Nancy Sharp announces run for Lubbock ISD school board, Zach Brady won’t seek re-election

Nancy Sharp, a former Lubbock ISD administrator and spokeswoman who recently worked for United Supermarkets, this week announced her candidacy for the open, at-large position on the LISD Board of Trustees in the May 4 municipal election.

Sharp announced her candidacy Monday, outlining her campaign to a group of supporters at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center.

Sharp is seeking the seat currently held by Trustee Zach Brady, who told the Avalanche-Journal on Wednesday he won’t seek re-election after serving in the role since 2017.

With 14 years in a leadership position in Lubbock ISD, Sharp said she has learned a great deal about how systems work and the internal and external pressures that impact them.

“My learning curve will be shorter, and I believe I can bring a clear perspective to the job, while effectively advocating for the needs of teachers, paraprofessionals, and students in an inclusive, supportive environment,” Sharp said.

Noting her service on the staffs of former State Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, and Texas Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Sharp also spoke about the pressure on public education and her readiness to navigate those areas.

“I am ready to be an effective voice advocating for public education and Lubbock ISD,” she said. “If elected to the Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees, I believe I can help build a bridge to every part of this district to serve children and their families and to improve the outcomes for them and for our community.”

As a parent of Lubbock ISD graduates, Sharp discussed the important role teachers play in helping students prepare for life after graduation.

“Teachers and coaches make an enormous difference in the paths of their students. It requires collaboration between home and school, support for teachers, facilities that are safe and resources for successful outcomes,” she said. “It takes a collaborative community effort. These students belong to all of us. That is why I am running for the at-large position on the Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees.”

Sharp also noted her experience in understanding what the business community needs from its school district after having worked in leadership at United Supermarkets, where she served as corporate engagement director.

As of Wednesday, no other candidates had publicly announced a run for the board position.

Brady, a Lubbock attorney who was first appointed to the role in 2017 before winning election in his own right in 2018 and 2020, said he was thankful for his time serving the district but felt now is the right time for him to move on.

“I have enjoyed my service immensely, but after seven years I think it’s time to let someone else have a chance to serve,” he said, adding his children have now graduated from high school and it’s a good time for him to pass the baton of leadership.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Nancy Sharp runs for Lubbock ISD board, Brady won’t seek re-election