Board Spotlight: Dr. Staci Barker

In 2019, I was preparing to remarry and combine two households, and with that came a decision about where to live. And the number one question that follows where to live is, "How are the schools?" I had an incoming 4th grader, and when I did my research, I saw the strong academic reputation Lewisville ISD. But in choosing a school for my daughter, I wanted more than a strong transcript. I wanted a place where curiosity is encouraged and where adults look a student in the eye and say, “Try it. We’ll help you grow.” I took a leap of faith, moved to Flower Mound, and trusted the reputation. And in LISD I found exactly what I was looking for—rigorous classrooms paired with thriving extracurriculars, coaches who show up early, teachers who stay late, directors who find potential, and communities that cheer when students step into their best selves.

My daughter has tried a little bit of everything: she sang in choir for a time, took a CTE course in middle school, now swims early mornings, plays water polo with fierce joy, and tackles AP Chemistry with real curiosity. LISD has let her explore all of those sides of herself without forcing her into one box. She can practice laps before school, study for an AP exam in the afternoon, and still come home knowing she belongs to teams and classrooms that celebrate her wins and teach her resilience. She's seen principals, district leaders, school board members, and even the superintendent show up to events and cheer loudly with parents and other fans in the stands.

Even before joining the board, I served as an educator and saw firsthand how the adults around students shape futures. I’ve coached teams of learners, collaborated with teachers to design meaningful experiences, and worked to connect classrooms with families and community partners. Serving on the board is an extension of that work—a chance to protect the pathways adults build for kids so every student has the opportunity to discover what lights them up. I choose to serve, to show up for our students, families, staff, and the community, upholding the reputation of excellence in our district and providing the resources for every student to find their passion. Showing up for me means in the board room of course, but also in the classroom, in the theater, on the field, and even in the pool, yes, all the way in the pool, celebrating one of our school's state water polo win.

We must keep investing in the whole child—academically, artistically, and athletically—so Lewisville ISD remains the clear choice for families seeking opportunity and belonging. When budgets tighten, programs that ignite a student’s passion are often at risk. Continue speaking up about the strengths of public education, continue attending student events, and continue thanking the teachers, coaches, and staff who give their evenings and weekends so kids can thrive. I am especially thankful, in this month of gratitude, for every teacher, coach, and staff member who has poured into my own daughter.

Seeing students do what they love fills my bucket—especially when it’s my own child finding her way. That’s why I send her here, and that’s why I serve. Join me in showing up for our children and for the adults who make LISD exceptional.