Early Voting Continues in Katy; Know Your Katy ISD School Board Candidates
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
April 27, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
Early voting continues today and tomorrow in an election that is important to Katy ISD. After early voting, Katy residents will have to wait to vote on the May 2nd election day for three positions on the Katy ISD Board of Trustees (and City Council if you live in Katy proper.)
Tomorrow is the last day to vote early in this election ahead of election day (May 2, 2026.) Three out of seven positions of the Katy ISD Board of Trustees is up for election. The School Board plays a major role in the direction of the District. This impacts anyone with children or grandchildren in the District, but the success of Katy schools also impacts local home values.
Local elections have the potential to impact residents the most, yet voter turnout continues to be small each year. Knowing your candidates and taking the time to vote means that each ballot truly matters in these local elections.
Early voting is available today and tomorrow from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the following locations:
Early Voting Locations
Leonard Merrell Center
Room 143-144
6301 S. Stadium Lane
Cinco Ranch High School
PAC Lobby
23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Morton Ranch High School
Gym Lobby
2100 Franz Road
Paetow High School
Gym Lobby
23111 Stockdick School Road
Seven Lakes High School
Gym Lobby
9251 S. Fry Road
Taylor High School
PAC Lobby
20700 Kingsland Blvd.
Katy ISD Board of Trustee Position 3
Cicely Taylor
Cicely Taylor was inspired to run for office by family (and a very spoiled Chiweenie named Benji.) Her are all proud Katy ISD graduates. Her 28-year-old son and his wife both graduated from Seven Lakes High School. They have a daughter and son on the way. Taylor’s daughter is 23-years-old also graduated from Seven Lakes High School and she and her husband welcomed their first child, a son last week! Taylor recently lost her husband, Steven of 29 years.
Inspiration
My children are my greatest inspiration. Their Katy ISD experience (from elementary through high school) helped to set the foundation for a successful life. The teachers, counselors, coaches, and other school staff supported them in so many ways. I want their experience to be the gold standard experience for all Katy ISD families. I believe that a free, joyful, and academically excellent education should be the right for all children, and members of the Katy ISD Board of Trustees have a responsibility to uphold this. Combining my 25+ years of education (teaching and administrative) expertise with the perspective of a proud Katy ISD parent, I believe I can be the trustee to ensure this happens.
Background
I started out many years ago as a classroom teacher with Teach for America. Since this start, I have dedicated 25+ years to the education field. I have written curriculum, led professional development, led school and district-level projects, managed board governance, and worked on executive leadership teams. I am also an active volunteer with Katy ISD. I currently serve as a Campus Advisory Team member for Adams Junior High, I am a KEYS mentor and I was selected to be part of Leadership Katy class of 2025-2026. With my education, parent, and volunteer background, I believe I offer a unique "360-degree" view of our schools that other candidates simply cannot match. Voters can trust me to bridge the gap between complex fiscal oversight and the daily needs of our students, ensuring administrative accountability while protecting the high-quality education my own children used as a springboard to success.
If Elected
Like many school districts, Katy ISD is facing serious challenges - student enrollment, forecasted budget deficits, and wildly expensive staff benefits. One trustee cannot make change and take on these challenges, amongst many others, alone. I want to first quickly focus on trustee culture and alignment so that we can take on these challenges in a manner that is student-centered, ensures teachers have what they need, and supports families. From there, we can wrestle with finding solutions to balancing the fiscal health of our district, identifying cost-saving options for staff benefits, and addressing student and staff attrition, all while ensuring our schools are safe and have the supports needed to meet academic outcomes with excellence
Hidden Talent
I am a pretty decent salsa dancer, and whereas I have a horrible singing voice, I love karaoke (so I guess the talent is that I don’t get embarrassed very easy, lol.)
Sean Hesterly- no reply
Haider Razvi- no reply
Katy ISD Board of Trustee Position 4
Tiffany Auzenne “Asonye”
Tiffany Asonye and her husband Isaac Asonye have been married for 13 years. They moved to Katy nearly 6 years ago right before the pandemic and virtual school. They have three children: a 5th grader and twin 3rd grade twins.
Inspiration
I thought about running prior to this year, but the demands of life did not allow it. This time was different. When you live a life of service it is natural to want to serve your people. Since serving on the 2023-24 Katy ISD Bond Advisory Committee, I have truly wondered why every campus is not a destination campus. I also learned that the board was spending less than one third of its time on student outcomes and I attended meetings where I felt the language used did not reflect the dignity and value of every family in this district. Every student, teacher, paraprofessional and taxpayer deserves a champion. I can be that. Leading with love and authentically.
