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Fina Govea
Fina Govea ran for election to the Pasadena Independent School District to represent Position 3 in Texas. She lost in the general election on May 3, 2025.
Govea completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Fina Govea was born in Rosenberg, Texas. She earned a high school diploma from San Rayburn High School and an associate degree from San Jacinto College. Her career experience includes working as a nonprofit professional and as a parent coordinator for the Pasadena Independent School District.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: Pasadena Independent School District, Texas, elections (2025)
General election
General election for Pasadena Independent School District, Position 3
Incumbent Nelda Sullivan defeated Fina Govea in the general election for Pasadena Independent School District, Position 3 on May 3, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Nelda Sullivan (Nonpartisan) | 66.8 | 4,509 | |
 | Fina Govea (Nonpartisan)  | 33.2 | 2,243 | |
| Total votes: 6,752 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Govea received the following endorsements.
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Fina Govea completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Govea's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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- Fresh Leadership with Real Experience I bring firsthand experience as a former Parent Coordinator in Pasadena ISD and a lifelong community advocate. I know the challenges our families and staff face because I’ve lived them and worked through them.
- Putting Students, Teachers, and Support Staff First. I am committed to prioritizing the needs of those who make our schools strong—our students, our educators, and every support team member. I believe in equitable resources, better communication, and policies that uplift everyone.
- Accountability and Transparency It’s time for leadership that listens and leads with integrity. I stand for financial transparency, responsible decision-making, and a school board that reflects and respects the community it serves.
1. Educational Equity – Ensuring all students, regardless of their background, zip code, or language, have access to quality education, safe learning environments, and the support they need to succeed.
2. Community Engagement – Creating stronger partnerships between schools, families, and neighborhoods. I believe policy should empower parents and community members to be active participants in education.
In public service, I admire leaders like Dolores Huerta, who used her voice to fight for workers, families, and communities that others overlooked. Her courage, persistence, and ability to organize everyday people into a powerful movement is something I deeply connect with.
“Stand and Deliver” shows how belief, high expectations, and community investment in students—especially those from underserved backgrounds—can break cycles and change lives. It reflects my belief that every student, no matter their zip code, deserves someone who believes in them and fights for them.
“The Distance Between Us” is a powerful memoir about immigration, family sacrifice, and resilience. It mirrors many of my own life experiences and reminds us why policies that uplift, not punish, working families are essential to building a better future.
2. Accountability – Taking responsibility for decisions, being transparent about actions, and remaining answerable to the community at all times.
3. Commitment to Service – Leadership is not about power—it’s about people. A true public servant puts the needs of the community first and works every day to improve lives, not just win votes.
1. Lived Experience & Community Roots
I’ve walked in the same shoes as many of the families I seek to represent. As a former Parent Coordinator in Pasadena ISD, a mother, and a granddaughter of immigrants, I understand firsthand the challenges and strengths of our diverse community.
2. Integrity and Accountability
I believe in doing what’s right—even when no one is watching. I lead with transparency, I own my decisions, and I always put people over politics.
3. Relentless Work Ethic
I’ve never shied away from hard work. I’ve worked in the fields, raised my children through struggle, and built a life through perseverance. That same determination drives me to fight for families, teachers, and students every day.
4. Ability to Listen and Lead
I’m approachable and rooted in community relationships. I believe strong leadership starts with listening—really listening—and then taking action.
5. Vision for Change
I’m not running to maintain the status quo. I’m running to bring fresh ideas, bold accountability, and a stronger future for every student in Pasadena ISD.
2. Overseeing Budget and Policy – Managing taxpayer dollars responsibly, reviewing and approving budgets, policies, and programs that align with the district’s goals and community needs.
3. Engaging with the Community – Being present, accessible, and transparent with families, staff, and residents. Trustees should listen, communicate, and truly represent the voices of the people they serve.
