Harris County residents who care about the quality of local education will head to the polls on Nov. 3 to decide who will fill Place 7 on the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) board of trustees. The race pits Democratic incumbent Silvy Joshi‑Malik against Republican challenger Denise Dick. Both candidates answered a series of questions about their backgrounds, priorities and how they view the board’s role in supporting schools across the county.

What the HCDE Board Does

The HCDE board establishes policies that govern the department’s operations and elects the county superintendent, who serves as the chief executive officer. The board’s decisions affect everything from early‑childhood programs to adult‑education initiatives that serve the county’s 4.7 million residents. The board consists of seven members, three of whom hold at‑large seats that represent the entire county rather than a single precinct. Place 7 is one of those at‑large positions.

Candidate Backgrounds

Silvy Joshi‑Malik has served on the HCDE board since 2022. She emphasizes her experience working with local school districts and community organizations. Joshi‑Malik says her focus will remain on expanding access to high‑quality early‑learning programs, improving teacher recruitment, and ensuring that the department’s budget supports both urban and suburban schools.

Denise Dick is a longtime educator and former school‑board member in a neighboring district. She argues that the HCDE should prioritize fiscal responsibility, streamline administrative processes, and increase parental involvement in curriculum decisions. Dick also highlights her support for school‑choice options that give families more control over their children’s education.

Key Issues Highlighted by the Candidates

• Early‑Childhood Education: Joshi‑Malik wants to grow pre‑K enrollment and secure more funding for community‑based preschool sites. Dick agrees that early learning is important but stresses that programs must be cost‑effective and accountable.
• Teacher Recruitment and Retention: Both candidates acknowledge a statewide teacher shortage. Joshi‑Malik proposes scholarship incentives for new teachers, while Dick suggests performance‑based bonuses tied to student outcomes.
• Parental Rights: Dick frames parental involvement as a constitutional right, urging the board to adopt policies that give parents greater say in curriculum and school‑choice decisions. Joshi‑Malik supports parental input but cautions against politicizing classroom content.
• Fiscal Stewardship: Dick calls for a thorough review of the department’s expenditures, promising to eliminate wasteful spending. Joshi‑Malik counters that strategic investment is necessary to close achievement gaps and that cuts could harm vulnerable students.

How the Board Operates

Regular HCDE board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. in Room 401, 6300 Irvington Blvd., Houston. The meetings are open to the public, and agendas are posted on the department’s website. Residents can attend, submit comments, or watch the proceedings online.

What Voters Should Know

The Place 7 race is non‑partisan on the ballot, but the candidates’ party affiliations are public knowledge and shape their policy perspectives. Voters should consider how each candidate’s priorities align with their own views on education, fiscal responsibility, and parental involvement. The HCDE board’s decisions affect every school in Harris County, from elementary classrooms to adult‑education centers, making this election a key moment for local families.

Where to Find More Information

Voters can review each candidate’s official campaign website, read the full list of board meeting agendas, and contact the HCDE office for any questions about the election process. The Harris County Clerk’s office will provide polling locations and voting hours as the election approaches.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.