On May 2, voters in the greater Katy area will have the opportunity to choose three new members of the Katy ISD Board of Trustees, replacing incumbents Amy Thieme (Position 3) Morgan Calhoun (Position 4) and Mary Ellen Cuzela (Position 5), who have chosen not to run again. This week The Katy Times provided a questionnaire to candidates for Positions 5; this concludes the series.

CANDIDATES FOR POSITION 5 (in same order as listed on Katy ISD website): Nathan Shipley, Caleb Silverio and Jesus Nieto

What led to your decision to run for the school board?

SHIPLEY: I’m running because Katy ISD shaped my life, my wife’s life, and now shapes the lives of our three children who attend schools at every level of the district. We see firsthand what students, teachers, and staff experience each day. I want to help ensure Katy ISD remains a destination district by keeping politics out of our schools, supporting educators, and focusing on strong classrooms, safe campuses, and opportunities for every student.

SILVERIO: I decided to run for the Board of Trustees because of my experience as a recent graduate of Patricia E. Paetow High School. During my time in Katy ISD, I saw both the strengths of the district and areas where we can improve. I want to give back to the community that shaped me by helping every student succeed—whether in academics, athletics, or career pathways like college, trade school, or certifications. I’m running to make sure students have every opportunity to reach their full potential.

NIETO: What led me to run for the Katy ISD School Board is the passion I have for public education. As the son of a 20+ year kindergarten teacher, I could not sit idly by while our community lacked representatives who do MORE for the community. We need members who are willing to meet the moment and fight for public education across our community for ALL educators and students.

What unique qualifications do you bring to the position?

SHIPLEY: I bring a blend of professional expertise, community leadership, and a parent’s perspective. As an Executive Director at a large global consumer analytics firm, I’ve spent my career guiding some of the world’s largest retailers and brands on consumer behavior and trends using data-driven insights. A district as large and diverse as Katy ISD must make decisions using complex data sets to ensure every student and teacher is considered—not just majority groups—and this is exactly the type of work I do every day. My active service as Vice President of Fort Bend MUD 151 has given me hands-on experience setting tax rates that impact more than $1 billion in property valuation, managing long-term capital planning, and ensuring strong financial stewardship. That work requires listening, collaboration, and a steady, community-focused approach — qualities I will bring to the school board. And as a parent with three children currently enrolled in Katy ISD, I understand the district’s strengths and challenges in a way

not all candidates can. Above all, I have a genuine heart for public service and a commitment to serving this community well.

SILVERIO: Having attended Katy ISD from second grade through graduation at Paetow, I understand what students and staff experience every day. I’m currently studying government and public service at Houston City College and am a member of the Honors Society and Student Government Association. During high school, I was a two-time cross-country qualifier and an active member of HOSA -- experiences that taught me discipline, teamwork, and leadership. I also work as a sales lead, managing budgets, supplies, and teams. These experiences give me a practical perspective on how to help Katy ISD grow and succeed.

NIETO: As a community organizer and non-profit leader, I bring a unique perspective and experience that the current board doesn't have. During my time in the non-profit space, I worked across Harris and Fort Bend counties, engaging with communities that didn’t necessarily have access to information or resources. Someone who knows how to engage and communicate with a variety of people is something I believe would be a net positive as we continue to see changes happen in our school district. We need board members who are going to be adaptable to the unprecedented challenges that will arise during this period in public education.

What are your three top priorities—and concrete plans—for Katy ISD for the next two years?

SHIPLEY: 1. Support and retain great teachers and staff. Prioritize competitive pay, better healthcare options, and protected planning time so educators can focus on students. I want teachers to feel that the Katy ISD school board is working FOR them. 2. Strengthen fiscal responsibility and transparency. Use data-driven decision-making and long-term planning to ensure budgets are sustainable and aligned with student needs. 3. Keep students at the center of every decision. Focus on safety, strong academics, and robust extracurriculars so every student — college-bound, career-bound, or military-bound — has a path to success.

SILVERIO: My top priority is student success. I want every student—no matter what school they attend—to have access to strong academic programs and career pathways. This means maintaining high-quality curriculum, expanding career and technical education programs, and using assessments to track progress. Students who need extra help will get tutoring and targeted support. Second is parental rights and student safety. Parents should always be informed and involved. I support clear communication from the district and improvements to campus safety, including secure facilities and safe transportation. My third priority is supporting and retaining great teachers. Teachers are the backbone of our district. We should support them with competitive pay, better benefits, and more planning time. Paraprofessionals and special education staff also deserve support—they play a huge role in helping students succeed.

NIETO: My top three priorities as Katy ISD trustee are increased educator pay, expanding pathways to student success, and budget transparency. We all know Katy ISD is a top school district in the state; however, the reality is our educators don't have a sustainable salary as costs continue to increase. We, as a board, should be committed to finding pathways alongside our colleagues in other school districts across the state to apply pressure for more public-school funding. Regarding student success, research

now shows that students can't afford to go to a traditional college due to costs. We should work with our county partners to expand programs that help our students find non-traditional paths to success. Lastly, a lot is happening in public education, and with those changes comes confusion. We should work towards digestible and accessible budget plans. As trustee, I am committed to bringing important information to the greater community.

How do you plan to address budgetary issues and the shortfall in state funding?

