East Austin Voters Face Thrilling Choice: Two Women Who Actually Care About Education

Oh joy, East Austin voters get to choose between not one, but two eager beavers to replace Ofelia Zapata on the Austin school board. Because who doesn't love decisions? The lucky winner will get to deal with a measly $119 million budget shortfall and those pesky special education failings the state just won't let go of.

The Candidates

Sarah Ivory, a 37-year-old former teacher and current spawn-wrangler of three, wants to make District 2 schools "premier." Because we all know that's going to happen. She's got some laughable ideas about restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and literacy resources. Oh, and she wants to turn Mendez Middle School into an art academy with some local nonprofit. Cue eyeroll.

“I wanted to be part of a change to make District 2 schools the premier schools, to make Austin ISD the premier district in Texas,” Ivory said.

LaRessa Quintana, a 29-year-old Ann Richards School grad and former foster kid, thinks the board can do more. Shocking. She's worked at the Capitol and on a city council campaign, so clearly, she knows everything. Quintana also wants to snatch Mendez Middle School back from those Third Future charter people.

“Our board and our system is capable of doing more,” Quintana said.

AISD School Board Races

Don't worry, there are more chances to not make a difference! Districts 3 and 5 have incumbents running unopposed, because who needs choice? And six brave souls are fighting for the District 8 at-large seat.

Early voting starts Oct. 21, and Election Day is Nov. 5. Here's a map of District 2, if you care.

Get out and vote, people. It's not like your voice doesn't matter.