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Voters in Port Arthur Independent School District will have a chance to elect two people to serve as board trustees in the upcoming May 3 election. Early voting is from April 22 to April 29.

Currently there are three candidates, incumbents Jacori Narcisse and Kimberly Wycoff-Johnson, and newcomer Duante Grogan.

The three candidates took part in a Question and Answer session with Port Arthur Newsmedia. Here are their responses. 

 

Name: Jacori Narcisse

Age: 36

Occupation: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Political Experience: Currently serving as Secretary on the Port Arthur Independent School District Board of Trustees.

 

Q: What inspired you to run for office? 

A: I was inspired to run for office because I care deeply about the success of our students and the strength of our community. I previously worked in the school district as a substitute teacher. I am someone who works directly with individuals overcoming barriers, I understand how vital education is in shaping futures.

Q: What are the challenges facing Port Arthur ISD and how should they be addressed? 

A: One of the key challenges facing Port Arthur ISD is staffing shortages across various roles. These shortages can impact the quality of instruction, student support services, and day-to-day operations. To address this, we are actively developing and implementing innovative strategies to recruit and retain qualified staff.

Q:What is your platform? 

A: My platform is centered around creating a safe, supportive, and high- performing learning environment for all students. I am focused on strengthening school safety, increasing parental involvement, ensuring transparency in budgeting, hiring and retaining highly qualified educators, and providing meaningful professional development opportunities.

I am committed to:

• Ensuring a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically and emotionally.
• Promoting transparency and accountability in the district’s budgeting process to ensure resources are used effectively and equitably.
• Advocating for teacher support, including ongoing professional development, competitive compensation, and the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.
• Enhancing communication and engagement with families to foster strong school-community partnerships that support student success.

 

Name : Kimberly Wycoff-Johnson

Age : 39

Occupation : Process Operator & Entrepreneur’s 

Political experience, if any : 3 years as a PAISD School Board Trustee 

 

Q: What inspired you to run for office? 

A: Very simple, the LOVE for my city and the desire to see it progress in education for the children of our future.

Q: What are the challenges facing Port Arthur ISD and how should they be addressed?

A: Managing behavior and disruption within the classrooms on all grade levels. In this day and age children are totally different and just making sure that kids abide by the rules to ensure a great environment for all students to learn.  Also keeping the parents involved and having them work with us is one of the challenges we face. Of course it’s also no secret that getting educators is a challenge throughout our entire state. Making sure that we have competitive pay, sufficient training and incentives for them to stay with our district is always a work in progress. 

Q: What is your platform?

A: To continue to ask for accountability across the board for all administration and to continue to improve trust and support between the district, faculty, staff and the community ! Ensure that we are utilizing funds and resources as much as possible to improve curriculum, education and extra curricular for the betterment of all students 

 

Name: Duante Grogan

Age: 18

Occupation: Assistant Manager at Wienerschnitzel

Political experience, if any: Accomplished Member of Youth & Government; first-time candidate

 

Q: What inspired you to run for office?

A: Growing up in Port Arthur and attending several schools in the district from Wheatley to Woodrow Wilson I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and the promise of PAISD. I’m running for office because I believe young people like me need a seat at the table. I’ve spent my school years learning, serving, and leading in organizations like Youth & Government, the Memorial Marching Heat, and the Kingsmen Club. I’m not waiting for change ’m stepping up to be the change. This district raised me, and now it’s my turn to give back by helping every student reach their full potential.

 

Q: What are the challenges facing Port Arthur ISD and how should they be addressed?

A: One of the biggest challenges PAISD faces is making sure every student receives the support they need especially in reading, writing, and foundational skills. As a student intern, I’ve seen younger students who are still struggling to meet basic grade-level expectations. Our teachers are doing their best, but they need more help. That’s why I want to expand student support programs and create a district-wide tutoring system where high schoolers can volunteer to mentor elementary students. It builds leadership in older students and gives struggling students the one-on-one help they deserve. We also need to invest in mental health, after-school programs, and updated facilities to help every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

 

Q: What is your platform?

A: My campaign is rooted in the belief that leadership should LEAD—Listen, Expand, Advocate, and Develop.

• Listen: I will always listen to the concerns of students, parents, teachers, and staff.
• Expand: I want to expand opportunities in special education, tutoring, and student mentorship.
• Advocate: I will be a strong voice for policies that uplift and empower our district.
• Develop: I’m focused on developing the whole student and modernizing our schools to meet today’s needs.

This isn’t just a campaign, it’s a movement. I’m ready to help Port Arthur grow. Let’s #LeadTheGroganWay.