Natashia Gerald: Dallas ISD District 5 trustee candidate

Leading up to the May 3 election, Dallas Free Press is asking questions and publishing answers from the three Dallas ISD District 5 trustee candidates, one of whom will represent West Dallas. Find more information on 42-year-old Natashia Gerald and other candidates, plus where and when to vote, in our Dallas Voter Guide.

Where do you live, and how long have you lived there?

I have lived in the Glendale Heights neighborhood since I was a child. This is my family home that I returned to in 2023.

Did you grow up in Dallas? Where did you live previously?

Yes, I grew up in Oak Cliff and went to DISD schools.

Tell us about your family.

I have one amazing daughter, 19. She also attended DISD schools and now attends the University of Houston. My family is supportive of me expanding my advocacy through the role of Trustee.

Have you run for office previously, whether for this seat or others?

No.

What is the main reason you are running for this seat at this time?

I embrace this journey, not as an individual seeking power, but as someone deeply committed to a cause greater than myself — the future of our children. The time is now for a bold leader who will prioritize the needs of students above all else, someone who will not compromise in making decisions rooted in what’s best for our kids, especially those from historically underserved communities.

What is one thing that needs to change in West Dallas schools, and what policy(ies) will you create or activate to make that happen?

As a grassroots leader, I’ve consistently advocated for schools across District 5 and have identified recurring issues, such as delays and discrepancies in completing construction projects as promised in previous bond packages and the need to maintain safe learning environments. As Trustee, I will work to develop and activate a practical, district-level disciplinary and safety policy and initiate a forensic audit to review past bond and maintenance expenditures.

What is one thing that needs to stay the same or be preserved in West Dallas schools, and what policy(ies) will you create or activate to make that happen?

I believe that the culture and rich histories of our communities and schools need to be preserved. I would activate a plan to streamline District and local policies to ensure consistency in processes— specifically related to the naming/re-naming of schools and ensure proper and sufficient community input is defined, required and substantiated.

What other community and civic roles have you held in Dallas, especially in West Dallas? [We asked candidates to list up to 10 roles.]

• President, South Oak Cliff Alumni Bear Cave Leadership ISD
• Chair of Serve Pillar, Mayor’s Star Council (Engage Dallas)
• Director of Advocacy, Outreach Ministries International
• Chair of Parent Advocacy, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters
• Chair of Artist and Talent Relations, Dallas Riverfront Jazz Festival
• Public Safety Advisory Committee
• Site Based Decision Making Committee(s):
  • Chair, South Oak Cliff High School
  • Member, Townview School of Business Management

What is the job of a Dallas ISD trustee?

The role of a Dallas ISD Trustee is integral to the success of the district as Trustees provide leadership, financial oversight, strategic planning, and advocacy to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education. Simply put, the role of a Trustee includes hiring/firing the Superintendent, setting and implementing the District’s vision and goals through policy, approving the District’s annual budget and providing financial oversight and working collaboratively to champion the vision of the communities they serve.

How will you approach this job on a day-to-day basis?

As a Trustee, I am committed to continuing this work by leveraging my experience and insights to support the district’s mission and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Through collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on student-centered policies, I will continue to advocate for effective programs and practices that meet the diverse needs of our students and strengthen our entire community as represented in D5.

If you lose, would you be willing to serve as an appointee to a Dallas ISD task force or commission?

Yes

If you win, would you be willing to appoint your fellow candidates to a Dallas ISD task force or commission?

Yes

What is one thing that distinguishes you from your fellow candidates?

I take great pride in being a bold advocate for all students of Dallas ISD, particularly within District 5 and the southern sector of Dallas. Since the age of 19, I have been laser-focused on closing achievement gaps in at-risk, underserved, and underrepresented communities, while driving positive change in District 5 schools. For over 20 years, I have championed education initiatives that empower youth and address the broader needs of my community and the Dallas metroplex.

Throughout this time, I have spent countless hours engaging with families, educators, district administrators, and experts in education to communicate priorities and help develop effective, sustainable solutions to the challenges students face—both inside and outside the classroom. My advocacy and strategic insight and expertise have led to tangible, positive results for Dallas ISD. For example, I partnered with the district to revamp its Homeless Education Program (HEP), created a compelling business case that resulted in the addition of the creation of a new role and multiple new positions, and helped align District-level partnerships and resources initially secured to support campuses I serve.

Additionally, I have worked closely with the current District 5 Trustee to analyze data, craft solutions, and maintain strong lines of communication with the community and key stakeholders. I’ve developed and sustained meaningful relationships with District and campus leaders, elected and appointed officials, and other community partners. Together, we have addressed and mitigated a wide range of issues—systemic, emerging, campus-based, academic, social, and environmental—that affect students and families across the district.

Importantly, I have not received compensation through paid contracts or board appointments. My work has been a labor of love and a reflection of my deep belief that every child deserves access to a quality education and the support systems necessary to thrive.

As Trustee, my commitment to our students and community will remain unwavering. Keeping our kids at the forefront, I will continue working to build a holistic ecosystem of support for students, educators, and families — championing policies and aligning resources that foster innovation and implement programmatic solutions to drive academic success across District 5 and all of Dallas ISD.

Is there anything we haven’t asked that voters should know?

[Gerald did not provide an answer.]

Natashia Gerald can be reached at 214.450.3607 or gerald4dallasisd@gmail.com. Her campaign website is gerald4dallasisd.com.

Dallas Free Press requested answers to these questions from all candidates for Dallas ISD District 5 and published the responses we’ve received. Find other candidate responses, forums and resources related to the Dallas ISD District 5 election here. Find all voter resources at dallasfreepress.com/vote.