My educational background includes a B.S. in Neurobiology & Physiology from the University of Maryland College Park, and then I earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and a Certificate in Translational Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio/University of Texas at San Antonio. For eight semesters during graduate school, I was a teaching assistant at UTSA for courses MAT1073 (Algebra for Engineers), MAT1093 (Pre-Calculus for Engineers), MAT1214 (Calculus I for Engineers), and MAT1224 (Calculus II for Engineers).

Bianca Cerqueira for AHISD

I have been a member of the PTO since 2020 and a homeroom mom at Cambridge since 2021.

My husband and I have two children in AHISD who attended Howard E.C.C. and now attend Cambridge Elementary where they are in the Spanish Immersion Program.

Bianca Cerqueira earned a bachelor's degree in neurobiology and physiology from the University of Maryland College Park, and a doctorate in biomedical engineering and a certificate in translational science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio/University of Texas at San Antonio. She has been a Parent-Teacher Organization member since 2020 and a homeroom parent at Cambridge since 2021. She and her husband have two children.

Professionally, I am a biomedical engineer/neuroscientist supporting federally-sponsored biomedical research. My research focuses on how extreme conditions affect the human body and how we can mitigate the effects to maximize neurocognitive and physical performance. In my role, I also provide guidance to senior leadership on translational science, intellectual property protection, and technology review for our company's research & development portfolio.

My educational background includes a B.S. in Neurobiology & Physiology from the University of Maryland College Park, and then I earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and a Certificate in Translational Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio/University of Texas at San Antonio. For eight semesters during graduate school, I was a teaching assistant at UTSA for courses MAT1073 (Algebra for Engineers), MAT1093 (Pre-Calculus for Engineers), MAT1214 (Calculus I for Engineers), and MAT1224 (Calculus II for Engineers). I also passed the TExES Math 8-12 Certification Exam in 2008.

Bianca Cerqueira currently works as a biomedical engineer and neuroscientist supporting federally sponsored biomedical research. She previously worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Bianca currently works as a biomedical engineer and neuroscientist supporting federally sponsored biomedical research. She previously worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Incumbents Ty Edwards and Hunter Kingman retained their seats on the Alamo Heights board of trustees. Lindsey Saldana and Bianca Cerqueira challenged them with the backing of the North East Bexar County Democrats, but were unable to break through.

Live results: San Antonio-area school board elections

Bianca previously ran for a seat on the Alamo Heights board of trustees but did not win.

NEISD incumbent unseated; trustees reelected in Alamo Heights ...

2026 Texas General Election

I am an AHISD parent running for school board because I believe:

In maintaining local control of curriculum, enabling instructional flexibility, and allowing us to best meet the needs of our community to prepare our students for future careers. (Against proposed state wide required reading lists)

We should establish district policies where teachers and librarians are enabled to do their job and not worry that they are the next target of controversy. If parents have concerns about specific material, we have a system that allows parents to control which library material their child can access.

The views of a single parent should not dictate what material the entire district can access.

As a School Board Trustee, I would vote against book censorship. If parents have concerns about specific material, we already have a system that allows parents to control which library material their child can access. The views of a single parent should not dictate what material the entire district can access.

I believe that our children should have developmentally-appropriate factually-correct curriculum that is not ideologically framed. Our children deserve a high quality education that prepares them for careers of the future.

Senate Bill 11 was passed in 2025, which requires that every school district and charter school in the state hold a vote on whether to adopt a policy “to provide students and employees with an opportunity to participate in a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text on each school day.” Our current board voted to not implement such a policy and I agree with their decision. I believe implementation of such a policy would violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution and Article 1 of the Texas Constitution that protects our right to freedom of religion. I believe that parents and their faith community should be in charge of religious education, not the state.

I believe the SBOE proposed reading list would violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution and Article 1 of the Texas Constitution that protects our right to freedom of religion. I believe that parents and their faith community should be in charge of religious education, not the state.

As parents, we can contact our SBOE representative to voice our concerns.

