Staci Childs

Staci Childs was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Benjamin E. Mays High School. Childs earned a bachelor's degree from Hampton University in 2009, a graduate degree from Georgia State University in 2011, and a J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in 2018. Her career experience includes owning a private legal practice and working as an attorney and a language arts teacher. Childs runs the nonprofit GirlTalk University.[2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Staci Childs, a Houston-based attorney, former Houston ISD Teacher of the Year, and an elected member of the Texas State Board of Education representing District 4. I grew up with working parents and aunties who taught me the value of service, discipline, and community, and those lessons guide my work every day.

Before law school, I spent years in the classroom teaching elementary students in Southwest Houston and Sunnyside. Today, I run Sunnyside Legal, where I represent teachers, families, and everyday Texans navigating complex systems. On the State Board of Education, I’ve worked to protect Black history in classrooms and helped secure millions of dollars in tutoring and intervention funding for struggling campuses.

At my core, I’m a public servant who believes strong schools, fair systems, and honest leadership change lives. I bring the perspective of an educator, a lawyer, and a community member who understands the stakes for working families. A musician at heart, I use hip-hop to promote positive messages for young people and folks who dream big.

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?

Education is the foundation of everything I do. As a former Houston ISD Teacher of the Year and a current member of the Texas State Board of Education, I have spent my career fighting to make public schools stronger and more responsive to the children and families they serve. I believe in fully supporting teachers with the resources, respect, and professional trust they need to succeed. When educators are supported, classrooms thrive, students learn, and communities grow. My work has focused on protecting accurate history in our classrooms and bringing real dollars back to schools so students who are struggling get the help they deserve.Health and wellness should not depend on your zip code. In District 131, too many families live in food deserts where access to fresh and affordable food is limited, and too many Black mothers face life threatening outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth. I am committed to addressing these injustices by supporting policies that expand healthy food access, invest in community based solutions, and confront the Black maternal health crisis with urgency and care. Healthy families are the backbone of strong neighborhoods, and our public policy must reflect that truth.Our criminal justice system should be focused on accountability, restoration, and opportunity, not punishment for punishment’s sake. I believe we must create statewide alternative pathways that prevent minor offenses from becoming lifelong barriers. For too many people, a single low level mistake leads to permanent consequences that limit employment, housing, and stability. By expanding diversion programs and alternatives to conviction for minor offenses, we can make our communities safer while giving people a real chance to move forward and rebuild their lives.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education policy is personal to me. As a former public school teacher and a current member of the Texas State Board of Education, I believe strong public schools are the foundation of healthy communities. I am passionate about supporting teachers, protecting honest curriculum, and ensuring students who are struggling receive targeted help instead of being left behind.

I am also deeply committed to health and wellness policy. Too many families in places like District 131 live in food deserts or face unequal health outcomes. I am especially focused on addressing the Black maternal health crisis so that mothers can survive and thrive.

Finally, I care deeply about criminal justice reform that values fairness and second chances.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The CAUCUS, The Houston Black American Democrats, The Center for Freethought Equality, Secular Houston, Harris County Young Democrats, The First ASK, Houston Progressive Caucus

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Staci Childs and I am a native Atlantan currently residing in the beautiful, vibrant city of Houston, Texas. I am the daughter of a bus driver and a self-taught accountant. I am free-spirited, but concerned and passionate for the community I serve. I am a defense attorney with a private practice called Sunnyside Legal Clinic. I love getting my clients great outcomes. My work as an attorney doesn't solely define me. What defines me is my love for people, students, and what students are learning. I love being a dog mom to my mini-goldendoodle Boseman (yes named after the late Chadwick Boseman) and I love to travel.

I got into education when I was 19 years old. At 19, I decided to become a counselor for a summer program for low-income students--one I was a part of when I was in high school--The Upward Bound Program.

Since then, I've developed a love for motivating and inspiring the next generation of leaders. I have evidenced this work in my experience as a teacher, community leader, and now defense attorney. I am qualified to run for office because I have developed a skill set of listening and learning from the people I serve in order to make the most difference. I am doing the work already.

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?

EducationCultureFinancial Literacy

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Criminal Justice Reform, Women's Health

Campaign website

Childs' campaign website stated the following:

Address pandemic gaps in teaching & learning

Substantive learning has not taken place in 2 years. Technology is not a substitute for being in a classroom and taught by a teacher. Social emotional teaching and learning is more important than ever.

Ensure curriculum is setting students up for success in real life

Incorporate financial literacy into math curriculum and socially relevant vocabulary into English curriculum. Ensure teacher have access to resources so students can engage in hands on learning. Ensure Teachers have professional development focusing on relevant and relatable teaching practices.

Ensure inclusive practices in teaching

Encourage critical thinking and discourse in the classroom. Establish a committee of students, teachers, and community members to review inclusiveness in curriculum. Work with state leaders on what is appropriate in local curriculum and best for students.[4]

—Staci Childs' campaign website (2022)[5]