Current School Board Member Amber Pilcher is seeking reelection to her seat on the Denison Independent School District Board of Trustees. Pilcher is being challenged for her Ward 7, Place 6 seat by J.C. Doty and voters will decide which candidate should hold the seat when they go to the polls next month.
The Herald Democrat recently reached out to all candidates in Denison ISD’s spring elections and asked them a series of questions about their priorities, qualifications and issues facing the district in 2025.
Early voting will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22-25 and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 28-29.
The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day on May 3
It is our hope that these articles will help voters make an educated decision when they go to the polls and decide who should hold these elected positions.
Q: For anyone who may not know you in the community, who are you, and what motivated you to run for a place on the Denison ISD school board?
A: My name is Amber Pilcher, and I am a proud parent of two (soon to be three) Denison ISD students. Both my husband and I are alumni of the Denison public school system, and we are fully invested in this amazing community. I am passionate about ensuring every student in our district receives a high-quality education, as well as making Denison ISD the school of choice for retaining outstanding staff. Serving on the school board since July 2024 has provided me with a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a successful district. I have gained significant momentum during this time and would be honored to continue supporting our students and staff as they strive for the educational success they truly deserve.
Q: What unique skill sets or traits do you feel you would bring as a member of the school board?
A: As a parent of current Denison ISD students, that has allowed me the opportunity to be actively involved in our schools for several years. Through this involvement, I have cultivated relationships with staff across various campuses and established myself as someone approachable for honest feedback from parents and staff. I currently serve as the president of Hyde Park PTO, a member of B. McDaniel PTO, and as the treasurer for the Denison Education Foundation. These volunteer roles allow me to gain a deeper understanding of the school system and contribute in meaningful ways. I am fortunate to get to celebrate many successes and witness the incredible effort our staff makes to cultivate exciting and unique educational experiences.
Q: As a member of the school board, what priorities do you wish to pursue?
A: My top priorities are school safety and addressing the ongoing public school funding crisis while also managing the exceptional growth our community is currently experiencing. In many ways, we are being asked to do more with fewer resources, which presents a significant challenge. While growth brings exciting opportunities, such as campus expansions and new facilities to support student learning, it also brings the challenges of enhanced campus security and capturing the necessary financial resources to meet these demands. As a trustee, it is my responsibility to advocate for our community with legislators who make critical decisions that impact our district. If reelected, I will continue to push for solutions. Balancing funding with growth requires innovative thinking, which is why I value working with a board that brings a diverse range of knowledge and expertise to collaborate and find the best solutions for our district.
Q: The topic of state funding has been a recurring one for many districts in recent years. The state funding allocation has not been updated since 2019 and many districts have turned to deficit budgets as a way to make ends meet during the interim. How would you go about balancing DISD’s budget during the current funding uncertainty?
A: Managing the budget is a team effort that involves both trustees and administrative staff. It requires continuous planning, regular reporting, and careful consideration of financial trends. In my current profession, I have experience in governmental budget planning. I understand that legislation often dictates how and where funds must be allocated, and that creativity is needed when legal requirements result in resource shortages. Operating with a deficit budget is common for public schools. However, Denison ISD has been fortunate to navigate these challenges for several years without relying on bond debt for routine expenses like bus purchases and technology upgrades, which other districts often do. My approach to budgeting combines my governmental budgeting experience with the collective insights and expertise of those who understand the financial constraints and parameters faced by the school system.
Q: Following up on the topic of school budgets, one topic that has been discussed by many districts is increasing teacher compensation. Is this something that should remain a priority while the topic of state funding remains in question? How would you go about funding increases during the current economic climate for the district?
A: This topic was addressed during the budget workshop at the school board trustees’ special meeting on March 25th. During the session, trustees explored various pay raise options and examined their impact on the proposed budget for the 2025-26 academic year. Personally, I fully support continued increases in teacher compensation. Teachers are the foundation of our districts, playing a vital role in fostering student engagement and growth. Securing the funding necessary for these raises requires creative solutions. The district is currently considering a bond election, which would shift funds from the general budget to cover large capital expenses, such as purchasing new buses and replacing turf on aging athletic fields. By addressing the maintenance of these deteriorating assets, we can anticipate a reduction in ongoing costs, freeing up resources that can be redirected to ensure teachers receive fair compensation.
Q: What issues do you see facing Denison ISD in 2025 and how do you plan to address them?
A: Funding remains a central issue for many school districts across the state, and unfortunately, a portion of that funding is tied to state-mandated testing scores. If re-elected to the board, I am committed to consistently monitoring, assessing, and holding each campus accountable for meeting the goals outlined in their House Bill 3 Plans. Another funding-related challenge is Denison’s unique position of growth, which impacts not only the school district but the entire community. Denison is fortunate to have a dedicated Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee, consisting of volunteers from all walks of life in our community. Teacher retention and job satisfaction are also key priorities, and these should be closely monitored to identify any areas that may need attention.
