Board Spotlight: Dr. Sheila Taylor

I still remember the moment my daughter – now a high school sophomore – walked into kindergarten. In my mind, she was still that premature baby weighing less than three pounds, surrounded by monitors and machines in the NICU. She had spent her early years with a nanny and later at a top local childcare center known for its exceptional programs and curriculum. So the thought of her starting public school in LISD felt both exciting and terrifying. Mostly terrifying.

From the moment we walked into Valley Ridge Elementary, my fears began to fade. What we found wasn’t just a school; it was a family. The environment was welcoming and nurturing, and most importantly, my daughter was genuinely excited to go to school every day.

I didn’t let her take that first step alone. Valley Ridge embraced my partnership by welcoming me as room mom for her kindergarten class and inviting me to share lunch with her each year. As she grew more independent, I learned to step back and transitioned from a helicopter parent to a proud observer. I knew she was safe, and she was supported every step of the way.

Along the journey, I found teachers who believed in her, encouraged her, challenged her, and gave her a voice. She discovered passions for sports, music, art, science, history, and English and even learned to like math! She gained lifelong friendships and confidence in herself. Watching her academic and personal growth through middle school and now into high school has been nothing short of incredible.

That experience is why I chose LISD. And it’s why I continue to choose it year after year for my family. Somewhere, a parent to an almost kindergartner is likely reading this, or you may be a parent to a middle-schooler or even a high-schooler. Take it from me, choose LISD – you will not be sorry. I am happy to be an LISD parent and blessed to give back as an LISD Board member.