That means:
1. Setting clear policies that support high-quality education, equity, and safety for all students.
2. Approving budgets and resources that prioritize classrooms, not just central administration.
3. Holding the superintendent and district leadership accountable for results, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
4. Staying connected to the community—listening, showing up, and making sure every voice is heard.
I represent every person who believes our public schools should be safe, well-funded, inclusive, and led with integrity. That includes:
• Parents who want a better future for their children
• Educators who deserve support and respect
• Staff members who keep our schools running
• Community members and taxpayers who want transparency and responsible leadership
• For students, that means advocating for culturally responsive curriculum, language support programs, mental health resources, and safe, welcoming schools for all.
• For faculty and staff, it means fair wages, professional development opportunities, and a voice in district decisions.
• For our community, it means being present, listening to concerns, and building strong partnerships with families, churches, nonprofits, and local organizations to uplift and empower everyone.
I will specifically focus on connecting with:
• Parents and families through school events, workshops, and direct outreach
• Teachers and staff by listening to their concerns and advocating for their needs
• Community organizations like FIEL Houston, neighborhood associations, and local nonprofits
• Faith-based groups and churches that serve and support our families
• Youth programs and advocacy groups that work directly with students
1. Engagement – Making learning meaningful, interactive, and connected to students’ real lives.
2. Differentiation – Meeting diverse learning needs by adjusting instruction, tools, and assessments.
3. Growth Mindset – Encouraging resilience, curiosity, and critical thinking.
4. Strong Relationships – Building trust and respect between teachers and students.
How I’ll measure it:
• Student growth (not just test scores)
• Classroom observations and peer feedback
• Family and student input
• Teacher self-assessments and professional growth goals
How I’ll support advanced teaching approaches:
• Invest in ongoing professional development on innovative, evidence-based strategies
• Encourage collaboration and peer mentorship among teachers
• Advocate for flexible resources and classroom autonomy so teachers can experiment and grow
• Promote use of technology and project-based learning to deepen understanding and engagement
1. Advanced Technical Training & Apprenticeships
Partner with local businesses, unions, and trade programs to offer real-world skills in fields like healthcare, welding, automotive, IT, and construction. These pathways give students choices beyond the traditional four-year college route—and often lead to high-paying, in-demand jobs.
2. Financial Literacy & Life Skills
Expand programs that teach budgeting, taxes, credit, job readiness, and everyday responsibilities so students graduate prepared for adulthood.
3. STEM & Creative Innovation
Strengthen access to robotics, coding, environmental science, and arts programs to foster creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
4. Bilingual and Multicultural Education
Promote programs that support bilingual learners and celebrate our district’s rich diversity through language, history, and cultural appreciation.
1. Advocate at the State Level
Push back against harmful policies like school vouchers and fight for fair funding formulas that reflect the real needs of our district—especially those serving low-income and bilingual students.
2. Transparency and Accountability
Ensure that every dollar is accounted for and directed toward students, teachers, and classrooms—not unnecessary administrative costs or pet projects. I will advocate for regular audits, open budgets, and community input in spending decisions.
3. Leverage Grants and Partnerships
Work with local businesses, nonprofits, and workforce development programs to bring in grants, sponsorships, and resources for technical training, after-school programs, and classroom support.
4. Empower Voter Awareness
Educate the community on how school finance works and the importance of local bonds and initiatives that fund improvements, technology, and teacher pay.
1. Prevention through Early Support
We must invest in mental health resources, conflict resolution programs, and strong student-teacher relationships. When students feel seen, supported, and safe, incidents can often be prevented before they escalate.
2. Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Practices
Every child deserves to feel safe—regardless of background, ability, or identity. That means creating school environments that are welcoming, culturally responsive, and free of discrimination or bias.
3. Clear Protocols and Accountability
Staff, students, and families should be informed and prepared with clear safety procedures, crisis plans, and regular training. We must also hold all leadership accountable for consistent enforcement of safety policies across all campuses.
