The Cities of Fairfield and Wortham, as well as Wortham ISD will be having an election this year. Fairfield ISD will have a ballot for a special Bond Election.
Early Voting starts Tuesday, April 22nd and runs thru Tuesday, April 29th. Click here for dates, times, and poll locations.
Election Day is set for Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Wortham ISD will have one race in this election cycle.
Place 2 Incumbent Billy Perez will face candidate Kyle Collins.
Place 3 will see Incumbent Brent Jones unopposed.
Place 4 will see Incumbent Ryan Carr unopposed.
Each candidate was invited to participate in this questionnaire. A response was not received from Mr. Jones.
1. What qualifications or special training skills will you bring to the Board of Trustees?
Place 2
–Billy Perez: As an incumbent, I have been on the Wortham ISD Board of Trustees for a combination of 12 years. I have worked and lived in Freestone County for over 26 years. I am currently the Executive Director of Fairfield EMS and have been serving in that capacity for over 25 years. I currently sit on the Board of Directors for the Piney Woods Regional Advisory Council for Trauma Service Area G, serve as Vice-Chair (4yrs), and have been a member for over 26 years. I also serve on the Wortham EDC Board as President and have served for 10 years. The experience I have gained over the last 20 plus years with various Boards gives me excellent knowledge and experience to draw upon for the position of School Board.
–Kyle Collins: For thirteen years, I have worked closely with the local school districts and other service providers in my role as a Juvenile Probation Officer. I visit Wortham ISD and other districts, to meet with school officials regarding the needs of my clients and support staff in the classroom. My plan is to add a fresh perspective to an already flourishing school district. We are a growing community and must continue taking steps forward to ensure the greatest outcome for the staff and students in our district.
Place 4
–Ryan Carr: I have a deep sense of pride in the community of Wortham because my wife and I grew up here, and one of the reasons we moved our family back was because we wanted our girls to be brought up in a school district we knew we could trust. After I graduated from WISD, I served in the military, which enabled me to gain invaluable experience working with people from all walks of life. After the military, I began working in public service as a firefighter/paramedic, and this role has strengthened my ability to engage with the public even when under pressure. In addition, I bring the core values of honor, integrity, and passion that were fundamental in my previous endeavors. My goal is to incorporate these principles into my work on the school board to ensure we prioritize the best interests of our students, staff, and community.
2. Looking back at this school year so far, what has the Board of Trustees excelled in doing?
Place 2
–Billy Perez: Wortham has accomplished many things over the past year, new tennis courts, new Athletic Field House, but I think our greatest accomplishment is the maintenance and retention of our teachers and supporting staff.
–Kyle Collins: Our current Board is diverse in experience and each member provides their own special skillset in service of our School District. As a member of the Wortham ISD School Board, I will help build on the vision these Trustees have put in motion.
Place 4
–Ryan Carr: The school board has done a great job of working within their budget to make key improvements to staffing and facilities to ensure the learning environment continues to meet the needs of our students. They have also allowed school admin the freedom to make decisions in the best interest of each school, fostering a positive learning environment for all students.
3. What do you think has the biggest influence on a student’s ability to learn and succeed in school, and how can the school board help with that?
Place 2
–Billy Perez: Teachers are the biggest influence on students, along with having a clean and inviting environment to learn.
–Kyle Collins: Ensuring our students have a safe, structured and nurturing atmosphere is fundamental to success. Wortham ISD staff and students deserve an environment that provides physical and psychological safety at the highest level. Our Board shares this responsibility in a very practical way.
Place 4
–Ryan Carr: I believe the two strongest predictors of the success of a student are quality teachers and a safe, supportive learning environment. We, as a board, can collaborate with administrators to provide resources necessary for proper hiring, ensure the staff is effectively equipped to succeed, and create the best environment possible to foster a sense of security and motivation for students to learn to their full potential.
4. The school district does many things well. Name one thing you would like to see improved, and what you would do as a school board member to see it accomplished.
Place 2
–Billy Perez: As always, the one thing I always want to improve on is obtaining and retaining quality teaching staff for our students.
–Kyle Collins: In schools across the State, you hear about violence being committed toward teachers and staff members. What you don’t often hear is the onslaught of criticism our teachers and administrators deal with from members of the public and the Texas leadership. Emphasizing the support of our educators is something that can always be improved upon.
Place 4
–Ryan Carr: It is obvious the district does many things well as evidenced in part by our “A”rating. One area that I feel always has potential for improvement, however, is communication. I think effective communication is essential for not only keeping everyone informed but boosting engagement in current events. My goal would be to strengthen communication channels ensuring parents and community members are abreast on the latest developments within the district and clearly understand how they can effectively support the district’s goals.
5. If elected, what is the one thing you would like to see the school district accomplish during your tenure?
Place 2
–Billy Perez: Competitive teacher compensation.
–Kyle Collins: I would like to see our school district continue improving and moving forward to ensure a brighter future for generations to come. My goal is to provide a haven for free thinking individuals that will be able to tackle the issues of tomorrow.
Place 4
–Ryan Carr: My primary goal is to support the administration and staff of WISD in an effort the ensure high-quality education for all students. That being said, I don’t have a personal agenda, but I am committed to ensuring the district has the resources and support it needs to continue thriving so that every WISD student has an exceptional education experience.
6. Is there anything else you would like voters to know?
Place 2
–Billy Perez: Re-Elect Billy Perez to Wortham ISD Place 2. Three generations of graduates from Wortham ISD, with the fourth generation currently attending Wortham ISD.
–Kyle Collins: The Wortham public school system has been home to my family for over a century. Four generations of Collins/Davis have graduated from Wortham ISD. My father was a multi-term board member as was my grandfather. Wortham ISD has served my family well. My motivation for running is to offer my services to the school and community that has served my family.
Place 4
–Ryan Carr: (No response given.)
Now that you know more about your candidates, get out there and vote!
