MFISD election: Place 1 seat

The race for the Place 1 seat on the Marble Falls Independent School District Board of Trustees features incumbent Gary Boshears against challenger Tucker Edwards. The winner will serve a three-year term.

Early voting is now through April 29, and Election Day is May 3. Learn more about all of the school and city elections on the DailyTrib.com elections page.

DailyTrib.com asked both Boshears and Edwards for brief biographies as well as the same three core questions, to which they provided written responses via email. 

Bios have been edited for space. Question responses were left unedited.

GARY BOSHEARS

Gary Boshears is the incumbent Place 1 trustee, having held the position for three consecutive terms since his first election in 2016. He has 25 years of experience in law enforcement and is currently the Lago Vista chief of police. He previously served as the Granite Shoals police chief and worked for the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office.

Boshears has lived in the Marble Falls area for 30 years and has two children, one who graduated from MFISD, another who is a freshman at Marble Falls High School, and the third who attends Marble Falls Middle School. The candidate is a 2000 MFHS graduate and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration, a master’s in public administration, and is in the process of attaining his doctorate in strategic leadership.

Boshears is also on the Marble Falls Education Foundation Board of Directors, the MFISD Safety and Security Committee, and a special health and wellness committee to counter vaping in schools. He served the Marble Falls Youth Football and Cheer Association as a board member and volunteer coach and was also on the Hill Country Humane Society board. He and wife Michele own and operate a functional fitness center that offers scholarships to MFHS seniors pursuing studies in kinesiology, sports medicine, and coaching.

“My goal has always been to be a strong advocate for our entire community: students, teachers, parents, and taxpayers alike,” Boshears said. “Whether it’s through phone calls, emails, or chats in the H-E-B aisle, I make it a priority to listen to our community’s concerns and ideas. I further believe it is important to have someone on the board who is a fiscal conservative, a social conservative, and an advocate for the rights of parents.”

QUESTION 1: What do you see as the top three primary issues facing MFISD?

BOSHEARS: Marble Falls ISD faces several critical challenges that require thoughtful solutions. 

First, funding remains a significant hurdle. Despite rising inflation, the state hasn’t increased the basic allotment—the formula determining our state funding—since 2019. 

Additionally, our district is impacted by recapture, often called “Robin Hood,” which means we’ll send over $14 million in your local property tax dollars back to the state this year for redistribution to other districts, significant funding that will never be used for the benefit of our community’s students. 

These financial constraints have forced tough budget decisions. We’ve learned we can’t count on regular state funding increases, so we must explore difficult ways to maintain a balanced budget. Even with potential new funding from the current legislative session, financial stability will continue to be a challenge.

Second, safety and security are paramount. It’s heartbreaking that this is a concern, but it’s the reality of today’s world. Drawing from my law enforcement experience, including handling a critical incident at a school campus, I know we can never assume “it won’t happen here.” 

Over the past nine years, our district has made significant strides in enhancing school safety, positioning us as a model for others. However, we must stay proactive, adopting new trends, best practices, and innovative approaches to keep our students safe.

Finally, we must remain competitive with other districts to attract and retain top-tier educators and keep families in our schools. This means offering competitive salaries and benefits, modern facilities, strong academic and athletic programs, diverse career and technical education options, world-class fine arts opportunities, and more. Competition in education is real, and we need to ensure Marble Falls ISD stands out as a district of destination for both staff and families.

QUESTION 2: Do you believe that MFISD is appropriately funded? Why or why not?

BOSHEARS: I don’t believe Marble Falls ISD is adequately funded. The reality is the school board has limited control over our funding, as it’s largely dictated by the state. The state even mandates the tax rate we must set each year through a specific formula. As I’ve noted, public school funding hasn’t increased since 2019, and this year, our district will send over $14 million in local property taxes back to the state through recapture. 

These factors have created significant budget challenges, especially in recent years. While we anticipate some additional state funding this year, we must remain fiscally conservative to avoid depending on future increases or facing potential budget shortfalls down the road.

