A 19-year-old college freshman is running for the Garland school board in a district that has not had a contested race in nearly a decade.
Lawrence B. Jones, who graduated from Garland High School in May, is campaigning to go back to the Garland Independent School District as a school trustee.
"I really do think it's time for a new generation of leadership," he said.
Jones is a freshman at the University of North Texas, where he is double-majoring in political science and criminal justice.
"I offer a new perspective of what's going on in the district," he said. "I also have a lot of enthusiasm, and I really know what the kids are going through today."
Jones served as the youngest student advocate for Garland ISD and was once the Garland youth mayor and a Texas junior senator.
His opponent, Steve Knagg, said experience is the most important.
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Knagg has lived in Garland for more than 50 years, 30 of which he worked in the school district's communication department.
"I've been through this district as a student, as a parent, as an employee and now as a grandparent, so I think I have long years of experience that will help the kids here," he said.
Both are pounding the pavement for Place 6. School board members serve three-year terms with no limits.
Both candidates said school funding is their top priority.
"It's a tough budget time right now, and I think that's where we need to put our emphasis for years to come," Knagg said.
Jones said bullying, an issue he takes to heart, is also a priority.
"Bullying was little bit different back in the day than it is now and so, when it comes to policy, I want to make sure we're setting policy that is up-to-date," he said.
Early voting starts April 30 at City Hall. Election Day is May 12. Place 7 is also open on the school board. Garland residents Rick Lambert, Charles Axe and Marcus Hood are running for that seat.
