Shelley Tatum

Shelley Tatum earned a high school diploma from Lufkin High School and a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1987. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a retired public school teacher with 35 years of classroom experience. I graduated from Lufkin High School and earned a degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. I married my high school sweetheart 39 years ago, and we have two daughters who are both grown and flown. I come from a long line of teachers, and public servants. Both my mother and grandmother were teachers as are my brother, sister-in-law, one daughter and my niece. My East Texas roots run deep, and I want to do my best to help support the people of East Texas.

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?

Texas's public schools are underfunded and over regulated. That must change. First, the basic per pupil allotment for public school students must be significantly increased. The current allotment of $6160 has not increased since 2019 and lags inflation by at least $800. Second, public schools are drowning in a sea of regulations that sap energy, creativity and engagement from administrators, teachers and students. Texas must return to allowing local, elected school boards to make decisions about local issues instead of one size fits all regulations handed down by the legislature.Texas must become proactive rather than reactive in response to the water crisis that looms just over the horizon. Here in House District 9, we have already seen attempts by private equity to purchase large amounts of land, install an army of high capacity wells, and sell that water to cities and dryer parts of the state. The Corrizo-Wilcox aquifer that lies under most of East Texas must be protected for the use of all East Texans and preserved for future generations. I will support the creation of a special aquifer district to protect the Corrizo-Wilcox aquifer.Texas must regulate the construction and operation of AI Data Centers due to the risk to communities and the environment. In House District 9, two data centers are proposed for Angelina county. These data centers will involve thousands of acres of land, will strain electrical grids, raise the price of electricity when supply cannot meet demand, and threaten local water supply and infrastructure. Data centers should be limited in size, should be required to generate their own electricity on site, and should be required to install closed loop cooling systems to reduce water use.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about the necessity and value of public education. Article 7 of the Texas Constitution establishes that the Texas Legislature has a duty to sustain a system of free public schools. It isn't a suggestion. It is a duty, a moral obligation. It's time for the people of Texas to hold the Legislature responsible for meeting that obligation.