Background
I am originally from Seattle, Washington where I attended King County public schools before relocating to North Texas and graduating from Mansfield High School. I attended a Historically Black College and University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. While working my first job I attended evening classes and earned a Master of Business Administration. After beginning my current role, I obtained a certificate in Business Process Design for Strategic Management from MIT.
Over two decades I have built my career in banking holding positions as a Senior Vice President, Auditor and Consultant and working directly with federal bank regulators. The role of a trustee is rooted in oversight. That is my expertise and it is exactly what this board needs right now.
If Elected
Student outcomes are my number one priority. Serving all constituents is my commitment.
Katy ISD has a $1.4 billion budget, 13,000 employees and seven volunteer trustees making policy decisions affecting 95,000 children. I also hope to show through my service that this role requires qualified people to step up and run and encourage more to do the same.
My platform is rooted in oversight expertise and servant leadership. My first six months will be spent hosting listening sessions with teachers, paraprofessionals, families and community members across all three counties this district serves. I will focus on discovery through data, board training and earning the trust of everyone I encounter. I will review policies, vendor management reports and information that I did not previously have access to as a community member.
The questions I will be asking are simple. Where are the real opportunities to serve this entire community? How do we retain more teachers? Are we sharing enough with our community? Are trustees receiving enough information to make sound decisions? Do Trustees receive reports with Key Performance Indicators?
Katy ISD has earned a Superior Achievement financial rating for over two decades. That standard deserves protection. I am not a politician. But I am a get it done gal. I am ready to advocate for more state funding alongside fellow trustees and neighboring districts, and I hope to make this community proud.
Hidden Talent
I am not sure I have any hidden talents honestly. I do love cooking though. I make great gumbo, alfredo and spaghetti sauce. I also make pretty good meat pies. None of which I have been doing much of since campaigning. Lol.
Jim Davidson
Jim and Kelli Davidson have been married for 24 years, but they met when they were in 5th grade at Memorial Parkway Elementary! Both Jim and Kelli graduated from Taylor High School and A&M. Kelli has spent over two decades working for Katy ISD as a mental health professional. They have a junior high son and high school daughter in Katy ISD. They have two French Bulldogs names Rocky and Sarge and a Gray Banded Kingsnake named Pecos.
Inspiration
I made the decision to run for Katy ISD School Board Trustee because of a genuine desire to serve the Katy community, the same community where my wife and I were raised and the one where we chose to raise our family. Our Katy community is anchored by a school district that attracts families and educators who want to be part of something exceptional. I want to ensure our children and families continue to reap the benefits of an exceptional education and our educators continue to reap the benefits of an exceptional place to work, as my family and so many others have. That said, I know incoming Trustees will need to be prepared to address current challenges including enrollment decline, teacher retention, and others. I am running for the Katy ISD Board because I believe my leadership experiences and willingness to listen are going to be an asset as we face these challenges head on.
Background
I'm a Katy ISD and Texas A&M graduate. Professionally, I’m a partner in a Global Consulting Firm. I’ve served in senior leadership positions across operational, commercial, and service line development areas.
My professional experience is blended with my experience as a lifelong Katy resident and civic leader with a heart for serving others. I’m deeply rooted in the Katy community and have been fortunate to have many opportunities to re-invest. I currently serve on the City of Katy Planning & Zoning Commission and on the Keep Katy Beautiful Board, roles that require collaboration, transparency, and thoughtful consideration of the long-term needs of our community. My volunteer efforts include serving as the regional lead of a men’s Fitness, Faith, and Fellowship group, volunteering on Katy ISD campuses, along with fundraising efforts for faith based organizations such as Eagles Wings Zambia and the Manna House in Brookshire.
If Elected
My top focus areas consist of strengthening the aspects that have made Katy ISD a destination district that families trust—1. Strong academics and student success; 2. The partnership between parents and educators; 3. Attracting and retaining exceptional teachers, and 4. Careful stewardship of our financial resources. To achieve these priorities during a period of heightened budget constraints, leadership must establish and align on clear goals and priorities that all strategic plans can be compared against.
Hidden Talent
I was a professional Disc Golfer for many years, a hobby that I picked up while at Texas A&M. I finished second in the Texas State Championships “Professional Division” twice and on a Saturday afternoon you might find me at the Willow Fork Park or Mary Jo Peckham Park disc golf course.
David Greene
David Greene has lived in Katy for seven and half years. During that time he’s been an active community member through nonprofit leadership, education advocacy, and local service work. He has three rescue dogs: two blue heeler mixes and a chihuahua.
