The main issues Most of the candidates who responded the Times questionnaire mentioned several key issues played a role in their decisions to run in this year's election. Some candidates took issue with how districts handled the COVID-19 pandemic at its height in 2020. Others looked ahead at what can be done to address potential learning loss and gaps in education because of how districts transitioned to virtual instruction. At EPISD, more than half of the candidates who responded to the questionnaire said the search for the district's next superintendent was a driving force to run for seats on the school board.