David E. Lopez (Texas school board candidate)

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

David E. Lopez

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

May 3, 2025

Education

Bachelor's

University of Florida

Personal

Profession

Program director

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

David E. Lopez ran for election to the Spring Branch Independent School District school board to represent Position 6 in Texas. Lopez lost in the general election on May 3, 2025.

Lopez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

David E. Lopez earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and attended Rice University. Lopez's career experience includes working as a program director.

Elections

2025

See also: Spring Branch Independent School District, Texas, elections (2025)

General election

General election for Spring Branch Independent School District school board Position 6

Walker Agnew Jr. defeated David E. Lopez and J. Steven Smelley in the general election for Spring Branch Independent School District school board Position 6 on May 3, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Walker Agnew Jr. (Nonpartisan)	56.1	5,044
		David E. Lopez (Nonpartisan)	36.5	3,281
		J. Steven Smelley (Nonpartisan)	7.5	674

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,999
= 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

Lopez received the following endorsements.

• Somos Spring Branch

2023

See also: Spring Branch Independent School District, Texas, elections (2023)

General election

General election for Spring Branch Independent School District school board Position 1

Courtney Anderson defeated David E. Lopez in the general election for Spring Branch Independent School District school board Position 1 on May 6, 2023.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Courtney Anderson (Nonpartisan)	66.7	7,091
		David E. Lopez (Nonpartisan)	32.9	3,498
		Other/Write-in votes	0.4	46

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 10,635
= 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.

2019

See also: Spring Branch Independent School District, Texas, elections (2019)

General election

General election for Spring Branch Independent School District school board Position 5

Incumbent Carter Breed defeated David E. Lopez in the general election for Spring Branch Independent School District school board Position 5 on May 4, 2019.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Carter Breed (Nonpartisan)	67.5	989
		David E. Lopez (Nonpartisan)	32.5	476

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,465
= 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.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

David E. Lopez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lopez's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am David Lopez, a passionate educator, non-profit leader, and small business owner with deep connections in Spring Branch. I started my career as an 8th-grade English teacher and later became a school administrator in the Spring Branch ISD SKY partnership with YES Prep. In this role, I worked closely with students, families, and teachers to create effective learning environments that foster student success.

As a co-founder of Somos Spring Branch, I have dedicated myself to building a stronger community, advocating for policies and practices that benefit all families. I am committed to working collaboratively with local organizations and stakeholders to ensure that every student in Spring Branch has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

I believe in the transformative power of education and the importance of creating schools where all students feel valued and equipped for success. I am running for the Board of Trustees to bring a practical, solutions-focused perspective that prioritizes the needs of students, families, and educators. My goal is to build stronger connections between our schools and community to ensure the continued success of our students.

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?

• Raising the Bar for Student Success: Spring Branch ISD must do more to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success. Right now, too many students, particularly those from working-class families, are not reaching their full potential. Instead of wasting time on political distractions, our school board must focus on real solutions: innovative learning models, stronger academic support, and ensuring our teachers have the tools they need to help every student thrive.
• Schools That Work for Families and the Community: Strong schools are built on strong relationships between educators, families, and the communities they serve. Too often, parents feel unheard and disconnected from their child’s education. I will champion a community school model that brings families, local businesses, and support services together to create schools that meet the needs of every child. Every parent, no matter their zip code, deserves a voice in their child’s education, and I will work to ensure our district welcomes, values, and supports all families.
• Investing in Schools, Supporting Our Educators: A strong school district requires responsible financial management that prioritizes student outcomes and supports the people who make our schools work. We must be bold and creative in ensuring fair pay for teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service workers, nurses, and bus drivers—because every member of our school staff plays a critical role in student success. I will fight for smart budgeting that invests in the classroom, cuts waste, and ensures our district is putting resources where they matter most: in the hands of our educators and students.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public policy that strengthens our education system, prioritizes teacher retention, and fosters school-community partnerships. I believe in investing in policies that support the well-being of students, including mental health services and extracurricular programs. Additionally, I advocate for inclusive practices that ensure every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. My goal is to contribute to policies that create supportive, innovative, and equitable learning environments, preparing students for success in school and life.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must be accessible to all members of the community, willing to listen, and remain rooted in values that align with the needs and priorities of the people they represent. Transparency, empathy, and the ability to engage with diverse perspectives are essential qualities. An official must be responsive, approachable, and genuinely committed to advocating for the best interests of their constituents. These qualities foster trust, ensure accountability, and create effective, community-driven leadership.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of a school board trustee are to set the vision for the district, ensuring that it is clear, strategic, and aligns with the needs of the community. School trustees are tasked with governing, not managing, and their decisions should guide the district’s overall direction while respecting the expertise of educators and administrators. Trustees also have a duty to oversee the district's finances, advocate for resources, and hold the district accountable for providing high-quality education and equitable opportunities for all students.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was working for my father in his small carpet cleaning and water damage business. I served as his office administrator, responsible for drafting invoices, monitoring bank accounts, filing paperwork, and organizing the home office. I even joke that I was the "lead IT manager," as I took on any tech tasks that came up, despite being so young and still learning the ropes.

