Dr. Sandra Bankes
Dr. Sandra Bankes: A Leader in Education and Values Spoke at the Republican Strategy Forum
On February 17, 2026, Dr. Sandra Bankes, a previous member of the School District 11 (D11) school board, was a featured guest speaker at the Republican Strategy Forum. Elected for the term of 2021-2025, she made it her mission to establish a strong educational foundation for children in her district, emphasizing the importance of patriotism and a moral compass in their upbringing.
Dr. Bankes is a Christian conservative who brings a wealth of experience to her role. As a first-generation Romanian immigrant who escaped genocide, she embodies resilience and a commitment to education. With a Ph.D. and a background as a teacher, principal, and school board member, she leverages her diverse experiences to advocate for positive changes in the education system.
Her journey as a school board member has not been without challenges. During her first meeting post-election, she faced hostility from opponents during public comments, signaling the contentious landscape in which she operates. Governed by Sunshine laws, which require that meetings with three or more board members be scheduled and publicly posted, Dr. Bankes navigated a complex political environment that complicated decision-making.
Upon her election, the school board consisted of five conservatives and two progressives, a framework Dr. Bankes hoped to build upon to prioritize morals and educational value rather than conflicts with the teachers’ union. However, she quickly identified the union as a major obstacle in providing quality education in District 11.
One notable issue arose with Mitchell High School, which had been struggling academically and presented multiple challenges. Under the guidance of a new superintendent, efforts were made to improve school climate, safety, and achievement. The Board proposed incentives for teachers who would commit to teaching at Mitchell High for two years, but the union opposed these initiatives. They also sought to extend the elementary school day by 30 minutes to align with neighboring school districts, which the union blocked.
In response to ongoing tensions, the board made the strategic decision to hire its own negotiator when the teachers’ union negotiated their contracts each January. With the union’s contract set to expire in late 2024, the board opted not to renew after 56 years of union presence. This resulted in a strike threat from the union, with about 400 of the 2,200 teachers participating in the walkout. Despite the disruptions, all classrooms and schools remained operational, bolstered by qualified substitutes including Board members and other administrators.
After the termination of the Teachers Union contract, the union members mobilized other unions around the state to influence the school board elections in the district, ultimately resulting in the election of two progressive candidates. Dr. Bankes asserts the union is not prioritizing student needs but rather serving its own agenda.
Throughout her tenure on the school board, Dr. Bankes praised the new superintendent’s innovative approach, which included offering teachers a $1 million liability insurance plan at a significantly reduced rate, encouraging them to stay in the district. Despite significant pay raises and improved working conditions over her term, the presence of union influence remains a point of contention.
In a surprising twist, 2025 saw the election of felon Charles Johnson to the D11 school board, alongside Leeann Baca, sparking concerns from Dr. Bankes about his ties to the union. As she completed her four-year term, D11 board makeup continued to be with a board of five conservative and two “regressive” members.
When questioned about her future ambitions, Dr. Bankes refrained from providing specific plans but mentioned her recent experience at the Capitol with another Republican group. She expressed dismay at the progressive rewording of a statute so that “you are no longer an offender, you are a participant” in an effort to legalize prostitution.
Having previously served as the Vice Chair of the El Paso County GOP for two years, Dr. Bankes reflects a commitment to conservative values and an aspiration for continued influence in the region. As she navigates the complexities of educational governance, her journey underscores the challenges of upholding principles in a rapidly changing political landscape.