Catherine Walker
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Tenure
2025 - Present
Term ends
2028
Years in position
0
Predecessor
Catherine Walker is a member of the Eanes Independent School District in Texas, representing Place 6. She assumed office on May 13, 2025. Her current term ends in 2028.
Walker ran for election to the Eanes Independent School District to represent Place 6 in Texas. She won in the general election on May 3, 2025.
Walker completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Catherine Walker earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 2000. Walker earned a graduate degree from Northwestern University in 2010. Her career experience includes working as in finance. Walker has been affiliated with Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and ATX KIDS Club.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: Eanes Independent School District, Texas, elections (2025)
General election
General election for Eanes Independent School District, Place 6
Catherine Walker defeated incumbent Heather Sheffield in the general election for Eanes Independent School District, Place 6 on May 3, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Catherine Walker (Nonpartisan)  | 62.9 | 3,140 | |
 | Heather Sheffield (Nonpartisan) | 37.1 | 1,851 | |
| Total votes: 4,991 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Walker in this election.
2024
See also: Eanes Independent School District, Texas, elections (2024)
General election
General election for Eanes Independent School District, Place 5
Kelly Marwill defeated Aaron Silva and Catherine Walker in the general election for Eanes Independent School District, Place 5 on May 4, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Kelly Marwill (Nonpartisan) | 35.4 | 2,021 | |
| Aaron Silva (Nonpartisan) | 33.6 | 1,918 | ||
| Catherine Walker (Nonpartisan) | 31.0 | 1,770 | ||
| Total votes: 5,709 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Walker in this election.
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Catherine Walker completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Walker's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I'm a mom of three, a public finance leader, and a proud resident of Eanes. I’m running for school board because I believe every student deserves a great education, and that takes strong leadership behind the scenes. I bring decades of experience managing complex budgets and building consensus to solve tough problems. I currently serve as the Chief Financial & Risk Officer of a major public agency, where I oversee a $700M annual budget and lead strategic planning to deliver essential services.
At home, I’ve navigated the special education system with my own children—two of whom wear hearing aids and all three of whom have dyslexia—so I understand the importance of personalized learning and early intervention. I’m not running for political reasons. I’m running because I care deeply about public education, and I know how much it matters to families, educators, taxpayers, and the future of our community.
We need board members who will listen first, lead with facts, and make every decision with students in mind. I bring financial expertise, real-world parenting perspective, and a deep commitment to transparency. I’ll work hard to ensure Eanes stays strong, supported, and prepared for the future.- Financial Leadership: With decades of finance, leadership and public sector experience and oversight of a $700M budget, I know how to navigate complex funding challenges and make smart, transparent decisions. Eanes faces serious financial pressures—we need board members who understand the numbers and can govern responsibly for the future. I will prioritize fiscal responsibility while keeping students at the center of every decision. I’m a parent who understands the system from the inside. As a mom of three kids with dyslexia—two of whom wear hearing aids—I’ve seen where our schools shine and where they struggle. I’ll be a strong advocate for special education, early intervention, and policies that reflect the diverse needs of all learners.
- Educational Excellence & Top Teaching Talent: I believe Eanes should be the gold standard in Texas — a place families are excited to join and proud to stay. That starts with outstanding teachers. With teacher turnover in Eanes now twice the national average, we must act. One in five teachers leave every year and this cannot continue — I’ll fight to pay educators competitively and reward excellence, because they are the heart of our district. I’ll work to turn around declining scores and rankings by ensuring every child — in every school — gets the support they need to succeed. Together, we can restore pride, stability, and momentum to Eanes.
- Transparent Governance: Families should never feel left out or surprised by district decisions. I’ll lead with honesty, early communication, and open dialogue on long-term plans, including any tax impact. Trust is built through transparency, and I’ll make it easier for families to stay informed, ask questions, and feel heard. We may not always agree, but you’ll always know where I stand, why I voted, and how I’m working for our kids.
I’m passionate about public education, fiscal responsibility, and equitable access to opportunity. As a parent and finance leader, I care deeply about how we invest in our schools—making sure every dollar supports student success. Families have choices, and public schools must earn their trust. That’s why I support strengthening special education, investing in teachers, and expanding programs like language immersion, STEM, and career-tech. These offerings help Eanes compete with private and charter options while serving all students. Strong schools build strong communities—and I’m committed to policies that reflect that.
I look up to leaders who do the quiet, steady work of making things better — especially women who lead with both head and heart. Ruth Bader Ginsburg comes to mind. She moved mountains with logic, clarity, and grace. She listened more than she spoke, stayed steady under pressure, and knew when to speak up. I strive to lead in a way that brings people together and builds trust — not by dominating the room, but by lifting up the right ideas.
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. It’s about leadership that’s grounded in service, long-term thinking, and moral clarity — not short-term wins or popularity. I believe leadership means building trust, acting with integrity, and putting people before politics. That philosophy guides how I approach public education: keep students at the center, act with transparency, and leave the system better than you found it.
Integrity, transparency, and humility. Elected officials should listen more than they speak, lead with facts, and serve with honesty. They must be willing to ask hard questions, admit what they don’t know, and always center decisions around what’s best for the community — not their own image or ideology. Respecting diverse viewpoints and staying grounded in real-world outcomes are the hallmarks of true public service.
I bring a combination of practical experience and personal investment. As a public finance professional, I know how to manage budgets, ask tough questions, and make data-driven decisions. As a parent, I know how much trust families place in our schools. I lead with curiosity, humility, and determination. I don’t take shortcuts, I don’t avoid hard conversations, and I don’t lose sight of the big picture. I believe in service over showmanship.