Growing up with my father, who built his business from the ground up, I learned the true value of hard work, collaboration, and respect for others. He taught me that success isn’t just about long hours but about continually improving, staying organized, and treating people with kindness and empathy. His business was never just about cleaning carpets or repairing water damage; it was about forming lasting relationships with clients and helping them in their time of need.

Through working with him, I understood that leadership is about listening to others, solving problems together, and fostering an environment where people feel valued. I learned that respect and empathy can make all the difference in building trust and creating positive outcomes, both in business and in life. My father’s unwavering dedication to his clients and his team instilled in me a sense of responsibility, both to the work itself and the people I collaborate with.

This experience shaped who I am today and continues to influence how I approach my work as a community organizer, educator, and now, as a candidate for the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees. The values my father instilled in me, hard work, empathy, and collaboration, guide my leadership style and my commitment to serving others. I strive to bring these same principles to every role I take on, working to create a community where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

The primary job of a school board member is to set clear educational goals, provide oversight, and make decisions that guide the direction of the district. Trustees should focus on governance, not management, ensuring that the district's administration has the tools and resources necessary to achieve the board’s vision. School boards also have the responsibility of making strategic decisions on policies, budget allocations, and accountability systems to improve student outcomes.

Who are your constituents?

My constituents are all people in Spring Branch, with a particular focus on Spring Branch ISD students, parents, families, and staff. As a board member, I believe it is essential to serve all community members and ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, I will work to advocate for the needs and aspirations of all individuals who make up this diverse and dynamic community.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

I believe in listening to all stakeholders and working together to address the diverse needs of our district. By engaging in open dialogue with students, parents, staff, and community organizations, we can ensure that policies and initiatives reflect the unique needs of each group. Collaboration is key. It's about working with the community, not doing things to them. Every voice matters, and I will work to ensure that the needs of our district’s diverse population are heard and acted upon.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

Building relationships across the district is critical. I will actively engage with underrepresented groups, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. I will also build relationships with local businesses, non-profits, parent organizations, and education advocates. By fostering these connections, I can ensure that all parts of our community are involved in shaping the future of our schools.

What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?

Good teaching is centered on student engagement, adaptability, and the ability to inspire curiosity. It’s about creating a learning experience where students are motivated to explore, question, and create. I believe in measuring teaching effectiveness through student outcomes, feedback, and teacher reflection. Supporting advanced teaching approaches involves professional development, access to resources, and fostering a culture of innovation where teachers are encouraged to experiment with new methods that improve student learning and engagement.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

Ensuring that our schools are properly funded requires advocating for adequate state and local funding, as well as seeking alternative funding sources through grants and partnerships. I will work to increase public awareness about the importance of funding education and engage with legislators to secure resources that meet the needs of our students. Additionally, maintaining fiscal transparency and accountability will ensure that funds are being spent effectively to improve educational outcomes.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and I am committed to expanding access to mental health services for students, faculty, and staff. This includes advocating for additional counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals in our schools. I will also prioritize creating a supportive environment that reduces stigma around mental health, provides staff training on recognizing signs of distress, and promotes programs that support emotional and psychological resilience.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

I am committed to reviewing existing policies to ensure they are aligned with the best interests of our students and staff. This includes expanding access to mental health services and ensuring that our schools reflect the values of respect for all students. New policies I would consider include expanding career readiness programs and enhancing community engagement efforts to ensure all voices are heard in shaping district decisions.

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

An ideal learning environment fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth. It is one that values the voice of every student, allowing them to explore their interests and passions through hands-on, real-world experiences. Students thrive in environments where they feel supported, respected, and empowered to take ownership of their learning. Collaborative spaces, flexible schedules, and a focus on experiential learning that connects classroom knowledge to the outside world are critical to student success.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

I believe in engaging parents through regular communication, town halls, and feedback mechanisms that create opportunities for meaningful involvement. When schools build strong, consistent relationships with families, student outcomes improve. I will prioritize transparency, creating regular opportunities for parents to share their concerns, ask questions, and contribute to the decision-making process. Engaging families in their children’s education creates a stronger partnership between home and school.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

Recruiting diverse, highly qualified talent is essential for a thriving school district. I believe in a multifaceted approach: partnering with universities, offering competitive incentives, and creating a supportive work environment that values professional growth. Ensuring diversity in staff is vital, and recruiting talent from a variety of backgrounds helps create a well-rounded learning environment. Attracting and retaining top-tier educators requires offering opportunities for development, a collaborative culture, and an emphasis on work-life balance.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I firmly believe that “democracy dies in darkness,” and transparency is a fundamental aspect of a healthy democracy. Public officials should strive for full financial transparency in all aspects of governance, ensuring that taxpayers understand how resources are allocated and spent. Accountability is equally important, as elected officials must answer to the people who have entrusted them with power. Clear communication and openness build trust and ensure that we are always acting in the best interests of the community we serve.

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.

2023

David E. Lopez did not complete Ballotpedia's 2023 Candidate Connection survey.

2019

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

David E. Lopez did not complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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Spring Branch Independent School District school board Position 6

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