Three candidates are running for Place 4 on the Plano Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees, each highlighting different concerns such as academic achievement, declining enrollment, and recapture. Margaret Turner-Carrigan, Tarrah Lantz, and Lydia Ortega have stepped up to represent their community's interests in education.
Margaret Turner-Carrigan is a mother of a Plano ISD graduate and grandmother of two current students. She believes her experience sets her apart from other candidates: "I have extensive involvement in the community as well as firsthand knowledge about our school district," she said. Turner-Carrigan has worked professionally as an attorney and mediator which gives her valuable negotiation skills that may prove useful if elected to office.
Tarrah Lantz is also running for Place 4 on the board and is herself a parent with children attending Plano schools. Lantz expressed concern over how the pandemic has worsened mental health issues among students: "The pandemic brought forth mental health challenges that we cannot ignore," she stated. Furthermore, Lantz highlighted socioeconomic disparities within the community that can impact student learning negatively, suggesting these issues require attention from policymakers.
Lydia Ortega enters this race after an unsuccessful bid for mayor in 2021 but remains committed to improving education within Plano ISD. One primary focus of her campaign involves examining book content found within school libraries: "We must ensure that our students have access to appropriate literature while prioritizing their learning needs above all else," Ortega remarked.
All three candidates bring unique perspectives and experiences to make them viable contenders for Place 4 on the Plano ISD Board of Trustees; however it will ultimately be up to voters decide who takes office come election day.