DICKENS MAYOR SPUR ISD SCHOOL BOARD STAFF REPORTS
The Texas Spur, The Spur Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Dickens County-Spur Public Library have come together to host a Meet the Candidates event Monday, April 21, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The library is located at 403 Hill Street in Spur, next to the Dollar General.
There will be a free hot dog supper for attendees, and this is your opportunity as a candidate to introduce yourself to a sizeable num- ber of voters.
All candidates, whether incumbent or contenders, in contested races in Dickens County. This will include candidates for: Mayor of Dickens, Mayor of Spur, and Spur ISD.
Attendees will see a panel of all these candidates, and all candidates will be able to able make brief remarks to introduce themselves and describe their candidacy to attendees.
The Texas Spur will ask each candidate a few basic questions, and attendees will be able to submit questions for candidates as well.
Please save the date on your calendar.
SUZANNE REESE City of residence: Dickens
Bio background: I grew up coming to Spur and Dickens all my life. My grandfather, Luis Garcia, started our family ranch, the Garcia Ranch, here in Dickens County, so I have always felt a strong connection to this area. Dickens became my home five years ago, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I graduated from Ralls High School and attended Real Estate School and also Land Title School of Texas. The experience I achieved allowed me to have successful businesses in Realty and also as a landman in the oil & gas industry, both of which I am very proud of, but not as proud of the family members that stand with me while on this campaign trail, including my grandchildren who excitedly tell me “MoMii, you can do this because you’re a Boss Mom!”
I’m a simple person who thoroughly enjoys taking the back roads, instead of the interstate; where I can see the beauty in old barns, homes, churches, wildflowers, fields and its natural occupants and I often carry a camera to capture its essence. This is one of the main reasons I chose Dickens as my forever home, because of its natural beauty and simplicity.
Key campaign message #1: If elected Mayor of Dickens I aspire to be the voice of its citizens; to represent the community in all aspects, including your concerns, participating in public events, interacting with community members and engaging with local organizations.
Key message 2: In speaking with several community members of Dickens, one recurring topic is the neglected structures within the community, which will be a key point on my agenda to make the community not only more attractive, but also safer.
Key message 3: My skills in leadership, communication, financial management, marketing, and problem solving have enabled me to succeed as a businesswoman and I believe these abilities can contribute to creating, inviting businesses, and enhancing Dickens economically.
Public policy or community issues that matter most in this election: Abandoned, dilapidated buildings are unsightly and unsafe, attracting pests/rodents, posing health risks, and being fire hazards. Beautifying and creating a safer environment will be a key issue on my agenda. Dickens also has a great opportunity for economic growth due to commuters traveling through town and with the influx of employed personnel in the area. If elected as Mayor, I will be present in the community, engaging not only with its residents, but also with local organizations and businesses, and will proudly represent the Town of Dickens and its citizens.
DAVID WARREN City of residence: Dickens
Bio background: I grew up in Dickens and worked for the TxDOT. I started in Dickens and finished my time in Lubbock. We moved back to Dickens in 2008 and have lived herre ever since. My wife passed away in 2022; we had been married for 47. I became mayor of Dickens I graduated from Patton Springs in 1973 and went to college one year in Canyon, Texas.
I worked for the TxDOT for 30+ years and retired back to Dickens, where I worked in the family abstract office.
Key campaign message # 1: Make sure the town has a good supply of water. Work with the county to promote Dickens City and Dickens County.
CANDIDATES 2025:
SPUR ISD SCHOOL
BOARD
KAYLA BATEMAN
City of residence: Hometown of Spur, Texas Education: High School Diploma from Spur ISD, class of 2008; Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University; Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University.
Occupation: Supervisor of Office Services-Spur Division South Plains Electric Cooperative Family: Husband, Andrew Bateman; children Jaxon Bateman (15), Maverick Bateman (11), Evelyn Bateman (5) Interests: I enjoy watching my kids doing whatever activities they are doing throughout the year, and reading, golfing, fishing and being at the lake.
I enjoy watching my kids doing whatever activities they are doing throughout the year, reading, golfing, fishing and being at the lake.
Key campaign message #1: I graduated from Spur ISD and my children are going to graduate from here, so our school being the best it can be will always be important to me. I believe I have the skills required to be great for our school board.
Key message 2: I do not have an agenda going into this school board election; my only goal is to help all Spur ISD students have a safe, healthy and productive environment to learn to the best of their abilities.
SAMANTHA HARDIN City of residence: Spur Bio background: I was originally born in Rochester, New York. However, I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. I went to Brewer High School and graduated in 2008. I took a semester at Texas Tech University and graduated from South Plains College in 2022 with my associate’s degree in teaching.
I am currently a stay-athome mom. My husband, Gregory Hardin, is the owner of Spur Builders and has served our community going on 8 years. Gregory and I have been together for 14 years and married for 9 years. We have a beautiful little girl named Alice, who is 7 years old and currently in 1st grade. I enjoy reading, baking, and music.
I worked at Spur Elementary as a substitute teacher for two years, becoming a full-time employee for one school year as a teacher’s aide, during which I had the privilege of running the Accelerated Reader program.
Key campaign message # 1: I want to make sure that our incredible teachers are receiving the best tools and resources to help the students be successful.
Key message 2: I want to make sure our teachers, students, and staff are in a safe welcoming environment.
Key message 3: I would like to find a way to bring music and band back to Spur ISD.
Public policy or community issues that matter most in this election: But statewide, the public policy that has been on my radar, as it pertains to schools in Texas is the school voucher program. This program has the potential to hurt our rural schools by taking away the funding it needs. Rural schools and schools in general are already feeling the burden with less funding since the budget for the 24-25school year was approved.
TERRI WYATT
City of residence: Spur Hometown: Spur Education: Graduated from Spur High School; attended Lippert’s Court Reporting School Occupation: Retired court reporter Family: Husband, Dennis Wyatt; three daughters, Denise Wyatt, Holli Le Mond, and Kailee Pereida; five granddaughters, one grandson, and two greatgranddaughters
Key campaign message #1: I believe in supporting our teachers and maintaining a school environment that remains a source of pride for our community.
Key message 2: I will strive to make decisions that ensure the best possible education for every student.
Key message 3: I have served on the Spur board of trustees since May 2016.