Inspiration
I’m running because I’ve seen firsthand how much pressure our classrooms are under. A few years ago, I worked with a 6th student who was falling behind, not because his teachers didn’t care, but because they were stretched thin and didn’t have enough time or support.
That experience led me to take a deeper look at how district decisions impact classrooms. I came to a simple conclusion: when we support teachers, students do better. That’s why my campaign focuses on putting teachers first, keeping students at the center, and making sure families have a real voice.
Background
My background is in nonprofit leadership, board governance, and youth-focused programs. I started working at 14 with a nonprofit that ran group homes, after school programs, and schools, and that experience shaped how I think about education and community.
Professionally, I’ve managed budgets, worked with boards, and built partnerships across diverse communities. I understand that the role of a trustee is governance, not micromanagement. It’s about setting direction, passing a responsible budget, and holding the superintendent accountable for results.
If Elected
My priorities are clear.
First, supporting and retaining strong educators by creating regular, consistent ways for teachers and staff to be heard and making sure that feedback turns into action.
Second, maintaining responsible budgeting that protects classroom dollars and prioritizes student outcomes.
Third, clear governance. The board sets direction and accountability. The superintendent leads day to day operations. When those roles are respected, the district performs better.
I also believe parents should have full access to their child’s education, including reading materials, with the ability to opt out for their child if they choose. No one else should get to parent someone else’s child.
Hidden Talent
I’m a strong problem solver under pressure. Much of my work has involved stepping into complex situations, listening carefully, and helping people who don’t always agree find a path forward.
It’s not flashy, but it’s a skill that matters when you’re making decisions that impact an entire community.
Katy ISD Board of Trustee Position 5
Jesus Nieto
Jesus Nieto has lived in Katy for almost five years and has a rescue mixed miniature schnauzer named Kaiser.
Inspiration
As a son of a 20+ year bilingual educator, I could not sit idly by and watch public education collapse in front of me. We are currently in some of the most unprecedented times in public education in our state. I and several other community members want to see our local leaders do more. We need our local leaders to meet the moment and stand up for their community. This is what truly inspired me to run for this office because we need leaders who won't be afraid to stand up for educators, students, and the greater community.
Background
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science with minors in Communications, Public Administration & Public Policy. I've used this in my professional career as a non-profit leader, supporting families across both Harris and Fort Bend Counties. Working in this space, I have worked with educators and students and have gone to Austin to support better legislation for our public schools. As a Trustee, I will use these skills to ensure that the community is being heard and empowered to be part of the decision-making process.
If Elected
If elected on May 2nd, I plan on being fully transparent with the public. We are currently at a crossroads with the state due to the decrease in public school funding, and enrollment across the state is declining. There are going to be some very hard conversations that we as a board will need to have with the community, and I intend, as a trustee, to keep my promise to keep the community informed about what is to come. It is going to take all of us to get through these turbulent times in public education. My focus will be to ensure that student success is upheld across the entire district and that educators are supported.
Hidden Talent
I really like puzzles! I think I got this skill when I was a kid. I would always play memory games, and since I could remember, I was just a great puzzle solver. I would love to host a puzzle-solving contest for students. Maybe we can create a scholarship opportunity. Other than that, I don't really have talents that would be mind-blowing.
Nathan Shipley
Nathan Shipley grew up in Katy and met his wife Danielle working at the Randall’s on South Mason and Highland Knolls. He’s a Katy High School and University of Houston graduate and she graduated from Taylor High School and Baylor University. They grew up here and now have a daughter at Katy High School, son at Woodcreek Junior High and a daughter at Wolman Elementary. Their family is complete with three crazy dogs all mixed breeds and rescued.
Inspiration
So many of us moved to Katy ISD for the great public school system. I have a heart for public service and community involvement and want to use my personal experience in the District as both a former student and parent of children currently enrolled, coupled with my professional background, to see that Katy ISD remains a destination District for Parents and Teachers. I want to make sure when the board makes decisions, it is being intentional about how they impact students, teachers, and parents. I am focused on keeping national politics out of our local schools. Our schools are here to serve all kids from all walks of life. If we keep that at the center, our public schools in Katy will remain top notch.
