Judy Castillo
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Judy Castillo ran for election to the Humble Independent School District to represent Position 5 in Texas. She lost in the general election on May 3, 2025.
Castillo completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Judy Castillo was born in McAllen, Texas. She earned a high school diploma from MacArthur High School, a bachelor's degree from the Texas State University, San Marcos in 2007, a graduate degree from Lamar University in 2019, and additional education from Lamar University in 2020. Her career experience includes working as an adjunct professor. Castillo has been affiliated with Latinos for Education, NHPO, and LULAC.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: Humble Independent School District, Texas, elections (2025)
General election
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Castillo in this election.
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Judy Castillo completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Castillo'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 am not just a candidate, I am an educator, a lender, and a fierce advocate for students and teachers. It's time to bring real change to the school board with someone who understands the realities of the classroom
- Transparency -Humble ISD has faced major challenges, including mismanaged funds, lack of educator support, and a school board that does not understand the daily struggles of teachers and students.Ensuring funds are directed toward classrooms, not administrative legal matters.
- Student Success & Safety-Implementing anti-bullying program, behavioral intervention workshops, and advocating for sudent well-being.
- Empowering Teachers Ensuring educators have the tools, resources, and professional support they need to succeed.
Bilingual & ESL Education – Ensuring language access and quality education for bilingual students.
Educational Equity – Addressing disparities in resources and opportunities for all students. Specially in Special Education.
Community Engagement – Strengthening parent and community involvement in school decision-making.
Student & Teacher Support – Advocating for better teacher training, fair policies, and student-centered learning.
Transparency & Accountability – Promoting ethical leadership and fair governance in school boards. I look after my mom, she is a woman of strong faith, puts God always first as well over achiever. She came to this country learn the language, passed her GED and became a medical assistant. She set the foundation of nothing is impossible, you can reach your goals if you put your heart to it.
Book – Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza by Gloria Anzaldúa – Explores identity, language, and power structures, relevant to bilingual education and cultural advocacy.
An elected official should demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a strong commitment to public service, always prioritizing the needs of the community over personal or political gain. Transparency is essential in building trust, ensuring that decisions are made openly and with the best interests of students, teachers, and families in mind. Effective leadership requires strong communication skills, a willingness to collaborate, and an open-minded approach to problem-solving. Equity and fairness must be at the heart of every decision, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to quality education and opportunities for success. Resilience and a solutions-oriented mindset are crucial in navigating challenges, while unwavering advocacy for students and educators helps create policies that support a thriving school system. Ultimately, a great leader is one who listens, engages, and works tirelessly to foster a school district that is inclusive, transparent, and committed to excellence.
I believe several qualities I possess would contribute to my success as an officeholder. First and foremost, I have a strong commitment to community service, which drives my passion for advocating for students, families, and educators. This dedication allows me to listen to the needs of my constituents and prioritize their concerns in decision-making.
I also have excellent communication skills, enabling me to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, from parents and teachers to local business leaders. This ability fosters collaboration and ensures that everyone's voice is heard in shaping policies.
Additionally, I am a critical thinker and problem solver, able to analyze complex issues and develop practical solutions. This skill is essential for addressing the challenges our school district faces and making informed decisions that benefit our students.
Furthermore, I possess strong leadership abilities, with a focus on building consensus and empowering others to take an active role in the educational process. I am dedicated to promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
Lastly, my experience as an advocate for education and community issues equips me with the necessary knowledge and understanding to navigate the complexities of educational policy effectively. Together, these qualities will enable me to serve my constituents effectively and positively impact our school district. The core responsibilities of a Humble ISD Trustee include ensuring accountability, transparency, and equity in the district’s policies and operations. A trustee must oversee the district budget and resources, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively to support student success. They set educational policies that align with student needs and uphold state and federal regulations. Engaging with the community is essential, as trustees should listen to parents, teachers, and students to make informed decisions. Additionally, they must support educators and staff, advocate for fair and effective policies, and foster a safe and inclusive learning environment. Above all, a trustee must act in the best interests of students, prioritizing their educational outcomes over personal or political agendas.
I would like to leave a legacy of equity, empowerment, and community engagement within our school district. My goal is to create an educational environment where every student feels valued, supported, and equipped to succeed, regardless of their background. I want to be remembered for advocating for policies that prioritize mental health resources, promote inclusivity, and ensure access to quality education for all students, including those from marginalized communities.
I also hope to foster a strong sense of community involvement, encouraging parents, educators, and local organizations to collaborate in shaping the educational landscape. By building these partnerships, I aim to create a sustainable framework that supports students’ academic and emotional growth.
Ultimately, I want my legacy to reflect a commitment to creating a school district that not only addresses current challenges but also prepares future generations to thrive in an ever-changing world. I aspire to inspire others to continue the work of advocating for students, fostering a culture of compassion and understanding, and striving for excellence in education. I won spelling bee in 3rd grade I was 8 years old. I remembered because I couldn't speak English, I was an ESL student it took me 2 years to learn and master the language.
