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Seven candidates vying for positions on the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District Board of Trustees outlined their priorities during a forum Thursday evening at the Children's Health Star Center.
The candidate forum, moderated by Branch Herald owner and editor Kate Bergeron, began with a meet and greet from 6-7:15 p.m. followed by the forum from 7:30-9 p.m. Each candidate answered identical questions addressing budget concerns, community engagement and their qualifications.
Sitting according to ballot order, the candidates included incumbents Tara Hrbacek, Kim Brady, and Ileana Garza-Rojas along with challengers Brady Barnett, Rangoli Mathur, Paul Gilmore and Nicole Yarbrough.
The district's budget deficit dominated much of the discussion, with several candidates pointing to challenges stemming from inadequate state funding, rising inflation and declining enrollment.
"Our budget deficit is directly related to the fact that we gave our staff raises two years running," Brady said, explaining that while necessary, these raises contributed to financial strain.
Challengers like Barnett expressed concerns about the district's approach to the deficit. "I think we need change," Barnett said. "We need to address the budget before it's too late."
Mathur said the district should have examined administrative costs before considering school closures. "The number of senior leadership positions in CFBISD is the same as the number of senior administrative leadership positions in Dallas ISD," Mathur said, noting Dallas has five times the number of schools.
While incumbents pointed to their established track record of fiscal oversight, challengers questioned past spending priorities and whether district leadership had done enough to prevent the current financial crisis.
The recent decision to close four schools emerged as a flashpoint in discussions about both fiscal responsibility and community engagement. Candidates were asked how they would improve communication between school leadership and residents in the future.
“First thing is to increase transparency, that’s number one,” said Yarbrough. “Community engagement, that’s number two.”
Incumbent candidates stressed the importance of attending board meetings and work sessions, with Brady noting, "You must attend. It's just like your kids' games — you don't know the things that are happening unless you actually show up."
However, Mathur suggested the board could do more to engage parents. "There is an active engagement and then there is a passive engagement," Mathur said. "Passive engagement is when you say, 'Here's something, and you're free to go comment.' Active engagement is where I reach out to you."
When asked about their involvement in district schools, candidates detailed their participation ranging from PTA leadership to committee service.
"At my kid’s school, I work on the PTA. I am on the board. I do a lot of chairs. I’ve done it. You name it, I got it," said Garza-Rojas. “Outside of the school, I mentor once a week.”
Hrbacek highlighted her attendance at various school functions, saying, "When it coordinates with my work contract and my travel schedule for work, I do love going in."
Candidates also discussed how they would support special education programs as the district closes schools. While incumbents stressed their role in overseeing transition plans, challengers emphasized the need for equitable resource allocation.
"The special needs programs are extremely important to our community and district," Barnett said. "We have to have equitable access for every student in our community."
“As a board member, I would provide oversight and ask questions,” said Gilmore when answering how he would support the future of special education programs. “You can never ask too many questions.”
All candidates affirmed their responsibility to respond to constituent emails, though they noted board operating procedures dictate certain protocols for communication.
Candidate qualifications varied widely. Hrbacek and Brady pointed to their experience on the current board. Garza-Rojas highlighted her volunteerism and committee service within the district. Mathur emphasized her technology leadership background. Gilmore referenced his military and law enforcement service, while Barnett and Yarbrough stressed their community involvement and business experience.
The forum closed at 9 p.m., with Bergeron reminding attendees that detailed candidate information is available on the Branch Herald website.
Voters will decide on the three available school board positions in the upcoming election. Early voting begins April 22, with election day on May 4.
