Mansfield Today Spring 2024 | Page 29

PARENT CHOOSES MISD , TWICE

Not only has Deon Martinez chosen Mansfield ISD once , but he chose it twice . Initially , Martinez chose Mansfield when he was looking for a place to call home for his family .

“ I chose Mansfield back in the late 1990s because of the highly rated school district as well as the small hometown feeling that the Mansfield community offered ,” he said . Martinez has lived in Mansfield ever since .
In 2019 , Martinez chose Mansfield ISD for the second time due to a career shift into education , joining Mansfield ISD as an IT teacher at Ben Barber Innovation Academy . “ I believe in MISD ’ s goals and values . Here we work as a team to achieve student success .”
Martinez ’ s two kids grew up in the school district , both graduating from Mansfield High School . Fond memories as a parent led him to embrace his new role within Mansfield ISD .
His most cherished memory as a parent was when his son was awarded the principal ’ s award at Mary Orr Intermediate . As a teacher , he recently took a couple of students to a nationwide competition in Anaheim , California . His students were victorious in different tech events .
“ It was just an incredible feeling of excitement and an experience that we will never forget , and it ’ ll last a lifetime ,” he said .
He wanted to make an impact on the world by helping the next generation of IT professionals grow personally and professionally . “ The main reason I chose education was to make a positive impact on students .”
Martinez , a devoted MISD parent for many years and now in his fifth year as a teacher , wants everyone to choose Mansfield ISD like he did .
“ We ’ re committed to excellence here , we put the students first , and it ’ s just a great place to be ,” he said . “ The people you encounter here are the most genuine individuals that you will ever meet .”
From treasured memories as a parent to newfound triumphs as an educator , Martinez embodies the commitment to excellence that defines Mansfield ISD . As he continues to inspire and shape Mansfield ’ s students , he extends an open invitation for all to join him . For Martinez , Mansfield ISD truly has been a great place to live , learn , and teach .

BOARD ELECTION DAY SET FOR MAY 4

Two seats on the Mansfield ISD Board of Trustees are on the ballot for the May 4 election . A general election with the two seats ( Place 1 and Place 2 ) will be held .
The candidates for Place 1 include incumbent Michelle Newsom and Matthew Herzberg .
The candidates for Place 2 include Jandel Crutchfield and Angel Hidalgo .
Early voting begins April 22 and ends April 30 . Election Day is May 4 . For more information , including polling locations , visit mansfieldisd . org and search board elections .
Michelle Newsom Place 1 Candidate
Matthew Herzberg Place 1 Candidate
Jandel Crutchfield Place 2 Candidate
Angel Hidalgo Place 2 Candidate
29 MANSFIELDTODAY