School board trustees carry significant responsibilities — from setting the tax rate and approving the budget to hiring the superintendent and adopting the policies that guide our schools. But beyond the technical duties, the core of this role is about stewardship. Trustees are entrusted with the future of our children and the confidence of our community. That means listening with empathy, leading with integrity, and making decisions that reflect both fiscal responsibility and a deep belief in the potential of every student. I will bring both professional experience and a parent’s heart to every decision I make.
I want to leave behind a school system that people are proud of — not because it’s perfect, but because it works hard to serve every child well. I hope my legacy is one of rebuilding trust, raising expectations, and restoring stability. If students feel more supported, teachers feel more valued, and families feel more heard because I served — then I’ll know I made a meaningful impact.
I worked as a nanny for my ballet teacher who had 2 young daughters. I did this for many years throughout high school.
Probably Hermione Granger. She’s smart, driven, and fiercely loyal. She’s not afraid to speak up, ask questions, or break a rule if it means doing the right thing. Plus, she carries a bag full of solutions and always does her homework — that’s pretty much how I approach public service.
Adeste Fideles - my father thaught me this song when I was very young
Like many working parents, I’ve struggled with balancing high expectations — for myself, for my work, and for my family. I want to give 100% in every role I play, and that isn’t always possible. Over time, I’ve learned that showing up consistently, listening well, and being fully present matter more than perfection. That mindset helps me lead with empathy and understand the pressures so many families and educators face today
To lead with facts, ask the hard questions, and focus every decision on what’s best for students. The board’s job isn’t to micromanage—it’s to set clear priorities, oversee a responsible budget, and plan for the long-term health of the district. I bring experience managing a $700M public budget and know how to turn complex challenges into smart, transparent decisions.
Every student, parent, teacher, taxpayer, and staff member in the district. That includes families enrolled in Eanes ISD, local business owners, retirees, and residents whose property values are tied to the district’s success. Our schools belong to everyone.
As a mom of three kids with dyslexia—two of whom wear hearing aids—I’ve experienced firsthand the gaps in access and support. We must ensure that every student gets the resources they need to thrive. That means strengthening special education and creating policies that reflect the full spectrum of learners in Eanes ISD.
By listening first—and often. I’ll build relationships by showing up, listening first, and following through. That includes reaching out to parent groups, teacher organizations, neighborhood associations, and student clubs. I believe in building bridges — not silos — and I’ll prioritize underrepresented voices. Our community expects transparency and accountability, and I will ensure they’re invited into the conversation early, especially when decisions impact taxes, programs, or facilities.
Good teaching results in student growth, confidence, and curiosity. It’s reflected in a positive classroom culture and consistent academic progress across diverse learners. We measure it through multiple indicators—enrollment, test scores, classroom observations, and student feedback. To sustain this, we must invest in teacher compensation and the right support.
We must offer students multiple paths to success. That includes language immersion, STEM, apprenticeships, and career-tech programs. Let’s partner with local businesses and higher education to offer dual credit and real-world learning that prepares kids for college or career.
Our current $7M deficit is unsustainable. We must reduce waste and negotiate better revenue-generating agreements. We need to explore all potential options with urgency—and discipline—on the board.
Safety is foundational. We need secure campuses, clear emergency plans, and a climate of inclusion where students feel safe to be themselves. Physical and emotional safety go hand-in-hand.
We have resources, but we need to use them better. I’ll ensure our counselors are empowered and effectively deployed, reduce systemic stressors, and address mental wellness as part of student success. Real support starts with honest conversations and follow-through.
What does a Mermaid wash her tail with? Tide!
I learned that joke from many memorable Cub Scout campouts sitting around the fire. I had the distinct honor of being my son’s den leader from Kindergarten through 5ht grade, and he just crossed over to become a Boy Scout a few weeks ago.
I learned that joke from many memorable Cub Scout campouts sitting around the fire. I had the distinct honor of being my son’s den leader from Kindergarten through 5ht grade, and he just crossed over to become a Boy Scout a few weeks ago.
We need to overhaul how we communicate budget decisions and strategic plans. I would implement more public financial forecasting, create accountability measures tied to student outcomes, and evaluate every program for cost-effectiveness and impact. This is about restoring trust through transparency and results.
Every student should walk into school feeling safe, supported, and inspired to learn. That means clean, secure campuses, engaged educators, and curriculum that challenges students at every level.
Coronavirus was an unprecedented time, and leaders did their best. That said, communication, transparency, and consistency lagged. In the future, I’d prioritize proactive dialogue with the community, ensuring families and staff have a seat at the table, and that our path forward is clear.
Trust is built through consistent, clear communication. I’ll hold regular listening sessions, share updates online, and make it easy for families to understand what’s happening in the district—and why. We need more up-front communication about how board decisions affect classrooms and home life.
Teacher attrition in Eanes is twice the national average. We must change that. I support market-based teacher pay with merit rewards, and the right resources. We need to retain top teaching talent so ensure we maximize our academic outcomes.
Taxpayers deserve clarity, not confusion. I believe financial transparency starts with open books and clear communication. That includes explaining budget trade-offs, publishing data in digestible formats, and giving the community a real voice in major financial decisions. Accountability isn’t about blame — it’s about being honest, responsible, and willing to correct course when needed.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2024
Catherine Walker did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 2, 2025
