Victoria Independent School District (VISD) Board of Trustees president Mike Mercer has decided to conclude his service as the District 7 representative after six years, opting to not run for re-election following the end of his current term in May, 2025.
Mercer began serving as the School BoardƵs president in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
ƵServing alongside what I believe to be the most dedicated and compassionate staff in the state of Texas has been the honor of a lifetime,Ƶ Mercer said in a news release. ƵYour unwavering commitmentƵgiving 110% every single dayƵensures that our students have every opportunity to succeed. I am profoundly grateful to each of you, the board members I have had the privilege of serving with, and the community that entrusted me with this role.Ƶ
Mercer encouraged the community to continue supporting VISD, its staff, Board of Trustees and students across the district. MercerƵs journey with the Board has not been without challenges, but he steps away with a feeling of gratitude and appreciation for all that was accomplished during his tenure, Mercer said.
ƵMay the Lord bless you and keep you; may His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He turn His face toward you and give you peace,Ƶ Mercer said in the news release.
Mercer has experienced the inner-workings of VISD through his time as Board president and gained a perspective many community members never acquire. Through his position, he has witnessed first-hand the processes of a school district, the level of work teachers and staff undertake and the effort students put into their education each day.
ƵWhen you know itƵs time, itƵs time, and I have absolutely loved my time,Ƶ Mercer said. ƵI am so appreciative of the trust that the community has placed in me, the incredible work our staff has done with our students and our amazing students and the amount of talent they have.Ƶ
His decision to not run for re-election comes from a desire to let other community members have an opportunity to learn about VISD on a deeper level and do the work required to promote change and growth in the district.
ƵItƵs been six years [of service], all three of my kids have been through the public school system, and my wife and my children have both impressed upon me heavily that they would like to have me back,Ƶ Mercer said.
Following a short break from public service, Mercer intends to return to the public school environment as a proponent in the community for the district and its students. At this time, he does not intend to return to an official position.
ƵAs the district continues to improve and requires resources from the community, I will be out on the forefront being an advocate like I have been over the last six years,Ƶ Mercer said.
Mercer hopes his continued support for VISD, its staff, parents and students, as a community member will have a greater impact on change in the district. He looks forward to having an increased freedom to state his opinions on the district and show his full support for VISD and its future initiatives.
ƵWhen you sit at that table, you often feel like you have handcuffs on and thereƵs a limit to what you can do,Ƶ Mercer said. ƵI look forward to having those shackles dropped.Ƶ
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