1. Increase Access to Mental Health Services
Advocate for more on-campus counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals so students and staff have timely support without long wait times.
2. Training and Awareness
Provide training for teachers and staff to recognize signs of stress, trauma, or mental health struggles—ensuring early intervention and appropriate referrals.
3. Safe Spaces and Support Programs
Create peer support groups, mindfulness programs, and wellness initiatives that reduce stigma and promote emotional well-being.
4. Supportive Work Environment
For faculty and staff, ensure manageable workloads, encourage mental health days, and foster a positive, respectful workplace where their well-being is taken seriously.
1. Increase Transparency in Budget and Spending
I would push for a more detailed and accessible breakdown of how funds are spent, especially regarding administrative costs vs. classroom support. The community deserves to know where every dollar goes.
2. Stronger Accountability in Leadership
I support policies that ensure district leaders are evaluated not just by test scores, but by community feedback, staff satisfaction, and how equitably resources are distributed across campuses.
3. Expand Career and Technical Education (CTE)
I’d like to implement stronger partnerships with local businesses and unions to increase access to trade certifications, apprenticeships, and job training for high school students.
4. Equity-Focused Resource Allocation
We need policies that direct more support—academic, emotional, and financial—to campuses with higher-need student populations, so that every child has a fair shot at success.
5. Family and Community Engagement Policy
I’d advocate for a district-wide engagement policy that ensures families are active partners in decision-making, especially those who’ve historically been left out of the conversation.
This environment would include:
1. Culturally responsive and inclusive classrooms where students see themselves reflected in the curriculum and are encouraged to think critically and creatively.
2. Qualified, passionate educators who have the tools, training, and support they need to reach every learner.
3. Access to resources like mental health support, technology, nutritious meals, extracurricular programs, and safe facilities.
4. Family and community involvement that builds strong bridges between home and school, fostering trust and shared responsibility.
5. A focus on both academic success and emotional well-being—because students thrive when their whole selves are nurtured.
What could have been done better:
• Stronger communication with families and staff to ensure clear, consistent updates in multiple languages.
• Equitable access to technology—many students struggled due to a lack of devices or internet, especially in underserved communities.
• More support for teachers and staff, who were asked to adapt overnight without adequate training, tools, or emotional support.
Moving forward, I would:
• Advocate for a district-wide emergency response plan that includes clear protocols for learning continuity, safety, and communication.
• Push for investments in digital infrastructure so every student is prepared for any future disruptions.
• Ensure mental health and academic recovery plans are prioritized, especially for students who experienced trauma or learning loss.
1. Be visible and approachable – Attend school events, parent nights, and community meetings to connect face-to-face and listen directly to concerns and ideas.
2. Create open lines of communication – Offer regular updates, host forums, and maintain clear, two-way communication channels where parents feel heard and respected.
3. Advocate for meaningful parent involvement – Push for more opportunities for parents to be involved in decision-making, from advisory committees to volunteer programs, ensuring their voices help shape district priorities.
1. Competitive Compensation & Support
Offer fair wages, strong benefits, and mental health support to show we value our educators and staff as professionals.
2. Grow-Your-Own Programs
Invest in local talent—para-to-teacher pipelines, student teacher internships, and leadership development for current staff who want to advance their careers within the district.
3. Inclusive & Community-Based Hiring
Recruit from within our diverse community and ensure hiring committees reflect the people we serve. Representation matters—students benefit from seeing leaders who look like them and understand their lived experiences.
4. Positive Work Environment
Build a school culture rooted in respect, collaboration, and teacher voice. Happy staff stay longer and inspire better outcomes for students.
Taxpayer dollars must be spent responsibly and in ways that directly benefit students, teachers, and staff—not on wasteful spending or political favors. Families deserve to know how funds are being used, and there should be clear, accessible reporting of district budgets, contracts, and outcomes.
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.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 14, 2025
