By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

Tonya Petix, 37, a Realtor and investor, is investing in the future of education.

A candidate for the unexpired term of Place 4 on the Port Neches-Groves ISD Board of Trustees, Petix said children are the reason she wants to run.

“First and foremost, for children, including my own children, and the future of schools. I feel the future of our children in our district depends on a good strong leadership background,” Petix said.

“I would like to be a part. I feel like I can continue and contribute to the tradition of excellence. I also would like to assist in the bond implementation,” Petix said.

She said “a lot of voters” believe the district’s previous bond did not go “as smoothly as possible” and called herself a concerned parent.

Budget issues and employee benefits are also concerns for her.

“Teachers are on hand in the classroom making a difference in the future and they need quality in their pay,” Petix said.

New residents want to see continued excellence in academics and sports, Petix added.

A Port Neches Groves High and Lamar University graduate, Petix has two children in the district, Michael and Brandon. She is married to Mike Petix, who ran unsuccessfully last year for the same position on the board.

“I have also worked with the district as a substitute teacher. She said her leadership as PTA president and American Business Women’s Association president and serving on the Port Neches Planning and Zoning Commission are other qualifications.

She is a 1992 graduate of Lamar University and her activities have included serving as Ridgewood Elementary PTA as a former president and current vice president; PTA work at Port Neches Middle School and Port Neches Elementary; serving on the Port Neches Splash Park and RiverFest committees; membership in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, serving as the former board director of Port Neches Little League and serving as the associate director of the Miss Port Neches Pageant. Petix is an associate member of the Southeast Texas A&M Club.

Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com.