May 2022 Election: Sarah Gudenkauf

What made you want to run for this position?

I am running to be a Trustee on the Elgin ISD School Board because I am deeply committed to our community and believe that few things are more important than a high quality education for all children. I am a lifelong educator and believe that high quality schools that serve all of our students well will help our community thrive.  

What kind of experience - educational, professional or personal - do you bring to this position?

I have been a teacher, instructional coach, district leader, and consultant in school districts throughout Texas for 18 years. I have seen our state’s best schools and worked alongside teachers and leaders in schools facing big challenges. My extensive experience in education has strengthened my belief that there are many opportunities for our community to unify and ensure that every school is a place where students thrive. I am currently finishing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on school improvement. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Elgin ISD?

Over the next five years, Elgin ISD will be faced with significant growth and will need to focus not just on school buildings but also on building new and strengthened school communities. In order to do this well, we will need to ensure that Elgin ISD is a place that the best teachers and leaders want to work. If we are not planning ahead, staffing and the national teacher shortage will become an increasing challenge. To meet this challenge, the school board will need to support programs that recruit and retain teachers as well as those that focus on growing and training our own teachers and leaders from within our community.

How do you expect Elgin ISD to adapt as Bastrop County’s population grows? Where do you see the school district in five years?

As our community grows, we will need to focus on all aspects of school communities, from buildings and teachers to continuing to increase the quality of current and new programs for students. Given our placement in Central Texas as a technology hub, we need to ensure that our students are prepared to have access to both current and future jobs. This includes expanding science, technology, engineering, and computer programs at all grade levels. It also means focusing on career exploration for students and access to career and technology education (CTE) programs. We already have several well regarded programs, such as our PTech and Early College High School. We need to continue to support and expand these and other programs that will prepare students whether they want to work after high school, earn an advanced certificate, or be prepared for college. As a growing community, we must be sure that as we support and expand programs, we ensure equal access to opportunities for all students. With community support and strong teachers and leaders, Elgin ISD will not just grow but will also increase its standing in central Texas as a school district that families seek out because of both its academic reputation and the programs that it provides for students.

What is one issue you want to fix or improve if you take office?

We will soon have a new superintendent. One of the most important roles of the School Board of Trustees is to help the superintendent set the direction for our district. The new superintendent will be required to lead during our growth, while also being charged with the continuous improvement of our schools and programs. Elgin ISD has a strategic plan created in 2019, before Covid, our rapid expansion, the new bond, and the retirement of Dr. Duron. As a Trustee, I will work alongside my fellow school board members to help the new superintendent evaluate the current strategic plan and update it to be sure it reflects our priorities as a growing school district. 

Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?

I am the only educator running for school board. I have experience leading a school district from multiple levels, as a teacher, member of a school leadership team, and as a district leader. I deeply understand both the opportunities and constraints placed on public schools in Texas and can be a voice for finding creative solutions to challenges. Education is my calling and I will bring my passion, experience, and own education to serving as a School Board Trustee. 

Any other information you would like to share with voters?

I am an experienced educator asking for your vote to so that I may serve our community. As a Trustee on the Elgin ISD School Board, I will work to: 

Focus on smart growth for the district and accountability for bond funds

Update our strategic plan to focus on priorities for the new Superintendent

Ensure equal access to school programs and resources for all students

Facebook: @SarahforElginISD5