VOTE CHERI ETTINGER | MAY 2, 2026
A Vision for Our Students,
A Voice for Our
Community
Cheri Ettinger is dedicated to ensuring that every child in the North East Independent School District has access to a safe, high-quality education that prepares them for lifelong success.
This is something I never planned to do.
The truth is, the idea first came from my son’s best friend, Marc LaHood. When he suggested I consider running for the NEISD District 7 Trustee seat, I honestly hadn’t even thought about it. Politics was never something I pictured for my life.
But the more people I talked to… the more parents I listened to… the more I realized something important.
People are worried.
Why I’m Running for NEISD District 7 Trustee
Parents want their children to have safe schools, calm environments, and classrooms focused on learning.
They want their kids to go to school thinking about math, science, music, English, and preparing for college or learning a trade—not worrying about violence, bullying, or confusing ideological agendas.
Our schools should be places where children can think, grow, and feel safe.
As I’ve spoken with parents across our community, I keep hearing the same thing:
"Someone needs to stand up and ask questions."
Many families feel like they don’t fully understand what’s happening inside the system that their property taxes fund. Property taxes have risen significantly, and a large portion goes to our schools. Yet the district is still facing deficits and asking voters for more bond money.
I believe taxpayers deserve transparency.
Parents deserve answers.
And students deserve a school system that puts their education first.
Another reason I’m running may surprise some people.
I don’t have a personal stake in the traditional sense.
My son passed away, and he never had children. I’m not a grandmother. I don’t have relatives in the district.
But I do have neighbors.
I have friends with young children.
I see families raising kids who will soon be walking into these schools.
And I want to make sure they are walking into the best possible environment to learn and grow.
This morning I received a prayer that felt like confirmation for me. It said:
"Choose to do what is right, even when it is difficult. Take the high road and trust Me."
Running for office is new for me. There’s fear in stepping into the unknown. But I believe if we take fear out of the equation and focus on doing what is right, we can make a difference.
Parents deserve to be heard.
Students deserve strong schools.
And our community deserves transparency and accountability.
That is why I’m running.
If you have questions, concerns, or ideas about our schools, I want to hear from you.
And if you would like to support this campaign, please message me. I’m grateful for every conversation and every voice in this community.
— Cheri Ettinger
Candidate for NEISD District 7 Trustee
VOTE CHERI ETTINGER | MAY 2, 2026
Meet Cheri
Cheri Ettinger is a resident in San Antonio-area, small business owner, and community servant who is stepping forward to serve the children and families of NEISD Board District 7.
Since 1981, Cheri has put down deep roots across San Antonio, Schertz, Bulverde, and Spring Branch — communities that reflect the heart of the NEISD district. That longevity isn't just a talking point; it means she has watched NEISD schools educate her neighbors' children for over four decades. She has seen what works and what doesn't — and she's ready to do something about it.
As a licensed REALTOR® with Option One Real Estate, Cheri has spent years helping San Antonio families make one of the most important decisions of their lives. She is known for her 100% contract-to-close record — a reflection of her work ethic, her attention to detail, and her commitment to never walking away until the job is done. She brings exactly that same discipline to everything she undertakes.
For years, Cheri volunteered at Church Under The Bridge in San Antonio, serving among the city's most vulnerable residents. That experience shaped her understanding of community in a profound way: that the health of a neighborhood is inseparable from the health of its families — and families are inseparable from the schools their children attend.
Cheri is proud to say she is not a career politician. Her career has been built serving families and this community — not climbing a political ladder. She is running for the NEISD Board to do the work: show up, ask the hard questions, and ensure that the students of District 7 are served with the seriousness and accountability they deserve.
Supporting the Madison Cluster Community
“The Madison Cluster includes Madison High School, Harris and Wood Middle Schools, and seven elementary schools: Fox Run, Longs Creek, Northern Hills, Stahl, Steubing Ranch, Redland Oaks, and Woodstone. These campuses serve families across North Central San Antonio and form the educational pathway from elementary through graduation.”
North East Independent School District (NEISD)
North East ISD organizes schools into clusters, creating a pathway for students from elementary school through high school.
The Madison Cluster includes the following campuses serving families in District 7:
High School
Madison High School
Middle Schools
Harris Middle School
Wood Middle School
Elementary Schools
Fox Run Elementary School
Longs Creek Elementary School
Northern Hills Elementary School
Stahl Elementary School
Steubing Ranch Elementary School
Redland Oak Elementary School
Woodstone Elementary School
VOTE CHERI ETTINGER | MAY 2, 2026
Vision & Priorities
01
Academic Excellence
Focusing on foundational skills and world-class educational standards to ensure every student in NEISD is prepared for collegiate and professional success.
04
Campus Safety
Implementing rigorous security measures and mental health support systems to ensure a safe, distraction-free environment for all students and staff.
“Every child in NEISD District 7 deserves a school environment focused on learning, led by people who are accountable to families — not to agendas. I am running because I believe that a builder's mindset, a neighbor's heart, and a servant's dedication are exactly what our schools need right now.”
02
Parental Empowerment
Restoring the partnership between schools and families through radical transparency and deep respect for the primary role of parents in their child's education.
05
Teacher Empowerment
Support for our educators through competitive benefits and instructional autonomy, allowing them to focus on the individual growth of every student.
03
Fiscal Responsibility
Exercising stewardship of every taxpayer dollar by prioritizing classroom resources, teacher compensation, and essential campus improvements.
06
Career & Vocational Paths
Expanding technical education and mentorship opportunities to ensure graduating seniors are ready for college, trade school, or the workforce.