Board Members
District 5 (Term 2019-2023)
Ralph Unger was elected May 4, 2019. He grew up in Bexar County south of San Antonio. His wife Annette works at Atascosa McMullen Co-op as diagnostician. She has worked in the education field for 31 years, starting out as a band director and then getting certifications in various fields of education. Mr. Unger's family were ranchers in Bexar and Wilson counties and also worked in construction. Mr. and Mrs. Unger have lived in Pleasanton 28 years. He volunteered as a bowling coach for many years working with beginning bowlers and teaching them the fundamentals of bowling. He has also served on the church council at church, as a council member and as an officer. His two daughters graduated from Pleasanton ISD. The youngest attends Texas Tech University where she is majoring in music education and their oldest just graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in elementary music. Mr. Unger graduated from Southside High School in San Antonio. He received his Associate Degree from Blinn Junior College before transferring to Texas Lutheran University. He graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Music, Education, all level. Mr. Unger also received a Masters of Music in Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio. After teaching for 36 years he currently is retired. He worked at Elementary, Junior High and High School level as music teacher and band director in Kenedy, Charlotte and Pleasanton, Texas. His groups achieved many awards over the years including feature band at the Battle of Flowers Band Festival, numerous University Interscholastic League Sweepstakes, University Interscholastic League State Marching Band finalist, Texas Music Educators Association Honor Band finalist and sending many students to the University of Texas state solo ensemble contest where they received the highest possible rating, 1.
Before becoming an educator, he worked in the restaurant business and demolition. Currently Mr. Unger is working on the family farm, doing instrument repair and other small jobs. Mr. Unger would like to help the future graduates of Pleasanton ISD be prepared for whatever they choose as their next step in life.
Loren Gillespie was voted in unopposed on May 01, 2021, to Pleasanton ISD school board trustee District 4. He was born and raised in Leming, TX area where he still lives today. He attended his elementary grades at the Leming School and was the last 5th-grade class to attend there. He attended Pleasanton Jr. High as well as Pleasanton High School before leaving school to work in his family’s cabinet shop and ultimately earning his GED. He is now co-owner of the business with his brother Mark and has been working there for 30+ years. His wife Tammy Gillespie is currently a teacher at Pleasanton Elementary for the past 23 years. They have two children Auston and Emery, and they are proud to say they have always attended Pleasanton schools and are currently students at Pleasanton High School.
Loren is an active and proud member of the Zanderson Lodge #1120 A.F. & A.M. and is a Master Mason, and currently serves as secretary. He has received many accolades through his service as a Mason including being a recipient of the highly coveted Golden Trial Award (the highest Master Mason award).
Loren is the Leming Volunteer Fire Department Chief and has served in this role for the past 4 years. He is a dedicated firefighter and is constantly working to improve his knowledge and skill to serve his community and better lead the other volunteer firefighters.
Loren is service-minded and community-focused. He takes great pride in helping the youth of today grow into the adults of tomorrow. He sees no service greater than helping the students of Pleasanton ISD reach their full potential.
District 6 (Term 2021-2025)
Jessica Tom was elected to the Board May 2021. Mrs. Tom grew up in rural Arkansas. As a first-generation college student, she attended the University of Southern Mississippi receiving a Bachelor of Science. She continued her education receiving a Master of Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio. In 2009, she married Philip Tom, a PHS graduate, and moved to Campbellton. Mrs. Tom worked as a District Manager of Kelly Scientific Resources. She completed her 8-12 Science certification and went into the classroom at Three Rivers Hight School. Currently, Mrs. Tom is a stay-at-home mom raising their two sons. She has been very active as a philanthropist in Atascosa County. She has served as a CASA and currently serves on the Safer Path Family Violence Shelter Board, Atascosa County Child Welfare Board, Children Matter Family Life Center Board, Merry on Main Steering Committee. She is also an active member of First United Methodist Church in Pleasanton, United Methodist Women, and teaches the 2nd and 3rd grade class at Sunshine Kids. Mrs. Tom also serves as a Trustee of the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation. She is excited to use her combined experience as a teacher, parent, businesswoman, and philanthropist while serving on the Board.
Pete Pawelek was elected to the PISD School Board in May, 2015. He was raised on a working farm and ranch in Atascosa County and graduated from Jourdanton High School. Pete participated in FFA and he served as a Chapter, Area and State officer. He credits the individual and team competitions and the good example of his FFA teacher, Mr. McAllister, for the leadership skills that have guided him throughout his life. He attended Southwest Texas State University and came back home to help on his family’s ranch. Pete’s wife, Lynse, graduated from PHS in 1974 and has worked in the Pleasanton ISD for many years. Their four sons are Pleasanton High School graduates and his grandchildren are currently the third generation enrolled in Pleasanton schools. Pete has served community organizations including Atascosa County Stock Show Association, Pleasanton Young Farmers, and currently serves as President of Atascosa County Farm Bureau. Pete is proud to serve with the team of eight board members who are making important decisions that will have a positive effect on the education of students for future generations. He places a high priority on being an active voice for the members of his district and being an advocate for the teachers and students of Pleasanton ISD.
