District News

Today is the first day for candidates to file for a school board member seat on the Waco ISD school board. Both District 4 and District 5 seats will be on the May 3 ballot. Local realtor, Jonathan Grant, currently holds the District 4 seat, and former school administrator, Jim Patton, fills the District 5 seat.

Grant announced he would not seek a third term. 

“It has been a joy to be able to serve the district I love these last three years. While I had intended to serve three terms for a total of 9 years, I’m confident it is time for me to not run for reelection and make way for our next leaders,” Grant said. 

“We have been able to accomplish a majority of the tasks that motivated me to run for this role: bringing stability to the board in very challenging times, building the schools our students deserve, reuniting all Waco ISD schools under district operations, navigating the state’s unfunded and oppressive mandates, supporting Dr. Kincannon’s work to create necessary systems, and hiring the right leader for the next part of our district’s journey.

“While the road to this decision was challenging, I am very much at peace. I am ramping up my real estate career and am certain I cannot give this role the attention it demands. The days ahead are as pivotal as the days I’ve served. I am more than confident that the next trustee from District 4 will do an extraordinary job. I will always be grateful for the trust the people of Waco ISD placed in me.”

Waco ISD School Board President Stephanie Korteweg commended Grant on his service to both students and staff.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jonathan Grant for his dedicated service as a school board member. Though his tenure was only three years, his accomplishments have been remarkable and transformative,” Korteweg said. “Under his leadership, the district witnessed the construction of new school buildings, the implementation of librarians on each campus, and an unwavering focus on literacy as a top priority. Jonathan’s steadfast support for staff and administration has resulted in meaningful contributions that will benefit not only the current students and staff but also future generations. We are deeply thankful for his service and could not have asked for a better colleague to serve alongside on the board.”

Information on filing for a Waco ISD school board position is available on the district’s website at https://www.wacoisd.org/board/election-information/may-3-2025. The deadline to file is 5 p.m. on February 14, 2025.