Who is seeking a seat on the Dallas College board of trustees?

Five candidates are vying for two seats on the Dallas College board as the state implements a new funding model for community colleges. The candidates will work closely with Chancellor Justin Lonon to manage one of the largest community college systems in Texas.

In District 1, Dr. Catalina Garcia, a retired physician, is facing off against Edwin Flores, a biotechnology patent attorney and former Dallas ISD trustee. Garcia, who took over the seat in 2022, is advocating for making Dallas College tuition-free to help students who dropped out due to financial constraints. Flores, on the other hand, wants to ensure a smooth transition for students from high school to college and beyond.

In District 7, three candidates are competing for the seat left vacant by longtime trustee Charletta Compton. Jasmond Anderson, Joey Rodriguez, and Kesha O’Reilly are all focused on improving opportunities for students in southern Dallas. Anderson aims to attract industries to the community, Rodriguez wants to close financial gaps for minority students, and O’Reilly is dedicated to removing obstacles like housing and food insecurity.

DeAndrea Fleming, an education consultant, was also in the running for the District 7 seat but has since suspended her campaign and endorsed O’Reilly.

Early voting begins on Monday, with Election Day set for May 4. Voters can find their polling locations on the Dallas County Elections Department’s website. The outcome of these elections will have a significant impact on the future of Dallas College and its ability to serve the community.