Dear Plano ISD Community,

I've long had a passion and commitment for public education and the benefits it brings to individuals and to our society. Plano ISD is rich with history and a legacy of excellence. Our community is known nationwide as one that values public education and I'm proud to call Plano home.

In 2015, our family moved back to Plano after living in Brooklyn, NY for seven years. My husband, Jason, grew up in Plano and is a graduate of Plano ISD schools. We were drawn back to Plano by its excellent schools for our two kids, Elliot and Stella, to grow and learn.

My passion for public education drove me to volunteer roles in the PTA at Hickey Elementary. I ran the Chess Club and helped with the Silent Auction. I was excited to engage our families and make the elementary school a focal point for our community. I was elected to serve as PTA President from 2017 to 2019. I'm fulfilled knowing our PTA's efforts led to becoming a National PTA School of Excellence.

As a PTA President for a local Plano ISD school, I attended Plano ISD Council of PTAs delegate meetings. I was asked to serve on the Executive Board and was elected as Secretary in 2018. After serving in that position for two years, I was honored to be elected as Plano ISD Council of PTAs President from 2020-2022.

Serving as president supporting seventy PTAs during the pandemic was quite an experience! I embraced my role and established relationships with district administration, campus administration, teachers, staff and PTAs. I led with humility, honesty, and humor.

I've been asked over the years, what is my PTA "why"? For me it's simple. I dedicate my time and energy to the PTA because I want to build a stronger and more connected community. I believe in the mission of PTA to help each child reach their full potential.

As Council President I joined the Plano ISD Education Board of Directors for two years as a Liaison for PTA. I applied and was accepted to stay on as a Board of Director in 2022 for this school year.

I'm currently involved with Hickey Elementary PTA, 2022-23 Treasurer; Bowman Middle School PTA, 2022-23 Programs Chair; and Plano ISD Council of PTAs, 2022-23 Advocacy Chair.

I'm in Leadership Plano Class 39 (the best class ever!) and will graduate this May.

Through my 7 years of serving in volunteer leadership roles in the PTA and the Education Foundation, I've built strong relationships throughout Plano ISD with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the broader community. I've gained the hands-on experience of bringing people together from diverse backgrounds and points of view. I genuinely believe there is more we all have in common than our differences.

I'm running for Plano ISD Board of Trustees, Place 4 because I want to continue the vision I've been working on since my first days volunteering. I will actively listen and seek out differing points of view to make sure I represent everyone in Plano ISD. I will work tirelessly every day to sustain and improve upon the excellence of Plano ISD.

How do you know I'll do these things as your next Trustee? Because I've proven my commitment to Plano ISD and public education for years and will never stop doing so.

I ask for your vote for Place 4 of the Plano ISD Board of Trustees and promise to bring my years of hands on experience as a public education leader to the awesome responsibility of guiding our school district through the coming years.

Sincerely,
Tarrah Lantz
Candidate for Plano ISD Board of Trustees, Place 4