Issues

Support for Public Schools

Maria is a strong supporter of public education and community schools. She opposes the state takeover and believes in restoring local control to ensure greater transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability.

She also opposes vouchers and other unfair funding schemes that divert public dollars from neighborhood schools. Maria supports changing the laws and finance systems to ensure equity, transparency, and strong support for all students.

Treat Teachers and Staff Professionally

HISD teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff play a vital role in our students’ success. But under the state takeover, they’ve been silenced, overworked, and stripped of support—hurting the kids they serve. To give students the education they deserve, we must pay staff fairly, listen to their concerns, and ensure they have the tools to teach with dignity.

Less Emphasis on High-Stakes Tests

HISD should be graduating critical thinkers, problem solvers, and creative inventors—not just test-takers. But under Mike Miles, school has been reduced to endless test prep at the expense of real learning. HISD can lead in reforming high-stakes testing by pushing for assessments that support student growth and help teachers advance academic goals.