Advocates for local control of curriculum and instructional flexibility rather than state-required reading lists.

Opposes book censorship and supports parents' control over their own children's access to library materials.

Supports developmentally appropriate, factually correct curriculum that is not ideologically framed.

Opposes a district policy providing daily opportunities for prayer and reading religious texts at school.

Opposes the State Board of Education's proposed reading list, saying religious education should be directed by parents and faith communities.

- Advocates for local control of curriculum and instructional flexibility rather than state-required reading lists.
- Opposes book censorship and supports parents' control over their own children's access to library materials.
- Supports developmentally appropriate, factually correct curriculum that is not ideologically framed.
- Opposes a district policy providing daily opportunities for prayer and reading religious texts at school.
- Opposes the State Board of Education's proposed reading list, saying religious education should be directed by parents and faith communities.

School Curriculum

As a School Board Trustee, I will advocate for increased funding to the basic allotment and provide outreach and education to our AHISD community about upcoming bills related to school finance so we can come together to voice our concerns to our elected representatives.

Advocates increasing the state's basic allotment and educating the district community about school finance legislation.

- Advocates increasing the state's basic allotment and educating the district community about school finance legislation.

School Facilities & Resources

As of September 24, 2026, Bianca Cerqueira’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Student Wellbeing

Teachers

Access to Education

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Bianca Cerqueira

My educational background includes a B.S. in Neurobiology & Physiology from the University of Maryland College Park, and then I earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and a Certificate in Translational Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio/University of Texas at San Antonio.

Bianca Cerqueira for Alamo Heights ISD Trustee Place 4

Bianca Cerqueira earned a Bachelor of Science in neurobiology and physiology from the University of Maryland College Park, followed by a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and a certificate in translational science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has been a member of a parent-teacher organization since 2020 and a homeroom parent at Cambridge Elementary since 2021. She and her husband have two children in Alamo Heights Independent School District.

Professionally, I am a biomedical engineer/neuroscientist supporting federally-sponsored biomedical research.

For eight semesters during graduate school, I was a teaching assistant at UTSA for courses MAT1073 (Algebra for Engineers), MAT1093 (Pre-Calculus for Engineers), MAT1214 (Calculus I for Engineers), and MAT1224 (Calculus II for Engineers).

Bianca Cerqueira works as a biomedical engineer and neuroscientist supporting federally sponsored biomedical research. She previously worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

I am an AHISD parent running for school board because I believe:

In maintaining local control of curriculum, enabling instructional flexibility, and allowing us to best meet the needs of our community to prepare our students for future careers. (Against proposed state wide required reading lists)

We need to provide adequate funding to our schools to provide our students the education they deserve.

Senate Bill 11 was passed in 2025, which requires that every school district and charter school in the state hold a vote on whether to adopt a policy “to provide students and employees with an opportunity to participate in a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text on each school day.” Our current board voted to not implement such a policy and I agree with their decision.

I believe implementation of such a policy would violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution and Article 1 of the Texas Constitution that protects our right to freedom of religion. I believe that parents and their faith community should be in charge of religious education, not the state.

As a School Board Trustee, I would ​vote against book censorship. If parents have concerns about specific material, we already have a system that allows parents to control​ which library material their child can access. The views of a single parent should not dictate what material the entire district can access.

I think that our district's interpretation of SB12 is overly restrictive. If that same logic was applied to this year's Texas Bluebonnet Award reading list, many authors of these books would be prohibited from visiting.

Advocates for local control of curriculum and opposes proposed statewide required reading lists.

Believes curriculum should be developmentally appropriate, factually correct, and not ideologically framed.

Supports the board's decision not to adopt a daily opportunity for prayer and religious reading, saying religious education belongs with parents and faith communities.

Pledges to vote against book censorship while supporting parents' control over their own child's library access.

Said Alamo Heights Independent School District's interpretation of Senate Bill 12 is overly restrictive.

