With early voting beginning Monday for the December 11 runoff, Midland Independent School District trustee candidate Heidi Kirk will be entering the final leg of the race against Midland County Library Director John Trischitti III with two major endorsements for her candidacy.
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and Kirk’s former opponent, Thomas Wolfmueller, announced their endorsement of Kirk this past week.
“Heidi Kirk stands out as a candidate because of her willingness to think outside of the box when it comes to implementing measures that improve student outcomes, provide support for teachers, and further engage the community,” says TFR’s West Texas Bureau Chief Lauren Melear. “And with the crisis MISD faces regarding teacher retention, Kirk’s firsthand experience as a former teacher would be an asset to the board in facing those challenges.”
In expressing his support for Kirk, former candidate and local engineer Thomas Wolfmueller wrote in a letter to the Midland Reporter Telegram: “[Kirk] is a former teacher and that gives her a unique perspective to be able to support our teachers.” He went on to state: “I am supporting Heidi because she will bring a new, fresh perspective to the board, she will question, and she will not be a rubber-stamper.”
Kirk was the top vote-getter in the three-way race for Midland ISD District 5, receiving 2,551 votes in the general election. Trischitti received 2,053 and Wolfmueller received 2,009. The seat — which represents central-northeastern Midland — was vacated earlier in 2018 by Karen Nicholson. She retired after a 12-year tenure on the board. The district includes Early College High School, San Jacinto and Goddard Junior High Schools, and Emerson and Santa Rita Elementary Schools. It’s also one of the fastest growing areas of Midland.
In a previous article, Texas Scorecard reviewed both Wolfmueller and Kirk after they sought an endorsement and met with TFR staff. Trischitti did not seek an endorsement.
TFR noted that both Kirk and Wolfmueller shared values that are consistent with the Republican Party of Texas platform, with Kirk taking strong positions in support of accountability, transparency, and improving performance metrics.
A candidate forum is scheduled at Brew Street Bakery for Monday, November 26 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