QUESTION 3: What is your vision for MFISD in 2030?

BOSHEARS: With my son set to graduate from Marble Falls High School in 2028 and my daughter in 2029, I’m deeply invested in the future of our district as we look toward 2030. 

Our superintendent’s vision of Marble Falls ISD as a “district of destination” resonates strongly with my own hopes for our schools. By 2030, I envision Marble Falls ISD as the top choice for families seeking the best education for their children, the preferred workplace for talented educators, and a model for other districts across Texas. 

We’re already making great progress, thanks to strong leadership, our achievements in (University Interscholastic League) activities, and the support of our amazing community. While challenges lie ahead, I’m confident that with hard work and dedication, Marble Falls ISD can become the premier school district in the state, truly earning the title of a district of destination.

TUCKER EDWARDS

Tucker Edwards is challenging Boshears for the Place 1 seat. He is the family discipleship pastor at First Baptist Church in Marble Falls, owns and operates Summit Performance Training and Summit Trail Racing, and previously franchised Which Wich sandwich shops in Marble Falls, Georgetown, and Harker Heights. 

He also taught business and entrepreneurship at Marble Falls High School and coached basketball and softball from 2018-23.

He graduated from MFHS in 2003, has a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and Christian Leadership, and is in the process of attaining his master’s in theology.

Edwards has lived in Marble Falls for 35 years, and his family has strong ties to MFISD. His uncle Rick Edwards served as MFISD school board president, his grandfather Jerry Edwards was also president, and his grandmother taught elementary school in the district for 35 years.

Edwards and wife Jenn have four children in MFISD, spread across elementary, middle, and high school levels. 

Aside from his professions as a pastor and teacher, he also serves the community through coaching Hill Country Elite Basketball, Summit Hoops, Level Up Athletic, and city of Marble Falls youth sports, and he is on the Ark of Highland Lakes discipleship team.

“I feel I can bring a unique perspective to the board,” Edwards said. “As a former teacher and coach in the district, I know firsthand the challenges teachers face. I also know the rewards that come with overcoming those challenges and seeing students succeed. Serving on the board would allow me to be part of their support system, which, in turn, would help pave the way for students to thrive.”

QUESTION 1: What do you see as the top three primary issues facing MFISD?

EDWARDS: Overall district issues: The primary issues facing our district are budget and teacher pay due to lack of state funding. The trickle-down effect of this impacts many aspects of the district. I also believe there is a need for improved school culture and parent/community support and involvement.  

Teaching and learning: With the emergence of A.I. (artificial intelligence), teaching and learning will need to quickly adapt to the lightning pace that A.I. is changing our society. Educational models need to be forward thinking and innovative to give students the highest and most relational education possible, while also putting them in the best position to be successful in all their endeavors beyond their time in public education.  

QUESTION 2: Do you believe that MFISD is appropriately funded? Why or why not?

EDWARDS: The short answer is no, for several reasons.

Marble Falls ISD is considered “property wealthy” by the state of Texas because of growth, tourism, and property values. Therefore, millions of tax dollars are recaptured by the state of Texas every year to be redistributed to other districts. Those taxes don’t reflect the actual wealth or income levels of the families that attend our schools.

A significant percentage of our student population is considered economically disadvantaged. This growing demographic majority needs greater support and funding in many ways, but the allotment per student hasn’t changed since 2019. This creates a cascade of funding difficulties for our school district because it inhibits greater teacher pay, programs, support staff and infrastructure needs.

QUESTION 3: What is your vision for MFISD in 2030?

EDWARDS: My vision for Marble Falls ISD five years from now is that we will be a district and community that is deeply and boldly committed to the compassionate vision of loving every child and inspiring them to achieve their fullest potential.  

As a district of innovation and destination, we will strive to meet the evolving needs of our students and community, as traditional values guide our way. We will be a place where positive school culture thrives, families feel connected, and every student feels seen and heard.

dakota@thepicayune.com