Cashier at Wendy's , 7 months
I am not your perfect Mexican Daughter
What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger!!
One significant struggle in my life has been navigating the challenges of advocating for myself and others in various educational settings. There have been times when I encountered barriers due to systemic issues, whether related to policy, resources, or support for students and families. These experiences have taught me the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Through these struggles, I have learned to harness my voice and effectively advocate for change, whether it's pushing for equitable resources, mental health support, or inclusive policies. This journey has deepened my understanding of the challenges many students and families face, and it has fueled my passion for making a difference in education. While it hasn’t always been easy, overcoming these obstacles has shaped my commitment to advocacy and inspired me to work towards creating a more equitable and supportive educational environment for all.
The primary job of a school board member is to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education by setting policies, overseeing the budget, and holding the district leadership accountable. A trustee must advocate for students, teachers, and families, making decisions that support educational equity and success. Financial stewardship is also crucial—ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively to enhance learning environments and provide necessary resources.
Additionally, a board member must engage with the community, listen to concerns, and foster transparency in decision-making. They should prioritize policies that promote student achievement, teacher support, and safe, inclusive schools. Ultimately, the role is about leadership, oversight, and advocacy, always putting students first while ensuring that the district operates with integrity and efficiency.
As a candidate for Humble ISD Trustee, my constituents are the students, parents, teachers, school staff, and taxpayers within the district. My primary responsibility is to advocate for students’ educational success, ensuring they have access to quality learning opportunities, equitable resources, and a safe, inclusive environment. Parents and families are also key constituents, as they deserve transparency, engagement, and a voice in their children's education.
Supporting the diverse needs of Humble ISD’s students, faculty, staff, and community requires a commitment to equity, inclusion, and engagement. I would advocate for policies that ensure all students have access to quality education, including expanding bilingual and ESL programs, increasing special education resources, and promoting culturally responsive teaching.
Building strong relationships with the broader community requires active engagement, transparency, and collaboration with key stakeholders. I will prioritize regular communication with parents, teachers, students, and local leaders through town halls, community forums, and direct outreach. Specifically, I will target parent organizations and PTAs to ensure families have a voice in decisions affecting their children, as well as teachers and school staff associations to support educators with fair policies and resources.
Good teaching is characterized by several key elements, including effective communication, adaptability, and a deep understanding of student needs. It involves creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel safe to express themselves and take risks in their learning. Good teachers employ a variety of instructional strategies that engage students, promote critical thinking, and foster collaboration. They also provide timely feedback and encourage self-reflection, helping students take ownership of their learning
I see several areas where expanding the curriculum would greatly benefit students and prepare them for future success. First, there is a significant need for advanced technical training and apprenticeships that align with the demands of today’s job market. By partnering with local businesses and industry leaders, we can create programs that offer hands-on experience in fields such as information technology, healthcare, and skilled trades, providing students with valuable skills and direct pathways to employment.
Additionally, I would advocate for the integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education throughout the curriculum, emphasizing creativity and innovation alongside technical skills. This could include project-based learning opportunities, robotics clubs, and coding classes, which can engage students and prepare them for careers in rapidly evolving industries.
Furthermore, I would like to see the expansion of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs that help students develop critical life skills, such as resilience, empathy, and effective communication. This can be integrated into existing curricula and extracurricular activities to promote holistic development.
Finally, I would promote culturally relevant education that reflects our diverse student population, ensuring that all students see themselves represented in the curriculum and understand the contributions of various cultures. By advancing these innovative programs, we can create a more comprehensive, engaging, and relevant educational experience for all students. , I would advocate for equitable funding at the state and local levels, working to ensure that our district receives its fair share of resources. This includes collaborating with other districts to push for legislative changes that prioritize education funding and equitable distribution of resources.
Second, I would engage with the community to build support for local funding initiatives, such as bond measures or tax propositions that can provide essential funding for infrastructure, technology, and educational programs. Hosting informational sessions and community forums can help educate the public on the importance of funding for our schools.
Third, I would explore partnerships with local businesses and organizations to create sponsorships and grant opportunities. By actively seeking out grants from foundations and government programs focused on education, we can supplement our funding and support innovative projects.
Additionally, I would advocate for effective budget management within the district, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently to meet the most pressing needs of our schools and students. Regularly reviewing budget priorities and involving educators and community members in budget discussions can foster transparency and trust.
