Incumbent Adi Jenkins and Jim Scribner debate learning recovery, college readiness and inclusivity at Irving ISD District 5 forum

Saki Collins, a board member of the League of Women Voters in Irving, moderated a candidate forum for Irving ISD School Board District 5 that featured incumbent Adi Jenkins and challenger Jim Scribner.

Jenkins, who said he is currently serving on the school board for District 5, framed his re-election bid around "diversity, equity, and inclusion," citing his work with campus improvement committees and community youth programs. He told voters he supports staff actions in a recent MacArthur High incident and said he "supported the staff, based on my vote," while stressing that district policy limits staff from using classroom resources to promote personal beliefs and that the district must welcome all students.

Jim Scribner, a retired Irving ISD executive director of facilities and former classroom teacher, emphasized learning recovery and staff supports. Citing reports that recovery could take years, he said the district must expand tutoring, counseling and targeted instructional support efforts and continue recruitment and retention measures for teachers. He highlighted Irving ISD's collegiate academies and career-and-technical-education programs, noting students can earn substantial college credit in high school: "you can go and get 60 hours of education at no charge" and potentially an associate degree by graduation.

On recruiting Latino educators and administrators, both candidates urged partnerships with local colleges, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and programs that "grow our own" teachers from district graduates. For immigrant families, candidates pointed to Irving ISD's newcomers program, adult ESL and GED classes, and parent centers as ways to help newcomers navigate the system and access services.

Both candidates said teacher retention has been strong but acknowledged rising burnout. Scribner praised retention bonuses implemented during the pandemic and recommended increasing mental-health and stress-support programs for staff. On classroom discipline, they urged greater parental involvement and communication between schools and families.

When asked how Irving ISD should address perceptions that it is weaker than nearby districts, Scribner pointed to improved graduation rates, college-acceptance and scholarship totals and urged the district to publicize successes. Jenkins recommended deeper engagement with the Chamber of Commerce and city officials to promote district accomplishments.

The forum closed with candidates reaffirming student-focused priorities. Collins reminded voters that early voting is April 25 to May 3 and election day is May 7 and provided links and broadcast information for the League and ICTN.

The candidates' remarks focused on policy and programmatic proposals rather than specific new board actions; no motions or votes occurred during the forum.