Experience Matters

For nearly two decades, I have been deeply invested in Texarkana ISD as a parent, volunteer, community leader, and advocate for strong public schools at both the local and state level. I understand that the success of our public schools directly shapes our region’s workforce, economic growth, and future prosperity. I am committed to ensuring Texarkana ISD continues to lead with strength and a forward looking vision that prepares us to face the challenges ahead.

Background

Texarkana is Our Home

I have proudly called Texarkana home since 2005. I have raised my family here, paid taxes here, and invested nearly two decades serving and supporting TISD. My wife, Amy, and I choose to live in Texarkana ISD because we fully believe in the strengths of the district and the opportunities it provides our community's children.

Amy and I have been married for four years, and together we are raising five active children. Three of our children have attended Texarkana ISD from elementary school through high school. Our oldest graduated from Texas High and is now excelling at Southern Arkansas University, and two of our children are currently students at Texas High. We also have two children who, after thoughtful conversations with Amy and their father, made the decision to attend Pleasant Grove ISD based on what was best for their individual needs at that time. As parents in a blended family, our priority has always been making the best educational decisions for each child and valuing their opinions. This unique family dynamic gives me a side-by-side perspective on the educational landscape in our community. I believe that perspective, combined with our strong ties to Texarkana ISD, provides valuable insight as I seek to serve our community on the TISD School Board.

Two Decades of Service

My involvement in TISD began long before my children enrolled. Over the years, I have:

• Served on multiple district-wide strategic planning committees, including the Imagine 2026 Long Range Planning Committee, facilities subcommittee, and bond committee that helped advance new schools and campus improvements.
  

• Served on the Campus and District Quality Improvement Councils (DQIC), including during TISD’s adoption of its Local Innovation Plan.
  

• Volunteered extensively through Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS).
  

• Supported Nash Elementary’s successful designation as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School.
  

• Served as campus community leader for the Boys to Men Leadership Academy.
  

• Volunteered for four years with the Texas High School Band and Band Boosters, where I was honored with the inaugural “Tiger King” Award for dedicated service.
  

• Served on various campus and district committees across Nash Elementary, Texas Middle School, and Texas High School.
  

• Served multiple terms on the Texarkana ISD Education Foundation Board and currently serve as its President.

Professional Experience and Community Engagement

I am a graduate of Texas A&M University (BBA, Business Management) and Baylor Law School (JD). I began my legal career litigating complex commercial cases and patent infringement matters. I now practice law at Ross & Shoalmire PLLC, focusing on asset protection, estate planning, and elder law.

Beyond my legal practice, I am deeply involved in public policy and legislative advocacy. I have drafted legislation, worked with lawmakers, and testified before legislative committees in Austin. I have actively supported efforts to fight against state-funded private school vouchers that hurt public schools, strengthen public education funding, and protect local control of educational decisions.

I also serve as Vice-Chairman of TexAmericas Center, bringing experience in fiscal oversight, economic development, and workforce planning — all critical to the long-term success of TISD. I am an active member of the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club, serve on the Board of the Texarkana Alzheimer's Alliance, and remain engaged in community initiatives that support public education.

My Commitment to Texarkana ISD and Public Education in Texas

Every student deserves an advocate that will demand they receive the best education possible to ensure they are prepared for the next level of education and ultimately their success after graduation. Every teacher and school employee deserves and advocate that helps ensure they have the tools and resources to succeed in classroom and campuses, create a learning environment conducive to student success, and a safe workplace. I am committed to ensuring our students, teachers, and employees are positioned for success.

Every Texarkana ISD resident, parent, and taxpayer deserves schools that provide results, a district that is held accountable, and transparency in the decisions shaping our district. I am committed to ensuring our community has a voice that is heard, understands what is happening in our schools, and feels confident in the leadership guiding them.

Public education in Texas is at a pivotal moment. Texarkana ISD must lead with vision, strength, and strategic action. I am ready to serve our district, not as a newcomer, but as someone who has been deeply invested in this district and public education for nearly 20 years.

I have seen firsthand the strengths of our district from award-winning journalism and photography programs, strong athletics and band, robust STEM and dual-credit offerings, Leader in Me campuses, and state-of-the-art facilities. I have also seen the challenges we must address such as enrollment fluctuations, accountability pressures, funding concerns, and regional growth issues.

Gallery

Moments from events, meetings, and community connections.