- Advocates for local control of curriculum and opposes proposed statewide required reading lists.
- Believes curriculum should be developmentally appropriate, factually correct, and not ideologically framed.
- Supports the board's decision not to adopt a daily opportunity for prayer and religious reading, saying religious education belongs with parents and faith communities.
- Pledges to vote against book censorship while supporting parents' control over their own child's library access.
- Said Alamo Heights Independent School District's interpretation of Senate Bill 12 is overly restrictive.

Advocates for increased funding for the basic allotment and community outreach on school-finance legislation.

Calls for district policies that let teachers and librarians do their jobs without being targeted in controversies.

My husband and I have two children in AHISD who attended Howard E.C.C. and now attend Cambridge Elementary where they are in the Spanish Immersion Program. I have been a member of the PTO since 2020 and a homeroom mom at Cambridge since 2021.

Bianca 4 AHISD School Board Place 4

Bianca Cerqueira earned a Bachelor of Science in neurobiology and physiology from the University of Maryland College Park, followed by a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and a certificate in translational science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has a husband and two children, and has been a Parent-Teacher Organization member since 2020 and a homeroom parent at Cambridge Elementary since 2021.

Professionally, I am a biomedical engineer/neuroscientist supporting federally-sponsored biomedical research. My research focuses on how extreme conditions affect the human body and how we can mitigate the effects to maximize neurocognitive and physical performance.

My educational background includes a B.S. in Neurobiology & Physiology from the University of Maryland College Park, and then I earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and a Certificate in Translational Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio/University of Texas at San Antonio. 

For eight semesters during graduate school, I was a teaching assistant at UTSA for courses MAT1073 (Algebra for Engineers), MAT1093 (Pre-Calculus for Engineers), MAT1214 (Calculus I for Engineers), and MAT1224 (Calculus II for Engineers). I also passed the TExES Math 8-12 Certification Exam in 2008.

I am an AHISD parent running for school board because I believe:

In maintaining local control of curriculum, enabling instructional flexibility, and allowing us to best meet the needs of our community to prepare our students for future careers. (Against TEA proposed state wide required reading lists)

We need to provide adequate funding to our schools to provide our students the education they deserve.

Senate Bill 11 was passed in 2025, which requires	that every school district and charter school in the state hold a vote on whether to adopt a policy “to provide students and employees with an opportunity to participate in a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text on each school day.” Our current board voted to not implement such a policy and I agree with their decision.

Our current board voted to not implement such a policy and I agree with their decision. I believe implementation of such a policy would violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution and Article 1 of the Texas Constitution that protects our right to freedom of religion. I believe that parents and their faith community should be in charge of religious education, not the state.

As a School Board Trustee, I would 	vote against book censorship. If parents have concerns about specific material, we already have a system that allows parents to controlwhich library material their child can access. The views of a single parent should not dictate what material the entire district can access.		

	

State Board of Education Proposed Reading List

Said the district's interpretation of Senate Bill 12 is overly restrictive.

Supports local control of curriculum and opposes the Texas Education Agency's proposed statewide required reading lists.

Opposes implementing a daily opportunity at school for prayer and reading the Bible or other religious texts under Senate Bill 11.

Would vote against book censorship and says parents can control their children's access to library materials.

- Supports local control of curriculum and opposes the Texas Education Agency's proposed statewide required reading lists.
- Opposes implementing a daily opportunity at school for prayer and reading the Bible or other religious texts under Senate Bill 11.
- Would vote against book censorship and says parents can control their children's access to library materials.

Plans to advocate for an increase in the basic allotment and educate the Alamo Heights Independent School District community about school-finance legislation.

In the separation of church and state - I believe that parents should be in charge of their child's religious education, not the state.		

We should establish district policies where teachers and librarians are enabled to do their job and not worry that they are the next target of controversy. If parents have concerns about specific material, we have a system that allows parents to controlwhich library material their child can access. The views of a single parent should not dictate what material the entire district can access.		

That our children should have developmentally-appropriate factually-correct curriculum that is not ideologically framed.

Calls for district policies that allow teachers and librarians to work without being targets of controversy.

- Calls for district policies that allow teachers and librarians to work without being targets of controversy.

