Ballotpedia, Marisa Perez-Diaz

SBOE Texas Gov, SBOE Member District 3

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Marisa is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She previously earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).  Marisa and her husband, Rafael, have 3 children. 

Marisa currently works as the executive director of Firstmark Credit Union. She previously served as director of external affairs for IDEA Public Schools. and as the government and community relations specialist at the San Antonio Independent School District.

Marisa Perez-Diaz is a member on the Texas State Board of Education District 3. She was first elected in 2012 and is serving her 4th term. She is the vice chair on the Committee on School Finance/Permanent School Fund and former vice chair of the Committee on School Initiatives.

Candidate website

Supports the implementation of Mexican American Studies and African American Studies courses for high school credit in Texas.

Supports the implementation of Mexican American studies and African American studies in schools.

Believes the curriculum standards and instructional materials approved by the SBOE must be "factually accurate but reflective of the culturally and experientially diverse student population in Texas."

Believes the curriculum standards and instructional materials approved by the SBOE must be "factually accurate but reflective of the culturally and...diverse student population in Texas."

- Supports the implementation of Mexican American studies and African American studies in schools.
- Believes the curriculum standards and instructional materials approved by the SBOE must be "factually accurate but reflective of the culturally and...diverse student population in Texas."

School Curriculum

Promises to consider the opinions and recommendations of field practitioners when making policy decisions.

- Promises to consider the opinions and recommendations of field practitioners when making policy decisions.

School Facilities & Resources

Believes understanding and appreciating students' backgrounds is essential for effective education.

- Believes understanding and appreciating students' backgrounds is essential for effective education.

Student Wellbeing

Supports teachers and wants to include them in discussions about education policy.

- Supports teachers and wants to include them in discussions about education policy.

Teachers

As a board member, helped redevelop high school graduation requirements and update the Long-Range Plan for Texas Public Education.

As a board member, helped redevelop high school graduation requirements and update the Long-Range Plan for Texas Public Education, which created educational goals through 2030 on a statewide level. 

- As a board member, helped redevelop high school graduation requirements and update the Long-Range Plan for Texas Public Education, which created educational goals through 2030 on a statewide level. 

Access to Education

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Marisa Perez-Diaz

Marisa Perez-Diaz currently serves as a member on the Texas State Board of Education District 3. She was first elected in 2012 and is serving her 4th term. Marisa is the vice chair on the Committee on School Finance/Permanent School Fund and former vice chair of the Committee on School Initiatives.

Marisa Perez-Diaz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). She is married to Rafael Diaz, Jr., and they have three children, Catalina Yaretzi, Rafael, and Santiago Jadiel.

Marisa Perez-Diaz is currently an executive in a mission-based financial institution. She has served as a district-level administrator in several Texas school districts for over ten years and has experience with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Marisa Perez-Diaz was elected to the Texas State Board of Education in November 2012 and took office on January 1, 2013. She is now serving her third term on the board, having been re-elected in 2014 and 2018.

Believes the delay in approving social studies standards is unacceptable.

Believes policymakers should seek guidance through "diversity of thought" to share best practices and make responsible decisions.

Believes overturning Roe v. Wade shows "little concern for mothers."

Believes in making decisions that prioritize the needs of the whole child.

Believes in advocating for child wellbeing.

Has training and certification in child welfare, including child development, risk assessment, diversity initiatives, and community engagement.

Believes understanding and appreciating children is essential for their success.

Serves on several non-profit boards and is an active member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

Believes educators should not be an "afterthought."

Believes neglecting students' needs and voices will have negative consequences later in their education and post-K-12 experiences.

Believes policymakers should collaborate with educators and listen to students to create effective education policies.

Believes in enhancing access to education through social justice-oriented principal training programs.

Believes in leveraging expertise and skills to improve local education.

Believes policymakers should seek diverse opinions to share best practices and achieve "thoughtful outcomes for all students."

Believes policy often "HAPPENS TO young people, as opposed to FOR or WITH them."

Believes children are counting on us and our education community is watching.

Believes more politically engaged educators would transform public education.

- Members of the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) set statewide education policy, including approving graduation requirements, selecting textbooks and instructional materials, overseeing the state’s Permanent School Fund, and approving or vetoing charter school applications. 
- Board members participate in rule-making, review and adopt academic standards, and offer final approval on educator certification and other statewide education regulations. 
- SBOE members are elected from geographically defined “education districts.” Under normal circumstances, they serve staggered four-year terms.
- Serving on the board does not pay a salary, but members may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while doing board business.

Member of the board that governs the state's education system. 

Texas State Board of Education Member, District 3

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