Endorsements

Pamela is honored to have the public support of these respected community leaders and neighbors. Check back regularly for more endorsements from across the district!

  • Anne Foster

    Former RISD Trustee (1997-2006)

    I believe that community engagement and communication with the public are the foundation of successful public schools, and that school board service should be free of partisan politics. Pamela Hughes will fulfill both of these aspects of school board service. She has a strong vision for the role and responsibilities of a trustee, as well as the experience to deliver on that vision.

    Beyond her passion and skills, Pamela has demonstrated a strong commitment to engaging with the RISD community. She understands that effective leadership requires listening to diverse perspectives and working together to find solutions that truly benefit all RISD students, regardless of their background or circumstance. Whether it's addressing achievement gaps, ensuring equitable access to resources, collaborating with the community on district measures, or fostering a welcoming and effective learning environment, Pamela is dedicated to finding solutions that work for every student, school, and community in our district. I wholeheartedly encourage you to support Pamela Hughes for the RISD School Board, District 2.

  • Debbie Smelko

    Former three-time PTA President

    Current RISD Volunteer

    Member of FUMCR Children First Committee, supporting Dover and Mark Twain

    In addition to having children who've graduated from RISD, I've served in numerous PTA roles on both local and district boards. I have served on multiple bond committees and I have been volunteering on campuses across the district for 32 years. I know how much our schools benefit from strong, principled leadership. That’s why I’m proud to support Pamela Hughes for school board.

    I’ve known Pamela through our church, and I’ve seen firsthand the integrity, wisdom, and thoughtfulness she brings to everything she does. She’s not just a leader—she’s a strategic thinker who asks the right questions, listens to different perspectives, and makes decisions with both heart and clarity. She believes in creating spaces where all voices can be heard, valued, and included, and she knows that achieving that takes more than just good intentions—it takes real action and collaboration.

    Pamela will bring that same commitment to RISD, ensuring that our schools remain strong, welcoming, and focused on what truly matters: the success of our students. Our district needs leaders like Pamela, and I'm proud to support her for school board.

  • Charles Pickitt

    Former RISD Teacher (1971-1981) and RISD Asst. Principal/Principal (1981-2013)

    Berkner HS, Richardson HS, North JH, Richardson JH

    As a former RISD teacher and administrator, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of building trust within our community and maintaining open lines of communication between our school board trustees, principals, teachers, neighbors and district leaders. It is with great enthusiasm that I endorse Pamela Hughes to represent District 2 on the Richardson ISD School Board. I know her heart for this community and her exceptional skill set will serve our entire district well.

    Pamela's deep roots in Richardson, combined with her talents and experience as a professional communicator, make her uniquely qualified to serve Richardson ISD. I am particularly impressed with her ability to listen intently, discern the core issues amidst conflicting feedback, and articulate a vision with clarity and conviction. Her commitment to fostering strong relationships and her dedication to transparent communication will undoubtedly benefit our schools and our district.

    I have no doubt that Pamela Hughes will be a steadfast advocate for our students, teachers and communities. Her passion for public education and her unwavering support for all that makes RISD great make her the ideal candidate to be the next School Board Trustee for District 2.

  • Tim Griffy

    Past Council Chair, FIrst United Methodist Church of Richardson

    Member and Past Chair of FUMCR Children First Committee, supporting RISD partner schools

    Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about showing up, making tough decisions, and bringing people together. When I passed the baton to Pamela Hughes as church council chair at First United Methodist Church of Richardson, I saw that type of leadership firsthand. She stepped into the role during a challenging time, including the uncertainty of COVID, and led with grace, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to keeping our church connected.

    Pamela doesn’t just listen—she acts. She understands that real leadership means engaging with people, navigating differences, finding common ground, and working toward solutions that benefit the greater good. I’ve personally seen her lead in exactly this fashion, and she’ll bring these talents to the RISD Board. 

    RISD needs strong, thoughtful leaders who care deeply about our schools and our community. Pamela is that leader. I’m proud to support her, and I hope you’ll join me in voting for her on May 3rd.

  • Tony Palagonia

    Former RISD Teacher (1998-2006) and Administrator (2006-2008)

    Founding President, Highland Terrace Neighborhood Association

    As an RISD graduate, volunteer, parent of two RHS graduates and the grandfather of two current RISD students, I am proud to support Pamela Hughes for RISD Trustee, District 2. I believe that engaged neighborhoods and strong neighborhood schools are the backbone of the RISD community. Pamela understands that strong leadership must engage the entire community - she understands that a leader must be willing to sit down, and listen with the goal to understand. With a commitment to listening, Pamela has the ability to work with community members to find the best possible solutions for all students - those are the characteristics I look for in a leader.

    As a former teacher, I know that Pamela is committed to RISD teachers - the individuals that make the magic happen in the classroom - and she will continue the work to ensure that our teachers have the resources that they need, so that our students can achieve at the highest levels.

    I enthusiastically support Pamela Hughes and encourage you to support Pamela with your vote and your voice.

  • Genevieve Forosisky

    Former RISD Teacher and Current ACM Parent

    As a former Richardson ISD teacher and active parent in the district, I am thrilled to Choose Hughes for the RISD School Board.

    I have personally witnessed Pam’s dedication and passion for our community. She has earned my respect and my vote through her steadfast integrity, gift for open communication and connection, and her genuine love of all things Richardson.  

    As a veteran teacher with a decade of experience in public schools, I understand the vital role a school board plays. Pam’s commitment to collaboration and vision for positive, impactful change make her the right choice for District 2. She is a tireless advocate for our students, teachers, and families.

    I trust Pam to lead our district towards a brighter future and am proud to support her campaign.

  • Rahim Shaikh

    Vice President and Founding Member, Highland Terrace Neighborhood Association

    As someone who has called Highland Terrace home for more than 30 years, I know how important it is to have school board members who listen to neighborhood voices. Pamela Hughes understands that strong communities and strong schools go hand in hand. She’s committed to making sure the families, teachers and neighbors who know our neighborhood schools best have an active role in the decisions that affect our children and our homes. Pamela grew up here in our neighborhood and has spent years building relationships across Richardson ISD, bringing people together to make Richardson the best it can be.

    I believe Pamela will work hard to keep our neighborhood schools strong and ensure every child in RISD has access to great opportunities. She’s thoughtful, dedicated and ready to roll up her sleeves and serve our community. I’m proud to support Pamela Hughes for Richardson ISD School Board, District 2, and I encourage my neighbors to do the same.

Add Your Endorsement

Tell us why you’re proud to Choose Hughes! Your endorsement is a public show of support that can inspire others to join Pamela’s vision for a stronger, more connected Richardson ISD. Together, we can make a lasting impact for our schools and community.

Submit your endorsement today and help us build momentum for positive change!