Picture this: It’s early February, and I’m at Rockwall ISD’s Myth vs. Reality: Where Does the Money Go? session, trying to wrap my head around school budgets. Amid the crowd, I spot a guy scribbling notes like his life depends on it. He’s quiet, reserved even, but there’s something approachable about him—like you could just walk up and say hi. Turns out, that’s Dr. Steve Albers, a local veterinarian who’s now running for Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees, Place 5. A few weeks later, campaign signs bearing his name are popping up everywhere, and through some mutual friends, I snag the chance to speak with him. Spoiler alert: this guy’s got the heart, the grit, and the vision to be exactly what our schools need.
So, I hit him with 18 questions—everything from education policy to budget woes to what keeps him up at night as a dad and a community member. What I got back wasn’t just answers; it was a conversation with a man who listens like a pro, coaches with purpose, and genuinely wants our kids and teachers to thrive. Here’s what I learned about Dr. Steve Albers—and why I’m betting he’s the trustee we’ve been waiting for.
The Thoughtful Candidate with a Big Heart
“Steve, what got you into this school board race?” I ask, leaning in. He chuckles, and says, “It didn’t just happen. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, but it’s only now that I’ve got the bandwidth to dive in. I’m not a politics guy—never have been. I just want to give back to this community that’s given me so much.”
He pauses, then lights up with a story. “My education journey started rough. First day of kindergarten, my mom picks me up, asks how it went, and I go, ‘I quit!’ Thank God she didn’t let me! Then in sixth grade, two teachers pulled my parents aside. Mom’s thinking, ‘Oh no, what’d he do?’ But they said, ‘We think Stephen’s got you fooled—he’s actually pretty smart.’ She was floored. ‘My Stephen?’ she said. She still tells that story, laughing that she thought I was just a dumb jock.”
That moment stuck with him. “Those teachers changed my life,” he says earnestly. “They saw something in me, pushed me into upper-level classes, and I got competitive—academically, not just on the field. It taught me it really does take a village—parents, teachers, all of us—to get kids where they need to go. Without them, I wouldn’t be a vet today, let alone sitting here talking about serving Rockwall.”
A Coach’s Instinct for Teamwork
Steve’s no stranger to leading a team. He’s been a veterinarian at Rockwall County Veterinary Clinic for over 20 years, becoming a partner in 2008 after proving his chops in medicine and people skills. He’s coached girls’ youth lacrosse for seven years, too—patience, strategy, and encouragement all rolled into one. “I see hundreds of patients a month,” he tells me, “and they don’t talk. I’ve got to read them, then turn around and really listen to their owners. It’s an art—piecing it all together to get the full picture. That’s how I’d approach the board, too—listening hard, seeing every angle, finding solutions that work for everyone.”
He’s raised three kids in Rockwall ISD with his wife, Mitzi—Campbell (a 2024 Rockwall High School grad now studying neuroscience at University of Texas), Carys (a junior), and Truett (eighth grade at Williams Middle School). “I’ve got a front-row seat to what students need,” he says. “But here’s the thing: to serve them, we’ve got to support our teachers. Without great teachers, none of this works.”
Tackling the Big Issues
I dive into the nitty-gritty. “What’s the biggest challenge facing Rockwall ISD right now?” Steve doesn’t hesitate. “Teacher retention,” he says firmly. “We’re losing experienced educators because we’re not competitive with surrounding districts’ pay. Our community’s amazing—that should be our edge—but we’ve got to back it up with fair compensation.” He nods toward the Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) that’s been a hot topic. “The VATRE was supposed to fix this. I went to that Where Does the Money Go? session—eye-opening stuff. The district’s doing better now, getting info out there. I’d push to keep that going, make sure people understand why it’s worth it. Once they do, I think they’ll vote yes.”
And facilities? “Growth is coming,” he says, matter-of-fact. “We need updates and new schools. Heath families deserve those two new elementary schools—no more cramming kids into portables. I voted for the bond because it’s smart planning. Our administration’s proven they’re fiscally sharp—refinancing the 2015 bonds saved $90 million! That’s not reckless spending; that’s stewardship.”
A Listener Who Gets It
Steve’s got this calm, steady vibe—like a coach who’s seen every play in the book. “How do you handle disagreements on the board?” I ask. He paused. “We shouldn’t all think alike—that’s not America, and it’s not Rockwall. But if we’re all good people chasing the same goal—great education for our kids—we’ve got the foundation to work it out. Not lockstep, but harmony.” It’s a line that sticks with me. Harmony, not uniformity. That’s leadership.
He’s big on communication, too. “I’d bring what I’ve learned from the clinic—anticipating concerns, hearing people out, finding common ground. Families might have their view, their kid’s view, and I’d listen to both. If they feel heard, we can almost always get to a good place.”
Passion for Every Path
The Guy You Want in the Huddle
By the end, I’m sold. Steve Albers isn’t just a candidate—he’s a coach, a listener, a dad who’s lived the Rockwall ISD experience. He’s got the character to stand firm, the attitude to lift everyone up, and the know-how to back teachers and students alike. “Rockwall’s always felt like home,” he tells me. “I want every kid here to have the education I did—the kind that sets you up for life. That’s why I’m doing this.”
As we wrap up, I can’t help but think: this is the guy you want in the huddle when the game’s on the line. Dr. Steve Albers has the right stuff to lead Rockwall ISD into its next chapter. Come election day, I know who I’d trust with our schools—and I’m pretty sure you will, too.
If you want to learn more about Dr. Albers please contact him.
April 22, 2025 – April 29, 2025 is Early Voting.
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