Background
I hold a business degree with a focus on marketing from the University of Houston. I began my career as a college intern at a New York–based consumer research and analytics firm and have continued with the same organization through multiple acquisitions. Today, I work in an advisory role, consulting with some of the world’s largest retailers and manufacturers on consumer trends and strategic decision-making. My work centers on analyzing large, complex data sets, identifying meaningful trends, and ensuring that we don’t overlook smaller but important signals. I regularly present insights and recommendations to in the board room of Fortune 500 executives and audiences of 500+ people. Clear communication and public speaking are core parts of my professional life. In addition, I have served as Vice President of Fort Bend MUD 151 for almost seven years. In that role, I’ve helped build a 30-year capital improvement plan, lowered the property tax rate, executed successful bond packages, and maintained a fiscally conservative approach that has resulted in consistent budget surpluses. own investment property within the district as well, so fully understand how our approach to property taxes would impact taxpayers in the District. These experiences directly mirror the responsibilities of a school board trustee: evaluating large data sets, managing significant budgets, planning long-term capital needs, and making decisions that impact an entire community.
If Elected
Areas of Focus
Financial Stewardship: Katy ISD is facing two significant challenges: declining enrollment and an unbalanced budget. These issues are not unique to our district: many Texas ISDs are navigating similar financial pressures as state funding remains stagnant. We need to challenge the District to explore new, sustainable ways to generate revenue while maintaining strong oversight and responsible budgeting.
Supporting Teachers: In conversations with teachers, a consistent theme emerges: they are overwhelmed by increasing administrative tasks and reduced planning time. Our Board must be intentional about understanding how teachers spend their day and work with the District to remove unnecessary administrative burdens. Teachers should be able to focus on what matters most—our students and high‑quality instruction.
Student Outcomes: Our decisions should center on preparing every student for success after high school. Many students today want to pursue careers in the trades, and programs like Miller Career Center are essential pathways. However, long waitlists signal that demand exceeds capacity. Expanding access to these opportunities should be a priority.
Technology Usage: I support the 1:1 Chromebook initiative, but I believe the pendulum has swung too far toward overuse during the school day. Research continues to show that students often learn best with traditional “pen and paper.” Chromebooks absolutely have a place, but we need clear guardrails and guidance on when and how they should be used to support—not replace—effective learning.
Parents as Primary Decision‑Makers: Parents are the ultimate authority in their child’s life. Schools and teachers play a critical role in education, but they are not a substitute for parenting. Katy ISD should keep this principle at the forefront when making decisions and ensure parents remain informed, respected, and engaged partners.
Hidden Talent
Hidden talent? This is a tough one. Really good (bad?) Dad jokes. Especially as my kids get older. The jokes just keep getting better. In my mind...
Caleb Silverio
Caleb Silverio is a recent graduate from Paetow High School Class of 2025. He has younger brothers at Paetow and King Elementary. Their Dad is a sheriff sergeant where their dog, a German Shepherd also works.
Inspiration
What inspired me to run is my experience in Katy ISD as I recently graduated from
Paetow High School, Class of 2025. During my time in the district, I had the opportunity
to experience a lot of positive things that shaped who I am today. I qualified for state in
cross country two years in a row, participated with the Paetow football team, and was
also a member of HOSA, where I helped with blood drives and attended medical-related
events.
Beyond my own experience, I also have younger brothers currently in Katy ISD, and I
see firsthand how much our community values and cares about our schools. That
motivated me to want to give back and continue serving the district that helped raise
me. I want to help strengthen our schools and be part of the next generation of
leadership in Katy ISD so students today and in the future have even more opportunities
than I did.
Background
I am currently a Houston Community College student studying Government/Public
Service. My long-term goal is to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin to study
Political Science, attend law school, and eventually work in the Texas Legislature.
Alongside my academic path, I work as a sales lead at a retail store where I help
manage budgets, oversee materials, and assist in supervising staff. I am also involved
in the Houston City College Student Government Association and am a member of the
Honors Society, both of which have strengthened my leadership and communication
skills.
If Elected
If I am elected trustee, I will focus on helping students receive the best possible
education and expanding access to programs that prepare them for future success.
Programs like Miller are highly competitive, and I want to work toward making
opportunities like that more accessible to a wider range of students.
Another key focus will be supporting teachers and paraprofessionals through increased
pay. We need to take steps to improve compensation in order to retain strong educators
within the district. At the same time, I believe it is important to manage the district
budget responsibly and ensure it remains balanced and sustainable.
Hidden Talent
A hidden talent of mine is long-distance running. I ran my first marathon at 16 years
old, and since then I’ve continued to push myself in endurance running and challenge
my limits. Running has taught me discipline, consistency, and mental toughness, which I
carry into other areas of my life
*Katy Magazine reached out to all the candidates and here are the replies. We are happy to update this story.
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