Debra Ambroise

Debra Ambroise earned a high school diploma from Abraham Lincoln High School and an associate degree in management from Lamar University in 1981. Her career experience includes working as a customer service manager. Ambroise is retired.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Debra Drake Ambroise, and I am a Runoff Candidate for the SBOE District #7. I served three elected terms as a Port Arthur ISD Board Trustee; I served as President, Vice President, and Secretary. I am a graduate of Leadership Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) class of 2019, and I graduated with the Distinction of Master Trustee. I am a member of the Council of Urban Board of Education (CUBE). I hold an Associates degree in Mid Management from Lamar University. I am a retired Transit Planner for the City of Port Arthur and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). I am the former Vice Chair Commissioner for the Port Arthur Housing Authority. I understand Texas public education from the classroom level to system-wide policy. I am committed to student learning and fostering a system that values diversity, one that promotes critical thinking and learning, and a system that prepares ALL students for success in our diverse society.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Ensure public education funds remain within the public education system.Increasing Teachers pay and support. In order to attract and retain teachers it is imperative that pay is competitive with the current market demand. Emphasis on hard to staff subjects can be made by offering added bonuses and stipends. Support for teachers can be made by ensuring certification standards are rigorous, relevant, and aligned with classroom realities. Preparation programs should emphasize content knowledge, effective pedagogy, classroom management, and culturally responsive instruction. Ongoing professional development should be teacher-informed, research-based, and job embedded to meet the current demand of the students.Expanding Community-Centered school.

By ensuring the stakeholders of the community, which includes parents, grandparents and anyone who share the common goal of educating our future generation actively participate in the educational process.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about addressing the learning gaps and student achievement, teacher recruitment and retention, and maintaining transparency and public trust.