What happened: Karl Boroski and La’Toya Mayberry participated in the Basin PBS debate for Midland ISD District 5 on Oct. 13. Nickolas Jasso was absent because of a scheduling conflict. Moderators read his opening statement.

Boroski emphasized better overall school performance to boost attendance and superintendent accountability.  Mayberry focused on early increased spending, education, and identifying learning needs.

Here are the biggest differences between the candidates:

Question: What is MISD’s most pressing challenge?

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  • Boroski said hunger and behavior must be addressed before expecting better academic results. He urged action on students’ immediate needs.
  • Mayberry emphasized early education and identifying learning gaps before children reach tested grades.

Question: How would you evaluate academic progress and support teachers?

  • Boroski called for superintendent accountability. He questioned whether Midland should accept a C rating and wanted clearer communication with teachers.
  • Mayberry welcomed the C as progress. She proposed studying successful schools and seeking teachers’ advice.

Question: How would you attract and retain teachers?

  • Boroski called for reviewing pay and benefits. He also proposed mentors to improve classroom behavior.
  • Mayberry emphasized safety, appreciation and school visits to hear teachers’ concerns.

Question: How would you balance responsible spending with classroom investment?

  • Boroski put students and classrooms first. He called for transparent spending and seeking financial advice when needed.
  • Mayberry proposed checking available funding and reviewing each budget item for its classroom benefit.

Question: How would you separate board oversight from administration?

  • Boroski said trustees must stay involved throughout the month. Supporting and evaluating the superintendent requires more than attending meetings.
  • Mayberry said trustees set direction while the superintendent manages daily operations. Concerns should follow that chain of responsibility.

Question: How would you build trust during disagreements?

  • Boroski emphasized keeping students first, solving problems and listening to community advice.
  • Mayberry proposed constituent meetings three times a year and explaining the board’s decisions.

Question: How would you strengthen community partnerships?

  • Boroski pointed to donations supporting his organization’s meals and lunch debt programs. He said visible results encourage giving. He also warned that some students avoid alternate meals because of embarrassment.
  • Mayberry cited her board relationships. She defended MISD’s feeding efforts and noted restrictions on nutrition spending.

Question: How would you improve reading and math?

  • Boroski questioned advancing students who still cannot read well. He called for fixing those gaps before moving children forward.
  • Mayberry supported identifying disabilities, language barriers and missing skills. She also backed individual learning plans when needed.

Question: What academic targets would you set?

  • Boroski supported superintendent accountability while emphasizing meals and mentorship as ways to help students improve.
  • Mayberry wanted more schools to reach a B. She said teachers need resources to meet expectations.

Question: What improvement would you expect in elementary reading?

  • Boroski supported early intervention, summer programs and better access to books.
  • Mayberry proposed an initial 50 percent target in the proficiency measure she discussed. She wanted teachers involved in addressing barriers.

Question: How would you protect classrooms during budget cuts?

  • Boroski proposed recovering funding through attendance. He said a one percentage point improvement could bring about $1.7 million back to MISD.
  • Mayberry supported the funding lawsuit and reviewing spending with employees. She also wanted to investigate student departures.

Question: How would you improve taxpayers’ return on school spending?

  • Boroski said requests for more money bring a responsibility to demonstrate results.
  • Mayberry said Midland’s costs complicate district comparisons. She argued for more investment and stronger early education.

Question: Beyond pay, how would you support teachers?

  • Boroski proposed more mentors to teach manners and improve behavior. He emphasized preventing problems early.
  • Mayberry wanted teachers to feel safe giving feedback. She proposed asking directly what would make them stay.

Question: How would you strengthen early education and parent involvement?

  • Boroski supported preparing children before elementary school. He acknowledged Mayberry’s expertise in early education.
  • Mayberry proposed closer district relationships with early educators and clearer expectations for school readiness.

Question: How would you monitor campus improvement plans?

  • Boroski called for regular progress checks and staff support. He also defended bringing absent students back despite academic challenges.
  • Mayberry proposed forums and campus visits. She said schools need resources ready for returning students and clarified that all students should learn.

Question: How would you give underrepresented parents a voice?

  • Boroski said he had signed up to substitute teach. He planned a full day at every school before year’s end and visits to PTA meetings.
  • Mayberry proposed turning parent concerns into board agenda items so trustees could address them.

Question: Is the recapture lawsuit worth its legal costs?

  • Boroski said Midland should fight to retain local money. He questioned payments but acknowledged uncertainty about withholding them.
  • Mayberry supported continuing payments while pursuing the lawsuit. She said recovered funds could help classrooms and attendance.

What’s next: Early voting runs Oct. 19 through Oct. 30. Election Day is Nov. 3.