2026 Texas General Election

Stephanie Rodriguez-Barnett

Alejandra Gracias

Where I’m from: Dallas, Texas and I've lived in the Austin area since 2007

Stephanie Rodriguez-Barnett - Manor Independent School District

My degree is in criminal justice, and I am working on an initiative with Travis County Juvenile Probation to serve our student population that is part of their caseload. This is a very personal to me and my effort to use my education and expertise to minimize the school to prison pipeline now that MISD has a police department.

tmj_305482_prep_20221020153224638.pdf

I have experience with special education services as two of my children have received 504 and IEP services. My kids are on multiple campuses which is a natural way to learn of continuous improvement opportunities. I also have a good working relationships staff across the district.

My Why (why I choose to serve my community as a board member): As a parent of children in MISD, I had a desire to become an advocate for our students, parents, teachers, and community. My decisions are filtered through the lens of, "every child, every day," how does this impact scholars and how will it help them and the district move forward?

Stephanie Rodriguez-Barnett is from Dallas, Texas, and has lived in the Austin area since 2007. She has a degree in criminal justice. She is a parent of children in Manor Independent School District, two of whom have received services under Section 504 and individualized education programs.

Meet the Board - Manor Independent School District

In my twenty plus year career I’ve worked with executives in many sectors to run successful companies. As a Director of Operations, I am responsible for systems, processes, people, managing and reporting key metrics. The most important part of my job is the people component as I work across departments to affect change.

I also have a good working relationships staff across the district.
I’m a homeschool teacher. We made the tough decision to pull our eldest from MISD because his educational and mental health needs weren’t being met.

Stephanie Rodriguez-Barnett works as a director of operations and as a homeschool teacher.

Voters living in Manor’s Exterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) neighborhoods could vote for Manor ISD Board of Trustees. Place 1 Candidate Stephanie Rodriguez-Barnett won the Place 1 position since she received 57.5% or 6,815 votes while Candidate Coretta Bell received 42.4% or 4,945 votes.

The Manor Journal — November 11, 2022 (PDF)

Stephanie Rodriguez-Barnett
Board of Trustees Vice President | Place 1 | Term Expires 2026

Stephanie was elected to Place 1 on the Manor Independent School District Board of Trustees in 2022.

As of September 21, 2026, Stephanie Rodriguez-Barnett’s website did not contain information on this issue.

School Curriculum

Plans to build partnerships with local businesses and city leaders to connect students with employment and career opportunities.

I have worked with the Manor PD to ensure they are aware of my son’s unique way processing information. I have collaborated with the Manor Special Education department on ways to connect with the Travis County Workforce to ensure scholars in the 18+ program have access to summer employment. I will continue to work to build bridges in the community for all families.

I would like to see the district partner with local businesses and city leaders to identify opportunities for our scholars so that when they are ready to graduate and or exit the program, they have skills that will allow them to contribute to their community.
The budget must be evaluated to provide technology in the classrooms, professional development and access to industry professionals that can support our educators and scholars.

Calls for evaluating the district budget to provide classroom technology, professional development, and access to industry professionals.

School Facilities & Resources

Supports school safety measures and student mental and emotional health services, with community input in developing and implementing solutions.

What is one aspect that you believe the current school board is doing well that you would want to continue?
In response to safety concerns, the board has done an amazing job focusing on the safety of our scholars, educators, and administrators. From the installation of door security, establishing and enforcing campus entry and a focus on the mental and emotional health of our scholars, the Board as exhibited a high degree of concern for the safety of the community. This is a very strong area that I feel can be enhanced by ensuring the voices of the entire community are heard and considered when making and implementing solutions.

Plans to work with Travis County Juvenile Probation on an initiative for students on its caseload to minimize the school-to-prison pipeline.

Plans to expand Watch D.O.G.S. to all campuses to provide student role models, enhance security, and reduce bullying.

This year my husband is kicking off Watch D.O.G.S. at two campuses and I, too, am a Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer. My goal is to have Watch D.O.G.S. on all campuses as this program provides positive role models for our students and provides extra sets of eyes and ears on campuses to enhance school security and reduces bullying.

Student Wellbeing

Believes teacher retention requires supportive working conditions, including clear communication, functional technology, classroom resources, and professional development.

Teacher retention begins with the employee experience, from onboarding, daily interactions, clear expectations, communication, working technology, meeting teacher needs in the classroom, providing teachers with the opportunity to breathe, to decompress as well as fill their cup and includes supporting our personal learning journey as part of their professional development plan.

Proposes a platform for educators with diverse backgrounds and experience to have their views heard and considered.

It is critically important that we take care of our educators, so they have the space and support to take care of our scholars. I would like to build a platform for educators where their voices are heard and considered. This can consist of diverse (demographics, tenure, and experience) educators that represent the Place 1 Manor ISD Board of Trustees
Stephanie Rodriguez-Barnett

Proposes an Employee Net Promoter Score survey to confidentially assess employee views and identify areas for district improvement.

I’ve worked with business leaders to implement Employee Net Promoter Scores (ENPS) that grade how well an employer is doing at serving their employees. Implementing an ENPS would provide a safe, confidential and wholistic view of how teachers and employees feel as well as provide actionable areas for improvement for the district.

Plans to work with fellow trustees to create a teacher-retention task force that includes broad participation.

I’d also work with fellow board members to create a retention taskforce to ensure everyone has a seat at the table for this important discussion. If we as a board, district and community have learned anything from covid, it is that we are strong, can adapt and solve unique challenges. Teacher retention is our time to rise to the occasion together for both our teachers and students.

Teachers

Advocates for equitable access to quality education, including expanded support to address gaps in special education services.

As a mother of a neurodivergent scholar attending the Manor 18+ program, it is important that the definition of equity is expanded to include scholars that process and express information in different ways. I am an advocate for ensuring all scholars have equitable access to a quality education that will support their journey outside of high school whether that be college or career.

I am an advocate for ensuring all scholars have equitable access to a quality education that will support their journey outside of high school whether that be college or career. While the district is working to enhance the Special Needs program, I want to expand and continue the effort to shore up any gaps in that area. I want to ensure all scholars, parents, and caregivers feel supported and comforted knowing they are valued, and their concerns are being addressed.

Calls for a clear vision for special education programs and frequent educator training to improve access for neurodivergent students.

What is one aspect that you believe should modified/deleted?
I will reference my response in question two. The definition of equitable education and access to opportunity must be addressed for our neurodivergent community. This starts with a clear vision for the program. It continues with consistent and frequent educator training and support.

Access to Education

- A trustee is an elected member of a local school board who helps govern a public school district.

- Trustees represent community interests and are responsible for setting policies that guide how the school district operates.

- The board of trustees hires and evaluates the superintendent, who manages the day-to-day operations of the district.

- Trustees approve the district’s budget, monitor spending, and may set the local tax rate or call for bond elections to fund schools.

- The board also oversees educational programs, district goals, and overall performance.

- In Texas, trustees are elected to four-year terms, often on a rotating basis, so not all seats are elected at the same time.

- Trustees serve without financial compensation.

An official who sets policy for a local school district. 