Kayla Mendez
Incumbent Candidate for Amarillo ISD Board of Trustees
Mendez/Photo by AISD
Question: What is your age?
Answer: 29
Q: What is your educational background?
A: B.S. Chemical Engineering
Minors in Mathematics & Bioengineering
Texas Tech University
M.S. Finance and Economics
West Texas A&M University
Q: What is your occupation?
A: Engineer
Q: If you are a business owner, please list the business or businesses that you own.
A: N/A
Q: Please list any civic boards or commissions (non-profit, government, union, political, etc.) on which you have served as a board member or equivalent.
A: Amarillo Independent School District Board of Trustees
Q: If your campaign has any online campaign resources where voters can learn more about you, such as social media accounts or a website, please list them below.
A: N/A
Q: Why did you decide to run for this office in 2021?
A: I have learned so much more about our district and public education during my two years as a Trustee. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to meet all the teachers and staff that make AISD such a success. I would love to continue to serve our students and community.
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities in office?
A: I am really keen to continue working on our current goals/priorities of closing the achievement gap, college, career, and military readiness, and safety.
Q: In what cases would you support efforts to raise property taxes? Please explain.
A: To address aging infrastructure and campus improvements that are long overdue.
Q: What is an issue you believe has gone overlooked in your race and how will you address it if elected?
A: Some of the beginning and continuing work that has been underway has been closing the achievement gap and addressing implicit bias. If I am able to continue to serve on the AISD Board of Trustees I would like to continue the focus on this issue and keep addressing these concerns.
Q: Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
A: I am a product of AISD having attended Oakdale, Bowie, and finally graduating from Caprock. I have niece's, nephews, and many extended family that currently attend AISD schools. I have had the privilege of being educated by some of the most caring and genuine teachers. I believe in what our District has to offer and where we can continue to grow to better serve our students and community.