Three people — Andra Self, Stanley New and Robert Shy — are running for two seats on the Lufkin school board. Lufkin voters will pick the winners during a May 10 election; early voting is also being held Monday and Tuesday at the LISD Administration building downtown.

Here are short Q&As with each of the candidates:

Andra Self (incumbent)

My name is Andra Self, Director of Rehabilitation Services for Memorial Health System of East Texas — Inpatient Rehab Services and Outpatient Wilson McKewen Rehabilitation Center

Why did you choose to run for your district's school board?

I chose to run for LISD school board because I strongly believe in the public school process and based on my community, work, and personal experiences and ethics, I feel that I can help make an impact in providing a quality educational process for the kids we serve in this district. Lufkin is my hometown and as a former graduate of Lufkin High School, I am committed to ensuring that we continue to strive for the best educational system for all children in our community.

What makes you the most capable candidate?

I believe that I am a capable candidate because productive experience has been a plus in the LISD Board of Trustees' quest for continued excellence in LISD. During my tenure with the LISD board, the Team of 8 has worked harmoniously and has been able to work through issues and differences to enhance the district with continuous positive outcomes and achievements. My leadership skills include a thorough knowledge of school law, policies and procedures, processes and the ability to keep abreast of legislative issues and mandates that have a tremendous impact on the success of LISD in providing excellence in education.

What goals do you hope to reach if elected?

The primary goal I hope to reach if elected is the fulfillment of those goals and expectations set forth by the citizens of Lufkin in November with the passage of a $49.5 million bond issue for better schools, better education; and productive future citizens. Secondly, I would like to continue to represent LISD, the Lufkin community and Region 7 (which represents 96 school districts) as a TASB Board Director at the state level with the Texas Association of School Boards.

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Stanley New (incumbent)

My name is Stanley New, my age is 55, and I am Vice President and Trust Officer at First Bank & Trust East Texas, where I have worked for 17 years.

Why did you choose to run for your district's school board?

I recognize the extreme importance of public education in Lufkin in the life of each child and for the community as a whole. It is one of the basic institutions of our way of life, and education is critical in the preparation for the future of each child, not just academics, but the entire experience of their school years. I remain highly motivated to work with other board members and our superintendent to continuously improve our district, striving for excellence with the highest of expectations for each child. I have found the school board to be the best place for me to serve my community as it is compatible with my abilities and personality. It continues to be a fascinating, challenging and highly rewarding experience, being associated with the many great people involved in our schools, and participating in the preparation of our precious commodity, our children. I want to continue to make use of the experience and knowledge I have gained through my experience as a Board member.

What makes you the most capable candidate?

One of the most important traits for a successful board member is being able to work with others to reach consensus to make the very best decisions when faced with so many competing interests. I have demonstrated this ability, making balanced decisions which require common sense, good judgement and compassion for all the people involved. I have a compassionate, caring attitude toward the children in our district, and a concern for all our staff, parents, tax payers and community members. The experience and many hours of training give me a foundation and the knowledge to address the complexities of public education. I have also received the Schlechty Center training that our administrators, principals and many teachers have received to guide our efforts toward setting and reaching for goals to greatly improve district performance. With $49.5 million in bond projects to be completed, my experience and background help me support the efforts of our administration. It is important for board members to support and encourage our superintendent, and I strive to that as we work as a team. My enthusiasm, interest and participation in the board remain at high levels and I continually seek training, and read to keep abreast of educational efforts, and find new ideas for improvement in LISD.

What goals do you hope to reach if elected?

There is no higher goal than protecting our children and we will continually seek to make our schools safe places for everyone involved. We can never grow satisfied with where we are and we will continually work with the district staff to push toward excellence and enhance student performance, as a whole and for each individual child. I see us not just teaching subjects, but helping prepare each student for their future, helping them be ready for the next step in their life, whatever positive direction they choose. It is critical that we successfully complete the $49.5 million in bond construction projects, and maintain the excellent financial management of the district. It is only by doing that that we can maximize our effectiveness in all areas. Another important goal is to continue to improve communication throughout the district and community, and involve as many parents and community members as possible. I want us to do our best to prepare each student so that they will be able to go forward in life to successfully reach their own ambitions, and to equip them to know they have a great future ahead and have the tools to succeed. If we do these things, education will be a bright, shining star in Lufkin and a tremendous part of its future success. I want Lufkin to be deservedly proud of its school district and proud of its graduates.

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Robert Shy (challenger)

My name is Robert Shy, retail account executive with AT&T.

Why did you choose to run for your district's school board?

I am running for the LISD school board because I believe that the district needs to put more attention and focus on the challenges and solutions that are facing our minority and disadvantaged students. Until we meet their needs and get those students performing at a higher level, the district as a whole will never reach the highest level of achievement. I also think it is very valuable and important to have kids that will be students in the district over the next three years.

What makes you the most capable candidate?

I am the most capable candidate because I am the one who recognizes that we have some shortcomings we must correct and I will work hard to correct them. This is important because I have spent a lot of time in the schools over the past year and I see the struggles our children and teachers are having. I am also the candidate who is the most capable of bringing the community together to support our students in something other than athletics.

What goals do you hope to reach if elected?

My primary goals are to increase the quality of education and the expectations that we have for our students, to put more focus on academics instead of athletics and to have more parent involvement in our students' education.