By combining these strategies—advocacy, community engagement, partnerships, and efficient resource management—we can work towards securing the necessary funding to support our schools and enhance educational opportunities for all students. The principles that drive my policies for safety in schools include proactive prevention, comprehensive planning, community involvement, and continuous improvement. I believe in implementing preventative measures that address potential safety issues before they arise, such as enhancing mental health support services and promoting a positive school culture that fosters respect and inclusivity. Comprehensive planning is essential, involving the development of clear protocols for various emergency situations and ensuring all staff and students are trained on these procedures. Engaging parents, students, and community stakeholders in safety discussions fosters open communication and collaboration, creating a shared understanding of safety concerns. Additionally, I advocate for the continuous improvement of safety policies through regular reviews, ongoing staff training, and learning from incidents to enhance our responses and preventive measures. By grounding safety policies in these principles, we can create a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and socially.
To support the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff, I would advocate for the expansion of mental health resources within our schools by hiring additional counselors and mental health professionals to ensure everyone has access to support when needed. I believe in implementing programs that promote mental wellness, such as mindfulness practices, stress management workshops, and resilience training, to help create a positive school environment and provide valuable coping strategies.
I also prioritize professional development for educators and staff on mental health awareness and intervention techniques, enabling them to recognize signs of distress and provide appropriate support to students. Encouraging open discussions about mental health is crucial to reducing stigma and fostering a more supportive atmosphere. Additionally, I would work to establish strong partnerships with community organizations and mental health agencies to provide additional resources and referrals for students and families in need. By focusing on these initiatives, I can help ensure that the mental health needs of our entire school community are addressed and supported.
First, I would advocate for changes to policies related to discipline and behavioral management. Implementing restorative justice practices can create a more supportive environment that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, helping students learn from their mistakes and reintegrate into the school community.
Second, I would push for the development of policies that promote mental health and well-being, ensuring that students and staff have access to necessary resources and support systems. This includes establishing clear guidelines for mental health education and increasing the availability of counseling services.
Additionally, I believe in implementing policies that enhance equity and inclusion, such as ensuring that all students have access to advanced coursework and extracurricular activities regardless of their background. This includes expanding support for bilingual education and special education programs to meet the diverse needs of our student population.
Finally, I would like to introduce policies that prioritize parent and community engagement in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in shaping the direction of our schools. By focusing on these areas, we can create a more equitable, supportive, and effective educational environment for all students. My ideal learning environment for students is one that is inclusive, engaging, and supportive, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging every student to thrive. This environment would feature flexible, adaptive spaces that accommodate various learning styles, including collaborative areas for group work, quiet zones for focused study, and technology-rich classrooms that enhance interactive learning.
A strong emphasis on culturally responsive teaching would ensure that the curriculum reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all students, promoting respect and understanding among peers. Social-emotional learning would be integrated into the daily routine, helping students develop resilience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills.
I believe our school district faced significant challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, and while many efforts were made to adapt and respond, there were areas that could have been improved. Overall, I appreciated the quick shift to remote learning and the efforts to provide resources for students and families. However, I feel that communication could have been more transparent and frequent to keep everyone informed about changes, safety protocols, and available support services.
In the future, I would prioritize a more comprehensive approach to crisis management, including developing clear contingency plans for various scenarios. Engaging stakeholders—such as parents, students, teachers, and health experts—in the decision-making process would help ensure that diverse perspectives are considered. Additionally, I would advocate for investing in mental health resources and support systems to address the emotional and psychological impacts of the pandemic on students and staff. By learning from our experiences, we can better prepare for any future challenges and ensure that our community remains resilient and supported.
To build a strong relationship with parents in the district, I will prioritize open communication and active engagement. I plan to establish regular forums and town hall meetings where parents can voice their concerns, ask questions, and provide input on important issues. Creating a dedicated online platform for parents to access information, share feedback, and stay updated on district initiatives will also be essential.
I will encourage the formation of parent advisory committees to involve families in decision-making processes, ensuring their perspectives are valued and considered
My preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment focus on attracting diverse, qualified candidates who are committed to our students’ success and the values of our district. First, I would prioritize targeted outreach to universities and educator preparation programs, particularly those with strong diversity and inclusion initiatives, to attract candidates from various backgrounds.
Second, I would implement a comprehensive mentorship and induction program for new hires to provide support and guidance as they transition into our district. This program would focus on professional development, fostering a positive school culture, and retaining talent.
Financial transparency and government accountability are essential to building trust between public institutions and the communities they serve. Public funds must be managed responsibly, ensuring that every dollar spent directly benefits students, educators, and schools. Elected officials have a duty to operate with full transparency, making financial decisions openly and ensuring the public has access to clear, understandable reports on how funds are allocated.
Accountability means holding leadership to the highest ethical standards, making data-driven decisions, and avoiding conflicts of interest. It also requires actively engaging with the community, listening to concerns, and making sure policies are fair and effective. In education, this means ensuring funding is equitably distributed, prioritizing classroom needs, and preventing waste or mismanagement. As a trustee, I would advocate for stronger oversight, regular public reporting, and clear, ethical financial practices that put students and educators first.
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See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 24, 2025