Please tell voters about yourself.
I am an AHISD parent of two children in the Spanish Immersion Program at Cambridge Elementary. My family is from San Antonio, but I grew up as an Army brat and attended 15 schools before graduating from high school. My parents have lived in AHISD since 2005, and I moved here with my husband and children in 2020. I earned my BS in Neurobiology and Physiology from the University of Maryland College Park and my PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas Health Science at San Antonio.

Bianca Cerqueira | 2026 candidate for Alamo Heights ISD Board of Trustees - San Antonio Report

Bianca Cerqueira grew up in a military family. She earned a Bachelor of Science in neurobiology and physiology from the University of Maryland College Park and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of Texas Health Science at San Antonio. She is a parent of two children.

Bianca Cerqueira | 2026 candidate for Alamo Heights ISD Board of ...

Professionally, I am a contract research scientist supporting the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency, and NASA sponsored research. My research focuses on understanding how the aerospace environment or military occupational exposure affects the brain and how we can mitigate it to maximize neurocognitive and physical performance. In my free time I like to read, quilt, and spend time with my family and friends.

Bianca Cerqueira works as a contract research scientist supporting research sponsored by the Department of Defense, the Defense Health Agency, and NASA.

Why did you decide to seek this office and how you would approach the role?
I am running for school board because I believe in maintaining local control of curriculum and enabling instructional flexibility which allows us to best meet the needs of our community (against TEA proposed state wide required reading lists that include biblical texts).

I believe in the separation of church and state – parents should be in charge of their child’s religious education, not the state.​ parents should be in charge of their child’s religious education, not the state.​ We should establish district policies where teachers and librarians are enabled to do their job and not worry that they are the next target of controversy.

I think that our district’s interpretation of SB12 is overly restrictive. Our district has interpreted this law as meaning that visiting authors must commit to “not mention any book that recognizes the existence of race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation”. If this logic was applied to this year’s Texas Bluebonnet Award reading list, most authors of these books would also be prohibited from visiting.

SB13, passed in 2025, requires additional review of library material. As a School Board Trustee, I would ​vote against book censorship. If parents have concerns about specific material, we already have a system that allows parents to control​ which library material their child can access. The views of a single parent should not dictate what material the entire district can access.

The views of a single parent should not dictate what material the entire district can access. Our children should have developmentally-appropriate factually-correct curriculum that is not ideologically framed (see proposed TEKS Social Studies changes).

Advocates for local control and instructional flexibility in the curriculum, opposing proposed statewide required reading lists that include biblical texts.

Supports separation of church and state in schools, saying parents rather than the state should direct their children's religious education.

Opposes book censorship and says the district's interpretation of Senate Bill 12 is overly restrictive.

- Advocates for local control and instructional flexibility in the curriculum, opposing proposed statewide required reading lists that include biblical texts.
- Supports separation of church and state in schools, saying parents rather than the state should direct their children's religious education.
- Opposes book censorship and says the district's interpretation of Senate Bill 12 is overly restrictive.
- Supports developmentally appropriate, factually correct curriculum that is not ideologically framed.

What do you see as the biggest challenges your school district is facing and what strategies would you want to implement as solutions?
As a School Board Trustee, I will advocate for increased funding to the basic allotment and provide outreach and education to our AHISD community about upcoming bills related to school finance so we can come together to voice our concerns to our elected representatives.

Plans to advocate for increasing the basic allotment and educate the Alamo Heights Independent School District community about school-finance legislation.

- Plans to advocate for increasing the basic allotment and educate the Alamo Heights Independent School District community about school-finance legislation.

We should establish district policies where teachers and librarians are enabled to do their job and not worry that they are the next target of controversy. If parents have concerns about specific material, we have a system that allows parents to control​ which library material their child can access. The views of a single parent should not dictate what material the entire district can access.

Calls for district policies that enable teachers and librarians to do their jobs without becoming targets of controversy.

- Calls for district policies that enable teachers and librarians to do their jobs without becoming targets of controversy.

Opposes state-required reading lists that include biblical texts and supports local control of curriculum.