SHIPLEY: The only way to balance any budget is to increase revenue or reduce expenses — and we must focus on both. Our schools are funded by each student who walks through the door, and for the first time in recent memory, Katy ISD is projecting an enrollment decline. We need to understand why and work to keep families in our public schools. I support the district’s new virtual academy as one way to help address this. At the same time, we must be disciplined, transparent, and strategic with spending. Budget cuts ultimately impact classrooms, and I will do everything possible to keep that at bay while taking a data-driven approach to identifying efficiencies that protect students across our diverse district. I’ll also continue advocating for stronger state support for public education while ensuring Katy ISD operates responsibly and sustainably.

SILVERIO: To address budget challenges, I would start with a full review of district spending to find areas we can cut without hurting students. I support a zero-based budgeting approach to make sure every dollar is accounted for. Classroom funding must come first. That means looking at administrative costs and making sure resources go where they’re needed most. Hiring additional teachers to reduce class sizes and relieve stress on educators is important, while still keeping spending responsible. Managing contracts and long-term obligations, like bonds, carefully will also help maintain financial stability. My experience as a sales lead managing budgets and teams gives me perspective on how to allocate resources effectively. My goal is a balanced, transparent budget that protects taxpayers and supports students.

NIETO: As trustee, I believe that we need to be honest with our educators, parents, community members, and students. We are currently in the twilight zone regarding public school funding in the state of Texas. We need to approach this discussion with a community lens in mind. This starts by providing timely, more accessible budget reports to the public and holding periodic community forums to ensure that Katy ISD residents are informed on how their money is spent. These are tough conversations that will need to be discussed, and I am committed to ensuring that the community is heard.

How do you plan to address student achievement?

SHIPLEY: Student achievement starts with strong teachers and safe, well-supported campuses. I’ll focus on giving educators the time, tools, and resources they need; protecting fine arts, career and technical education, and extracurricular programs; and ensuring every student has access to high-quality instruction.

SILVERIO: I plan to track student progress closely and provide support where it’s needed most. Using tools like MAPS, teachers can monitor reading, writing, and math growth and spot students who need

extra help. Tutoring and intervention programs will give those students a chance to catch up. At the same time, we need to challenge advanced students. Expanding access to opportunities like the Miller Career Center will allow more students—regardless of background—to pursue career training, certifications, or advanced coursework. I’ve seen at Paetow how strong programs and dedicated teachers can make a real difference. My goal is for every student to have the tools and support to reach their full potential.

NIETO: I believe that there are many pathways to student success. As trustee, I will advocate for the development and expansion of programs for non-traditional pathways, such as trade school or community college options for students who are interested. Additionally, student success is correlated with students’ needs being met in and out of the classroom. By acknowledging and improving the culture in our schools, we can most certainly see improvements in students’ outcomes.

What are the top two reasons that voters should cast their votes for you?

SHIPLEY: 1. I bring no political agenda. My focus is students, teachers, and the long-term health of Katy ISD—nothing else. 2. I bring real-world experience and a parent’s perspective. My professional background in consumer analytics consulting, my service on a public board, and the perspective of having three children currently enrolled in the district give me a grounded, practical understanding of what our district needs.

SILVERIO: Voters should support me because I bring a firsthand perspective as a recent Katy ISD graduate. I know what students and teachers go through every day—in the classroom, on the sports field, and throughout student life. I also understand where the district can improve. Secondly, I am committed to serving the community with energy and dedication. I will advocate for students and teachers, support career and academic pathways, and make sure every student has a chance to succeed. While I may be young, I am ready to work hard and represent our district with pride.

NIETO: First, I am running a campaign that is community-centered. Educators, students, and community members are behind me because they want someone who will represent ALL of Katy ISD. No more excuses, we are in a time when our local representatives need to be meeting the moment. Second, I made my career in advocating for the community and helping bring complex ideas to fruition. I believe that my professional background and experience within various types of communities across both Harris and Fort Bend counties make me the right candidate for Katy ISD. Let's do this together!

What else should readers of the Katy Times know about you, your candidacy, and your vision for Katy ISD?

SHIPLEY: I’m a proud product of Katy ISD, a parent with children at every level of the district, and someone with a deep heart for public service. My vision is simple: keep politics out, support the people who serve our kids, and ensure Katy ISD remains a place where every student can thrive. I’m committed to listening, collaborating, and doing the steady, responsible work our community deserves. I hope to earn your vote!


SILVERIO: I came to Katy ISD looking for a better education and greater opportunities after attending Alief ISD. Katy ISD helped shape who I am today, and I’m grateful for every opportunity I had. During high school at Paetow, I was a two-time cross-country qualifier and an active member of HOSA—experiences that taught me discipline, teamwork, and leadership. I also served in student government, which gave me a deeper understanding of student needs and representation. I represent the next generation of leadership and bring a fresh perspective to the district. As the youngest candidate in this race, I am stepping up to serve my community and advocate for students, teachers, and families. No matter the outcome, I want Katy ISD to remain strong for years to come—for my family and for every student who walks through its doors.

NIETO: My vision is clear for Katy ISD. Our district has changed over the years. We need trustees who will build trust among our educators, listen to the community, and deliver results for our students. I will work tirelessly to ensure that Katy ISD residents are heard and that their voices help inform the future of their district.