Donny Haltom, a native of Tarkington, is announcing his candidacy for Position 2 on the Tarkington ISD board of trustees. Haltom is a native of Tarkington and works as an attorney.
Haltom entered Tarkington ISD as a kindergartner in 1980 and graduated from Tarkington High School in 1993.
“At that time I couldn’t wait to get out of here and see what the world had to offer beyond the prairie, so I left saying I would never return here to live. After seeing some of the world, most all of Texas, and spending 12 years in the suburbs of Katy, I realized that there was only one place I wanted to call home. My family and I returned in 2013 and have not regretted it one bit,” Haltom said.
He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the South Texas College of Law. Haltom also served in the United States Army.
“Currently, I operate my own private law practice in Cleveland and I strive to be as active as possible in our community. I have been a part of numerous amazing organizations in the area, including the Tarkington M Club and Ducks Unlimited,” he said.
He served on the Tarkington District Improvement Committee for several years as a community representative and sits on the executive board of the Cleveland Livestock Show and Dairy Day.
“One of my favorite activities, though, is cheering on the Tarkington Longhorns and bringing as much spirit to the stands as possible whether through horns, cowbells, megaphones, or whatever else I can come up with,” he said.
Haltom’s wife, Heather, taught at Tarkington Middle School from 2013-2017. After taking a year off, she returned to teach third grade at Tarkington Primary School. The couple’s oldest son graduated from Tarkington High School in 2017. Their other two children are a junior and sophomore.
“Both my dad and grandfather were raised here and my parents have made Tarkington their home for 50 years. I consider it an honor to continue that tradition and hope that my children and grandchildren will one day do the same,” Haltom said.
If elected, he promises to make the school district the very best it can be.
“Both of my opponents in this race are fine people and I cannot say anything negative about them. I am only here to tell you what I can offer to the faculty, staff, residents, and most importantly, the students, of Tarkington ISD. I welcome any and all questions you may have,” Haltom said.
Early voting for the Nov. 6 general election starts Oct. 22.