Said the district's interpretation of Senate Bill 12 is “overly restrictive” because it limits visiting authors' discussion of books that recognize race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Would vote against book censorship, favoring parent control over their own child's library access.

Plans to advocate for increased basic-allotment funding and educate the Alamo Heights Independent School District community about school-finance bills.

We should establish district policies where teachers and librarians are enabled to do their job and not worry that they are the next target of controversy. If parents have concerns about specific material, we have a system that allows parents to control which library material their child can access. The views of a single parent should not dictate what material the entire district can access.

Supports district policies that enable teachers and librarians to do their jobs without becoming targets of controversy.

- Supports district policies that enable teachers and librarians to do their jobs without becoming targets of controversy.

Bianca Cerqueira and her husband have two children who attended Howard E.C.C. and now attend Cambridge Elementary in its Spanish Immersion Program. She has been a member of the Parent-Teacher Organization since 2020 and a homeroom mom at Cambridge since 2021.

Bianca Cerqueira currently works as a biomedical engineer and neuroscientist supporting federally sponsored biomedical research.

I am running for school board because I believe in maintaining local control of curriculum and enabling instructional flexibility which allows us to best meet the needs of our community (against TEA proposed state wide required reading lists that include biblical texts).

I believe in the separation of church and state – parents should be in charge of their child’s religious education, not the state.​ We should establish district policies where teachers and librarians are enabled to do their job and not worry that they are the next target of controversy. If parents have concerns about specific library material, we already have a system that allows parents to control​ which material their child can access.

Additionally, I have concerns about the TX State Board of Education (SBOE) proposed required reading list that includes over 10 passages from the Bible. The proposed rule would take effect in schools during the 2030-31 school year to ensure sufficient time for the transition for publishers & curriculum writers, school systems, and teachers. On January 28th, the SBOE voted to delay consideration until April 6-10th meetings to allow members time to consider the list and solicit feedback. I believe the SBOE proposed reading list would violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution and Article 1 of the Texas Constitution that protects our right to freedom of religion. I believe that parents and their faith community should be in charge of our children’s religious education, not the state.​

Believes the district’s interpretation of Senate Bill 12 is overly restrictive.

Supports local control of curriculum and instructional flexibility, opposing state-required reading lists that include biblical texts.

Opposes state-directed religious education and says parents and faith communities should oversee children’s religious education.

Plans to vote against book censorship and supports parents controlling access to specific library materials for their own children.

- Supports local control of curriculum and instructional flexibility, opposing state-required reading lists that include biblical texts.
- Opposes state-directed religious education and says parents and faith communities should oversee children’s religious education.
- Supports developmentally appropriate, factually correct curriculum that is not ideologically framed.
- Plans to vote against book censorship and supports parents controlling access to specific library materials for their own children.

As a School Board Trustee, I will advocate for increased funding to the basic allotment and provide outreach and education to our AHISD community about upcoming bills related to school finance so we can come together to voice our concerns to our elected representatives.

I think that our district’s interpretation of SB12 is overly restrictive.

Advocates for increased funding for the basic allotment and community outreach on pending school-finance legislation.

- Advocates for increased funding for the basic allotment and community outreach on pending school-finance legislation.

Calls for district policies that enable teachers and librarians to do their jobs without fear of becoming targets of controversy.

- Calls for district policies that enable teachers and librarians to do their jobs without fear of becoming targets of controversy.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Hunter Kingman

- A trustee is an elected member of a local school board who helps govern a public school district.

- Trustees represent community interests and are responsible for setting policies that guide how the school district operates.

- The board of trustees hires and evaluates the superintendent, who manages the day-to-day operations of the district.

- Trustees approve the district’s budget, monitor spending, and may set the local tax rate or call for bond elections to fund schools.

- The board also oversees educational programs, district goals, and overall performance.

- In Texas, trustees are elected to four-year terms, often on a rotating basis, so not all seats are elected at the same time.

- Trustees serve without financial compensation.

An official who sets policy for a local school district. 