront of student learning and play a critical role in shaping student success every day. Many are facing increasing workload demands, concerns about compensation, and the need to have their voices meaningfully included in decisions that affect their classrooms. Teachers are also navigating the impact of lower parent involvement in some areas, which can make their work even more challenging.

As a trustee, I believe it is important to support teachers by listening to their experiences, prioritizing resources that strengthen classrooms, and ensuring they are included in conversations that shape district decisions, because when teachers feel supported, students benefit.

33. How important is pay relative to other budget priorities?

Teacher pay remains essential for recruiting and retaining strong educators and should continue to be a priority because supporting teachers directly supports student learning. We are currently experiencing a teacher shortage, and if we want to retain certified and highly qualified teachers, we must remain competitive with surrounding districts. Investing in our teachers is an investment in the quality of education our students receive.

34. What role should teachers have in district decision-making? Teachers should have meaningful opportunities to share input through structured feedback and collaboration so their classroom experience helps inform district decisions. As the professionals closest to student learning, their insight is essential in shaping decisions that impact instruction, student outcomes, and the overall

effectiveness of our schools. Creating consistent opportunities for teacher voice also helps build trust and ensures decisions are grounded in what is truly happening in classrooms.

35. What qualities are most important in a superintendent?

A superintendent should demonstrate strong leadership, integrity, and transparency, along with the ability to communicate clearly and build trust with staff, families, and the community. It is also essential that the superintendent remains focused on improving student outcomes, supports teachers, and works collaboratively with the board to ensure decisions are aligned with the district’s vision and long term goals.

36. How will you ensure transparency in district decision-making? Transparency can be strengthened through clear and consistent communication, accessible information, open meetings, and ongoing engagement with families and community members. As a trustee, I will prioritize asking thoughtful questions and ensuring decisions are communicated in ways that are clear, inclusive, and easy for families to understand. As the daughter of Spanish speaking immigrant parents, I understand how important it is for communication to be accessible and respectful so all families feel informed, included, and confident in how decisions are made and how they support students.

37. What is something the public misunderstands about CFBISD? Many people do not realize how complex school systems are or how directly board decisions impact classrooms, teachers, and students. At the same time, this highlights the importance of clear communication and meaningful community engagement so families feel informed, connected, and confident in how decisions are made and hownthey support student success.

Cinthya Noda

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