College Station, TX, October 17, 2025
News Summary
A recent candidate forum for the College Station ISD board highlighted critical challenges, including funding, teacher retention, and enrollment issues. Five candidates participated in discussions that emphasized the importance of supporting teachers and securing additional revenue. Community members expressed concerns about teacher treatment and the need for transparent communication with district leadership. As the election approaches, early voting will start soon, giving residents the opportunity to influence the future of education in their area.
College Station ISD Candidate Forum Highlights Funding and Teacher Retention Challenges Ahead of November 2025 Election
College Station, TX – A candidate forum held on Wednesday evening brought together five of the six candidates running for positions on the College Station Independent School District (ISD) board to discuss pressing issues affecting local education. The primary focus of the forum was on challenges related to funding, enrollment numbers, and the needs of teachers within the district.
Residents attending the forum expressed a strong desire to understand how the candidates plan to address the educational needs of the community. One recurring theme was the need for candidates to demonstrate their support for teachers and the necessity for additional revenue to bolster the district’s financial standing. Concerns surrounding teacher retention and overall support within the education system were also prominently highlighted throughout the discussions.
Former educator Judy LeUnes shared her frustrations regarding the treatment of teachers, pointing out that many in the profession feel unable to communicate their challenges and needs openly with district leadership. This sentiment resonated with others in attendance, as maintaining a supportive environment for educators emerged as a top priority for many community members.
The forum was made accessible to a wider audience, with a livestream available on a local media website. This approach allowed more residents to engage with the issues discussed and evaluate the candidates’ positions.
As the election date approaches, early voting for the College Station ISD board election will begin on October 20 and continue through October 31. Election Day is set for November 4. The candidate race for the Place 4 seat is particularly noteworthy, as current board president Jeff Horak faces a challenge from former superintendent Mike Martindale. Martindale brings over 16 years of experience with College Station ISD before retiring, adding substantial educational leadership to the contest.
Horak, who has served on the board since 2019, is advocating for the continuation of progress made during his tenure, which includes salary increases for teachers and the advancement of ongoing bond projects. Both candidates acknowledge the ongoing challenges posed by inadequate funding and the implications of voucher programs on public education in Texas. While Martindale emphasizes a selfless desire to serve the district, Horak believes the transformation efforts underway are on the right track.
The upcoming College Station ISD election presents a crucial opportunity for residents to voice their preferences regarding the future of education in their community, particularly concerning how to best support teachers and secure the necessary funding for schools.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the College Station ISD candidate forum?
The candidate forum serves to educate residents about the candidates’ positions on issues affecting the College Station ISD, focusing on funding, enrollment, and teacher needs.
When is early voting for the College Station ISD election?
Early voting will take place from October 20 to October 31, with Election Day scheduled for November 4.
Who are the candidates for the Place 4 seat on the College Station ISD board?
The candidates for the Place 4 seat are current board president Jeff Horak and former superintendent Mike Martindale.
Key Features of the College Station ISD Election
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Candidate Forum |
| Key Issues Discussed | Funding, Teacher Retention, Enrollment |
| Early Voting Dates | October 20 – October 31 |
| Election Date | November 4 |
| Candidates for Place 4 | Jeff Horak, Mike Martindale |
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Additional Resources
- KBTX
- Wikipedia: School Board Election
- WTAW
- Google Search: College Station ISD Elections
- The Eagle
- Google Scholar: Education Funding in Texas
- KBTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Policy
- The Eagle
- Google News: Texas Education News
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
