What’s on the May 1st Joint Election ballot for Wharton ISD? Voters will choose candidates to serve on the Wharton Independent School District Board of Trustees for positions 1 and 2.
The County Gin requested a short bio and photo from each candidate. We are also excited to host these candidates at The County Gin’s Candidate Forum on Tuesday, April 13 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Below, in the order of the ballot listings, are the candidates for WISD Board of Trustee, Position 1 and Position 2.
WISD Trustee, Position 1
Miguel Santes for WISD Trustee, Position 1
I am a firm believer in education, which has helped me tremendously in my personal life, as well as in my career. I want to improve the quality of life for not only all Wharton ISD students, but for my 3 children currently enrolled in WISD as well.
I’ve called Wharton my home for the past 10 years. I take pride in our community and stay actively involved with several organizations. I have been a part-time faculty instructor at WCJC for the past 6 years, and serve on the WCJC Cosmetology Board. I am also a member of the Wharton Lions Club. I own a business in Wharton, which has been here for 9 years.
I enjoy serving the community that has given so much to me in return. For these reasons, I am proud to run for WISD Trustee Position #1.
Steven Roberts for WISD Trustee, Position 1 (incumbent)
I have resided in Wharton for 17 years with my wife of over 27 years. We have 5 children. I have served as Vice President for WISD for last 3 years.
One of my main goals if given the opportunity to continue to serve, will be to address discipline in our district. Also, to reconnect with the community and our shareholders to fight for Community Partnerships.
I will work hard to support all WISD administration, teachers and support staff as we move out of this virtual learning. I will be working to give our teachers and every campus in the district fair compensation for student performance improvement.
I have served as the President of the Wharton Rotary Club and also as a board member of the Wharton County Recovery Team. Other positions in community organizations include: the board for the Matagorda Women Crisis Center; Wharton Lions Club; as President the Little League football team; and on the board for the Wharton Chamber of Commerce.
I have model my life in this community with these simple words, “Service Above Self.” I truly enjoy being a part of the school board, knowing how important a proper education is to a child. If you re-elect me, know one thing, I will fight to the end and support our kids and our community from within and out. My last few words, “Education is not an option for success; It’s the key to success.”
WISD Trustee, Position 2
Gerard Scranton for WISD Trustee, Position 2
My name is Gerard Scranton. I am a 16-year resident of Wharton, Texas. I graduated from Boling ISD, Class of 1994. Upon graduation, I joined the United States Marine Corps and served our country honorably for 5 years as a 2531 Radio Operator.
Some time after my service, I settled down here in Wharton. I married my beautiful wife, Rachel, and we have 5 children and 3 grandchildren.
During this life journey, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. My life has been transformed! I have so much I am thankful for. I have a loving family and awesome church family that we enjoy doing life with. Serving in Life Groups, men’s ministry, audio/visual team and assisting our 6-12 year old children at summer camp.
For 15 years, I have worked in the oil and gas industry, as an Instrumentation General Foreman and as an Instrument/Electrical Technician. I am proficient in planning and highly skilled in the execution of projects, with attention to detail in the completion and commissioning process.
I have a servant’s heart and enjoy being with people. I am outgoing and have never met a stranger. I am absolutely excited for the opportunity to serve our community!
Phillip Henderson, Sr. for WISD Trustee, Position 2
Hello, I am Phillip Henderson, Sr., a lifelong Wharton resident and 2021 candidate for Wharton ISD School Board Trustee Position #2. I am the son of a World War II Veteran and have deep roots in our community. I graduated with the Class of 2006 from Wharton High School. In my time at WISD, I participated in a myriad of activities the district provided, including band, student council, athletics, PALS, and FCA.
After high school, I remained in Wharton and started my life with my beautiful wife and our 3 children. I am proud to say that all of my children attend Wharton ISD.
I have been very involved in our community through serving as a Little League softball coach, Little League Baseball board member and coach, CPS car seat technician, and a member of the Wharton County Safety Council.
I have chosen to run for the opportunity to serve on the Wharton ISD School Board because I have experience as, both, a student and a parent in the district. I feel as though I can help create a positive change.
I hope to foster an environment where advocacy, transparency, and accountability are valued and practiced in order to make the district and community the best it can be.
Early voting begin at 8 p.m. on Monday, April 19.
For more information about Wharton County Elections, visit the election office website.
