She chose to teach in South Texas, right on the U.S.–Mexico border, because she wanted to help Latino children like herself. Many of her students crossed the border every day to go to school. Their families believed that an American education could give them a better future.

As a teacher, Danielle learned how to build strong lesson plans, keep kids engaged, and work with families in both English and Spanish. She saw how important it is to listen to students, adjust to their needs, and keep learning herself. She also became part of the community—coaching sports, running the science fair, and sponsoring the spelling bee.

Through it all, Danielle learned one big lesson: a teacher can change a child’s life.

During her tenure on the school board, Danielle championed policy changes that shield APS students from the harmful impacts of the current administration. She brought in national experts to analyze district  budgets and train staff to ensure relief funds were spent strategically . Under her leadership, APS adopted best-in-class budget policies that created a framework that gives the board meaningful oversight including a standing finance committee, transparent budget preparation and regular monitoring of revenues and expenses.

When the federal Department of Education was challenged, Danielle was ahead of the curve by.identifying the challenges and opportunities facing APS and planning for a clear path forward that included making data-driven decisions, allocating funding more equitably with spending tied to student outcomes, strategically repurposing buildings and assets, advocating for flexible state funding, making tough decisions transparently with community input, and most importantly, making APS schools places families actively choose because of their quality, climate, and opportunities.

Under Danielle's leadership, APS is using resources based on what the community values most: equity, voice, support for teachers, and honoring students' cultures and languages. 

Danielle Gonzales is the only candidate in this race with the track record and backbone to protect our students when it matters most. She has the political experience, policy expertise, and courage to fight back against the potential budget cuts.