Nathan Cain hopes to increase family involvement in student education if he is elected to the Sherman Independent School District School Board this spring. Cain is one of three candidates running for the Place 1 seat.
The seat is currently held by Adam Cernero, who is not seeking reelection. Cain, Calvin Holland III and Evan Martin are also running to fill that vacant seat.
The Herald Democrat recently reached out to the candidates in this and other school board races for a series of question-and-answer interviews with the intent of informing voters on who is running for these elected positions.
The candidates were all asked the same series of questions and given 150 words to answer each. The responses are printed verbatim with edits only for formatting and if a candidates went significantly over the word limit.
Below are the questions and answers:
Q: For voters who may not be familiar, who are you and where may people know you from?
My name is Nathan Cain. I am the senior pastor at Harvest Time Assembly of God locate on Heritage Pkwy, here in Sherman, Tx. I along with my wife of 21 years, Kc, are proud parents of three Sherman Bearcats. My eldest, Jasey, graduated in 2023. My son, Ethan, is currently a junior at SHS and holds the position of Snare Captain for the Bearcat Band. My youngest, Kerrigan, is a 7th grader at Piner, and she’s highly involved in cheer, band, choir, and athletics. We have been living in Sherman for 12 years now and love the small-town feel, along with all the amenities of a larger city.
Q: What led you to seek election (or reelection) on the school board?
I am running for Sherman ISD School Board Place 1, because I believe in the future of Sherman ISD. As our school district grows, it should be the number one choice for student education. I want to help our School District be more active in involving parents from Pre-K through Graduation, and I want to see our community continue to invest in our schools by bridging the gap between our district and local businesses. I want to advocate for student and teacher success in and out of the classroom.
Q: What unique skill sets, traits or backgrounds do you feel you would bring to the table if elected to the school board?
My strengths are leadership, showing compassion, encouragement, and conflict resolution. As a pastor, I have served for over 24 years helping not only families in my church, but families in the community in times of great joy and great need. I have served on many boards helping to make financial and future development decisions. In Sherman I have served through Dads Of Great Students (D.O.G.S.), S.Y.S.A. baseball & softball coaching, Partners in Education, Sherman’s Comprehensive Planning & Development Committee, SISD School Health Advisory Council, and Lead Chaplain for Sherman Police Department. Each of these programs and committees have been an opportunity for me to develop leadership and conflict resolution, as well as, gain unique knowledge and wisdom to implement as a school board member.
Q: If elected, what areas would you like to focus on in your role as a school board member? What are your priorities?
I believe in the family unity, and believe that students need the involvement of their parent(s)/guardian(s) to help make their education a success. I want to support parent(s)/guardian(s) through effective communication and training.
I want to help support and resource teachers so they can achieve success in the classroom. I want to be an advocate to listen to their concerns and push for change when needed.
I also desire to help build more community involvement by helping bridge relationships between SISD and our local entrepreneurs, businesses, and community leaders.
Q: What role do you feel a school board member should fill in helping lead the school district?
Outside of financial accountability, setting school policies, and oversight of the Superintendent, I believe a school board member should be a listening ear to teacher and parent concerns. They should advocate to hear from individuals directly impacted by the actions that board members take. Board members should be a sound voice of reason when conflicts arise and be willing to hear those with opposing views before making a decision for the district. They should lead by example with integrity and respect. I believe a school board member should be morally driven to see the best outcome for all students, teachers, and staff.
Q: What challenges do you see facing Sherman ISD in 2024, and how do you plan to address them if elected?
The ongoing challenge facing the district in 2024 is the overwhelming growth of Sherman. This challenge will continue to put a demand for more campuses to be built, more teachers and staff to be hired, and greater financial responsibility to steward bond money. Another problem facing Sherman ISD is the rapid cultural changes that ultimately impact our students educational environment. I pledge to be financially responsible, conservative, and use wisdom with every decision. I’m asking for your support, vote Nathan Cain for Sherman ISD School Board Place 1.
