Blake For Richardson

Well! That’s a wrap on this election season. Thanks to everyone who came out and voted, talked to their friends and neighbors, and took the time to talk about what RISD needs to have to be the district we believe it can be. The result wasn’t what we’d hoped for, but it won’t keep me from encouraging RISD to focus on the the right priorities:
- students and their growth come first
- sound techniques over new technology
- building trust in how use and spend community resources
- making RISD a great place to work

Thanks so much for all the help, support and encouragement this season. I’ve loved getting to meet and earn votes from people from all faiths, life stages, and political persuasions. Richardson is a huge district and I have loved getting to meet people from all across it.

There are too many people to thank individually here, but I am most thankful for Whitney Sawyer and her supporting me while I worked this extra part time job with all the chaos that can can be our home. She took on so much, and even took the time to be my graphics expert, editor, and sounding board. I truly couldn’t have made it through this spring without her.

Looking forward to what comes next and how I can be used to help RISD be better in the coming years than it is now.

2 more hours! No wait and lots of optimism for our school! Hope to see you soon.

9AM and the polls are open! Richardson ISD is a big district and this race covers all of it, from Richardson to Lake Highland, North Dallas to Garland. My 2nd stop is across the street from the elementary my youngest has spent the last 2 years. Come on out to risdparkhill, or wherever is closest to you, and I’ll see you at the polls!

It’s a great day for early voting today! I’ve met so many people who are coming out for this important local race for school board, and I hope to see you soon.

Locations are open for another couple of hours! Early voting ends Tuesday as they prepare for Election Day May 2nd!

Great morning at Run The Highlands with my most enthusiastic supporter! Thanks Lake Highlands Junior Women’s League for putting together a great race on a humid day! Out at Fretz Park now to greet voters for early voting. Polls close at 7, and I hope to see you here!

"The district's approach emphasizes 'screen value' over 'screen time'" -LA Unified School District’s New proposed policy.

One of the pieces of feedback I have heard from several families, including my own, is the slow creep of technology into every part of our children's education. When iPads were introduced in 2016, there were suggested limits set on how much and when they could be used in elementary and junior high, but those limits seem to have crept up into an "anytime and all the time" approach.

I don't often take the lead from districts like the LAUSD, but there is a growing trend to move back to a limited use goal for technology in the classroom, and it is something I have recommended as a member of the Technology Advisory Committee. As your trustee, I want to ensure we are using technology as a tool and not as the focus of our academic growth.

LA Unified School District Set to Limit Student Screen Time The Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s largest, is expected to pass a parent-led resolution to ban laptops and iPads for students under second grade and set recommended screen time limits for all other grades. The new policy also bans screens during recess. NBC’s Liz Kreutz report...

No Early Voting today because of San Jacinto Day, but I'll see you back out there from April 22-28th!

Which early Voting Center is right for you? This is the map from the county to help you find your nearest one. Learn more about early voting locations and times at DallasCountyVotes.org

Early voting starts tomorrow (April 20th) and I wanted to share a bit about myself before the polls open. As you can see from the photo, as a family, hard things have never been a reason for us to back down. We work to make sure everyone is included and no one is left behind.

As a dad with three kids currently in our elementary, junior, and high schools, I see the impact of the board’s decisions in real-time. Over the last six years, we’ve seen enrollment drop by 12% and a growing sense that the district talks to the community rather than working with it. Despite closing 5 schools, including one my youngest attended, spending has still grown by nearly 30%. Meanwhile, new technology and programming haven't translated to results: math proficiency is down 11%, and English scores haven't improved since 2020. I’m running to address these trends and work to correct them.

Because our children deserve better, my priorities are focused on moving us forward:
- Teacher and Student Growth: Giving our educators the support and curriculum they need to get proficiency levels back on track.
- Fiscal Accountability: Addressing the deficit and ensuring tax dollars hit the classroom first.
- True Community Partnership: Moving past one-way communication to build a district that listens to and respects its parents and neighbors, which can help bring our students back.

I’m not just running to hold a seat. I’m working for the future of the district our children attend every day. I want to be the voice in the room that is actually in our halls.

Early Voting: April 20, 22 – 28 Election Day: May 2nd

The full video is out now from the lwvrichardson forum. Thanks to everyone for hosting us, and for those who submitted questions. Looking forward to Early Voting starting on Monday!

LWV Richardson 1 like. "2026 RISD Place 6 - Trustee Candidate Forum – (All District_At-Large)"

Such a great night meeting with our community, answering your questions about district concerns, and sharing how we can make RISD better together. Thanks so much to the lwvrichardson for hosting this event! I'll share the link as soon as it's available.

It's been a busy few weeks of seeing people through block walking or neighborhood meetings. If we haven't connected yet, join me tomorrow for the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum. The at-large forum starts at 6:30 and I'll be there before and after. Hope to see you there!