Trusted Leader
Strategic Advisor
Dedicated Advocate
I've lived in Austin for twenty years, seventeen of them right here in District 4. I’m raising two children, both of whom attend AISD schools. This community has shaped my life and my family, and I've been committed to showing up for it in return.
As Advocacy Chair for Highland Park and Lamar PTAs, I've brought neighbors together around school funding, boundary changes, the budget, and more, carrying those voices forward to advocate at both the district and state level.
My legal career — both as a litigator and later as a privacy attorney guiding growing companies through complex regulatory compliance — has taught me how to listen closely, negotiate with precision, and find workable solutions in high stakes situations.
I co-founded ATX116 alongside East Austin educator Heather Wong to build bridges across school communities, grounded in the belief that all AISD schools share one future and are stronger together.
I'm running for school board because District 4 deserves a dedicated leader who knows how to distill and communicate information clearly, build trust across neighborhoods, and help community voices eager for thriving and independent public schools generate real, lasting change.
— Jessie Neufeld
The leader we need in this moment
Jessie has devoted years to helping Austin families understand how our public schools work (funding, accountability, consolidation, budgets, etc.) and engaging with the community to know what it wants: thriving students, supported teachers, vibrant schools, and a space for community voice in the process. That knowledge matters right now: AISD is at real risk of a state takeover. In other Texas districts this has meant an appointed board of managers replaces elected trustees, thereby removing the community's voice from decisions about our kids' schools. Jessie understands the district and state-level policies that have lead to this point. She has the skills and experience to lead through this moment and fight for the public schools our kids need and deserve.
“I just want to make clear how meaningful it is to be part of a school community that advocates for other school communities…We all win when each AISD family wins.”
— Highland Park parent in response to Jessie’s call to action to comment in support of resourcing TAP schools at an AISD Board Meeting
Advocating for public school funding at the Capitol during the 89th legislative session
Three generations at the Capitol to hear the voucher debate
Thank you from an appreciative Highland Park parent during the school consolidation process last fall
Making Apple News headlines while advocating for school funding at the state level
At a "Read-In" with my family in May, 2025 protesting laws restricting books in public schools and libraries.
My family at the "Read-In" to protest legislation restricting books in public schools and libraries. (May 2025)
Speaking at a rally outside TEA to protest harmful Turn Aound Plans (TAPs) and district takeovers. (October 2025)
Advocating at AISD Headquarters
Testifying in support of public school teachers and funding at a Texas House K-12 Public Education Committee hearing this summer
Proud to be a part of AISD Up Close Class of 2026!
The Preservation Project Team
Talking to parents about a possible TEA Takeover at Lakewood Pool in July
Friendship bracelet made by my daughter - Fund Public Schools!
My sweet sleepy pup