Northwest ISD voter guide for May 3 election: Place 3 school board candidates
Who are you casting your vote for on May 3?
If you registered to vote by April 3, you can go to one of these locations for early voting from April 22-April 29. For Election Day voting on May 3, head to one of these polling places.
Voters in Rhome, Roanoke, Justin, Newark and Haslet will decide who fills Place 3 on the Northwest ISD School Board. Neither of the candidates has served on the board before. Anne Simpson, who has filled the seat since 2012, is not running for reelection.
Place 4 will be filled by Judy Copp, who has served on the board since 2012. Next year, Places 5, 6 and 7 will be up for election with Places 1 and 2 voted on in 2027.
The seven trustees oversee the superintendent and manage the district with a $524 million budget.
Northwest spokesperson Anthony Tosie said there are three main challenges the board will have to face: a lack of state public education funding and corresponding budgeting; the ongoing rapid enrollment growth in the school district; ensuring teachers and students are supported by board decisions that promote academic growth for all students.
Jeff Dearing
Age: 54
Campaign website: www.donorbox.org/jeffdearing
Best way for voters to reach you: 817-713-7466
Occupation: Financial Advisor
Education: Owned my own Business for 17 years
Have you run for elected office before? no
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the community.
Northwest Education Foundation- Vice President of Finance, 7 years. Metroport Chamber Board Member - 2 years
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain. No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain. No
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self, Derek Kloer
Why are you seeking this office?
I’m running for school board because I deeply care about our students, teachers and the community. With my wife and daughter teaching in NISD and my children enrolled or graduated from the district, I’m fully invested in ensuring every child receives a high-quality education and that our district thrives.
If elected, what would your top three policy priorities be?
Meeting with principals and district leadership in order to gain a better understanding of the challenges and barriers they face. Working cohesively with the board on removing barriers and addressing challenges learned by leadership discussions, and focusing on making fiscally sound decisions surrounding budget and funding issues.
How will you measure your success as a Northwest ISD trustee?
Below is a picture of what my success as a School Board Trustee will look like: 1. Resources are effectively allocated to meet student needs, including curriculum, technology, and support programs. 2. The budget is managed responsibly, ensuring financial stability while prioritizing student success.Taxpayer dollars are allocated efficiently, with transparency and accountability. 3. I am actively engaging with parents, teachers, and stakeholders in order to gather input. 4. I am working collaboratively with my colleagues on the Board of Trustees in order to make informed, data-driven decisions. This will ensure that the board is functioning cohesively, making informed, student-centered decisions. 5. I am doing my part to foster a positive work environment and am advocating for fair compensation for teachers and staff. 6. I am ensuring that long-term planning aligns with community needs and financial sustainability. 7. I am upholding ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
The ability to make informed decisions is paramount, and I possess the necessary knowledge and experience to excel as a School Board Trustee. Through my experience, I have gained a nuanced understanding of what it takes to collaborate effectively with my team to achieve outstanding results. While being an advocate and volunteer are valuable ways to contribute, one cannot truly claim preparedness for the Trustee role without having a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the position. I can confidently assure voters that I am well-prepared for this role and possess the experience required to lead effectively. Through my service on the NEF and Metroport Chamber Boards and through owning my own business , I have consistently demonstrated my ability to lead and deliver results. I go beyond mere discussion of the issues, having successfully addressed them through my work.
What have your involvements been in the school district?
Parent of two NISD graduates and two current students. My wife is a first grade teacher and my daughter teaches Kindergarten in NISD Northwest Education Foundation - Vice President of Finance, 7 years. Byron Nelson Softball Booster Club- Financial and Fundraising chair
How would you navigate the lack of increased state funding?
Sadly, state funding is one of the biggest challenges in education. Schools are expected to do more with less; impacting students, teachers, and programs. We must invest in our schools, not just maintain them, to ensure every student receives the best possible education. I am committed to being a good steward of our budget. I also believe in full transparency with our parents. I will work to ensure resources go directly to students and teachers, push for cost-effective solutions and engage the community in funding decisions.
How do you plan on making room for the new enrollments in the district?
In Northwest ISD, planning for student growth is overseen by our top-notch facilities department. Together with the Board of Trustees, I would support the facilities team in their work with bond measures, restructuring, and creative ways to support students with space to learn. I would work closely with district leaders and the Board of Trustees to ensure Northwest ISD’s schools provide unique and strong learning experiences for students and teachers, especially in times of rapid growth.
Joe Washam
Age: 44
Campaign Website: www.joewasham.com
Best way for voters to reach you: jwasham@joewasham.com
Occupation: Retired Military & Dallas Mavericks Advisory Council Member
Education: Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of North Texas, with a minor in Political Science
Have you run for elected office before? I have never run before.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the community.
I served in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman until I was honorably discharged in 2002, but in 2003, I re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. I volunteered for Active Duty and deployed to Iraq in early 2004. On April 26th, 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq, I was severely injured in an explosion. The next twenty months were spent recovering from 3rd-degree burns over 40 percent of my body and enduring countless surgeries, along with physical and occupational therapy, until my medical retirement in 2006.
I am a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart - Chapter 1513, Disabled American Veterans - Decatur Chapter 70, and Veterans of Foreign Wars - Roanoke Post 5074.
