Of the three seats up for election on the Cy-Fair ISD school board this November, only Position 6 is contested.

Incumbent Don Ryan, who has served on the board for 13 years and is currently vice president, has filed for reelection. He is being challenged by Dr. Shaik Ahmed, co-founder and executive director of NW Cypress Pediatrics and Family Medicine. Both men are long-time Cypress residents and graduates of Cy-Fair ISD.

In his time on the school board, Ryan said he has demonstrated a commitment to remaining fiscally sound while focusing on providing relevant learning experiences for every child.

"I've made sure to approach every issue and decision with two concerns: will it make a positive impact on our students? And is it fiscally responsible for our taxpayers?" he said.

Among the top issues facing the district, Ryan said he would like to focus on being financially smart, staying competitive with employee salaries and developing career readiness opportunities.

Ahmed has worked within most areas of education, including as a teacher, coach, department chair, administrator and superintendent in both public and private school systems.

Ahmed said his type of experience in education is something the board currently lacks.

"The board members are all distinguished individuals," he said. "However, the board is missing a piece of the puzzle: it needs the viewpoint of a certified educational administrator who has been in education in every step of the process from teacher to administrator."

Ahmed said he wants to work to create more opportunities, especially for children who are economically disadvantaged.

"We need to better equip each child—especially those who are less fortunate—with the ability to succeed and accomplish their dreams," he said. "We need to inform the youngest in our schools of the dreams and possibilities this great nation can give them."

The other two board seats up for election this year are positions 5 and 7, held by Dr. John Ogletree Jr. and Bob R. Covey, respectively. They are both running unopposed.

The final day to register for the upcoming November elections is Oct. 7. Early voting runs from Oct. 21–Nov. 1. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. For a list of early voting and Election Day voting locations and hours in Harris County, go to www.harrisvotes.org.

Look for a full Q&A with the two candidates running for Position 6 on the Cy-Fair ISD school board in the Oct. 17 Election Guide of Community Impact Newspaper.