Vandalism and Political Tensions Mark Round Rock ISD School Board Race

The Round Rock ISD school board election is currently ongoing, and despite the fact that it is less controversial than the previous one, tensions are still high. Residents have reported that candidate signs have been vandalized, displaying symbols and messages that they find alarming. On October 18, Manya Blaisdell, a mother of two in the district, discovered that her yard signs had been defaced when she awoke.. Blaisdell perceived the graffiti as an attack on her family's Jewish heritage, with messages such as "FU" and symbols like the hammer and sickle, as well as a Star of David.

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In contrast to the 2022 election, in which the far-right "One Family" slate unsuccessfully endeavored to alter the board's course, this year's campaign does not include as many overt culture-war candidates. Nevertheless, candidates like Estevan "Chuy" Zárate and Melissa Ross continue to encounter indirect opposition from right-wing activists. Blaisdell, a proponent of public education, endorses Access Education's candidates and opposes those she perceives as "stealth" conservatives, who may share the views of the far-right but are less vocal.

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Additionally, the board is confronted with a $1 billion bond proposal that is intended to enhance school facilities. Ross and Wei are in favor of this proposal, while certain conservative board members are opposed. Blaisdell, who has adopted the practice of acknowledging voters at the polls, expressed optimism that the election will restore stability to the school board and facilitate more consistent discussions.

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