Candidate Profile — Priscilla Aguilar

Question 1: What in your experience, personal and professional, qualifies to serve the community in this position?

Question 2: What do you believe is the most important work of the SFDR-CISD Board of Trustees over the next few years, and how will you contribute to making that happen?

“Thank you for reaching out and for providing candidates like me the opportunity to share our qualifications with the public. Our community deserves to know who they are voting for, not simply choose a familiar name, but make an informed decision based on experience and commitment.

“First and foremost, I am a mom of four children. During the 2026–2027 school year, I will have one child in high school, one in middle school, and two in elementary school. This gives me a unique, firsthand perspective on the challenges our students and staff face at every academic level.

“Professionally, I bring over 20 years of experience in finance, specializing in underwriting and data analysis. I am not afraid to ask difficult questions to gain a clear and accurate understanding of the bigger picture, an essential quality for responsible leadership.

“My husband and I are deeply passionate about education and the development of the next generation. We have demonstrated this commitment through scholarships and mentorship. We established the Aguilar Endurance Fund, inspired by Hebrews 12, which encourages us to run our race with endurance and remember those who came before us. I grew up in an economically disadvantaged community where education was often not prioritized. Despite that, I pursued my goals and built a successful path forward. Through our scholarship, we aim to show students that we were once in their shoes and that if we can succeed, they can go even further. We want them to know they have support, guidance, and a clear example of what is possible.

“The SFDR-CISD School Board of Trustees will face significant challenges in the coming years, including declining enrollment. At the same time, policies and procedures have been implemented that place added burdens on teachers and students. One example is the adoption of the Bluebonnet curriculum in elementary schools. Teachers are expected to follow it strictly, limiting their ability to adapt lessons to meet individual student needs. When they do step outside those constraints, they risk being reprimanded.

“Despite concerns, including reports of thousands of errors within the curriculum, the current board has moved forward with efforts to continue its use in the 2026–2027 school year, to maximize funding. During discussions, only a few questions were asked about the curriculum and its impact, yet the board ultimately chose to concur with the school district’s proposal rather than press for deeper review or accountability. Decisions of this magnitude deserve thoughtful scrutiny, not passive agreement.

“From my own experience reviewing the material with my elementary-aged children, I have seen how frustrating and unclear it can be. My husband and I spent 30 minutes on a math question after checking the answer key, but we still did not find the right answer. When I reached out about this, I was told that if the student was close enough to the right answer, they would be given credit. Later, it was noted that answer keys were part of the identified errors in the Bluebonnet curriculum. When students are told that being “close enough” is acceptable, we risk undermining both their learning and their confidence.

“This reminded me of something my 10th grade Math teacher, Mr. Smith, used to say: ‘You just killed the astronauts.’ His point was simple: precision matters. In subjects like math, close is not enough. When we lower that standard, we are not just affecting test scores; we are limiting futures.

“This is not just one isolated issue. It reflects a broader challenge. If we do not address these concerns thoughtfully and prioritize student outcomes, we risk creating a culture where ‘close enough’ replaces excellence. That mindset can limit a child’s potential and diminish their aspirations.

“Teaching is a calling driven by passion. When educators are restricted from teaching in ways that truly meet their students’ needs, that passion begins to fade. Over time, this affects the entire district and, most importantly, our students.

“I will remain actively involved in my children’s education so I can continue to understand, firsthand, the realities families and students face. I am committed to building strong, trusting relationships with teachers and staff, ensuring they have a voice and feel supported without fear of retaliation. As a trustee, I will advocate for policies that empower educators, strengthen student learning, and uphold high standards.

“Our children deserve more than ‘close enough.’ They deserve every opportunity to reach their full potential, and I am committed to helping make that a reality.”

Joel Langton

Leave a Reply

Receive the latest news

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

And get information about All of Del Rio’s events delivered directly to your inbox!