I currently serve on the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Council. Since 2022, I have assisted the Dallas Mavericks with military and veteran-related initiatives, bringing Purple Heart recipients to their Seats for Soldiers Night and identifying military nonprofits for the Mavs Play It Forward Campaign.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: Yes. As a young man, I made poor choices while struggling with substance abuse, stress, and anxiety tied to my high-tempo service as a U.S. Army Infantryman. I was arrested several times between 2000 and 2011, mostly involving alcohol-related offenses. My lowest point came in 2011, arrested for DWI on my wedding anniversary, with a toddler at home. It was a wake-up call. Since then, I’ve sought treatment, found healthy coping mechanisms, and dedicated myself to service. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. While I didn’t have access to Veterans Courts back then, I’m grateful they exist today to offer support and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: None
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
I asked my top three campaign contributors if they were comfortable having their names published in the Star-Telegram, and all three declined. Out of respect for their privacy, I won’t publish their names here. However, all contributions are publicly reported and can be viewed in my Campaign Finance Reports at www.nisdtx.org/about-nisd/school-board/election-information.
Why are you seeking this office?
I’m running for the Northwest ISD Board of Trustees to empower students, support teachers, and build strong communities. As a combat-wounded Army veteran and parent, I’ve dedicated my life to serving others, and I want to bring that same commitment to Northwest ISD.
Empowering students means providing the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in school, career, and life. Supporting teachers means investing in educators with the resources, pay, and respect they deserve. Building community means strengthening partnerships between schools, families, and local businesses to support student success.
After my combat injury, former coaches visited me in the hospital. Their support gave me hope and reminded me of the power of a caring community. I want to help create environments that celebrate students when they succeed and lift them up when they struggle.
I’m stepping up to be a voice for families, educators, businesses, and the communities that make up Northwest ISD.
What are your top three policy priorities?
1. Expand Opportunities for All Students
I will work to increase Career & Technical Education (CTE) access across the district, with a focus on economically disadvantaged students and students in special education programs. I’ll also advocate for launching a JROTC program to offer leadership, structure, and career pathways for interested students.
2. Support and Retain Outstanding Educators
Teachers and staff are essential to student success. I’ll prioritize competitive compensation, manageable workloads, and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive in the classroom.
3. Build Trust Through Transparency and Community Engagement
I will push for greater transparency in district decisions and finances, and work to better inform residents about the needs and value of public education in NISD. Increasing voter understanding and support for school funding is critical to our continued success as a growing district.
How will you measure your success as a Keller ISD trustee?
I will measure success by how well we serve our students, support our educators, and engage our community.
Student Outcomes: Improve literacy and academic performance across all grade levels. Increase participation in Career & Technical Education (CTE), especially among underserved students. Support students with behavioral and emotional needs through targeted interventions. Increase the number of industry-based certifications earned by students, preparing them for career and life success.
Teacher Satisfaction and Retention: Improved teacher retention rates, positive staff feedback, and ensuring educators feel supported and respected in their work.
Community Trust and Engagement: Greater transparency, clearer communication, and increased voter turnout and support for public education initiatives. If more families feel informed, involved, and confident in our district, we’re doing it right.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
Voters should choose me because I bring a proven record of advocacy, a deep understanding of school finance, and a servant leadership mindset shaped by years of service and community involvement. I’ve spent years working alongside parents, educators, and community members to support our schools through PTA leadership, committee service, and advocacy. I understand the complexities of funding public education and have actively worked to ensure resources go to students and teachers.
I also bring a unique strength in navigating school finance issues. With rising property values and the Texas Legislature’s failure to increase the basic allotment, local taxpayers are carrying more of the burden. Recent decisions by the Tarrant Appraisal District could have ripple effects in Wise and Denton Counties within NISD’s boundaries. I will work to ensure transparency, advocate for fair funding, and clearly communicate how state policy and local property taxes impact our schools and taxpayers.
What have your involvements been in the school district?
I’m a proud member of every PTA in Northwest ISD and previously served as the Advocacy Chair for the Northwest ISD Council of PTAs. During my time in that role, our council was honored with Texas PTA’s 2021 Outstanding Advocate for Children of the Year award.
I currently serve on several NISD committees, including the Long Range Planning Committee, Board Policy Committee, Advocacy Committee, and the Special Education Parent Advisory Council. I am also a Northwest ISD Community Ambassador.
Beyond committees, I volunteer with the NISD Angel Tree, the Back-to-School Fair, and the Northwest ISD Education Foundation. I also serve as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters on a Title I campus.
I’ve actively supported public school funding efforts, volunteering with political action committees that helped secure voter approval of school bond propositions in May 2021 and May 2023—totaling more than $2.7 billion to build schools and athletic facilities across the district.
How would you navigate the lack of increased state funding?
Navigating the lack of increased state funding starts with what I’ve already been doing: advocating. I’ve spent years educating our community and raising awareness about the challenges schools face due to outdated funding formulas and legislative inaction. If elected, I will continue that work and focus on building strong relationships with all nine state legislators who represent parts of NISD. They need to hear from leaders who understand how their decisions affect students, teachers, and taxpayers.
We must also be transparent and proactive with our community. As the state continues to shift more of the funding burden to local taxpayers, it is critical to educate residents on how school finance works and why voter support is essential. Without an increase to the basic allotment to at least $7,500, a future Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election is likely. Without that support, NISD may face the loss of teachers and difficult cuts to classrooms, fine arts, and athletics.
How do you plan on making room for the new enrollments in the district?
Northwest ISD is one of the fastest-growing districts in the state, and we must be proactive in planning for continued enrollment growth. That starts with long-range facility planning and responsible use of voter-approved bond funds to build new schools where they’re needed most. I’ve served on the Long Range Planning Committee and understand how data, growth projections, and community input guide those decisions.
We also need to maximize the use of efficient campus design, and evaluating where additions or renovations make sense. Partnering with city and county officials is key to ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development.
We must keep our community informed and engaged. Growth is a shared challenge, and it requires transparent communication, strong fiscal stewardship, and support at the ballot box. I will work to ensure that every new student has access to safe, modern learning environments without compromising the quality of education across the district.