Phil Ramirez is a canditate for the Frisco ISD board of trustees Place 2.[/caption]

Philip Ramirez, a teacher, small business owner and Frisco ISD parent, is running for FISD board of trustees, place 2.

Ramirez and his family have lived in Frisco since 2006 and he said running for school board is something he has wanted to do for a long time.

Ramirez is a third generation teacher and said education excited him. He has taught math at the Collin College Preston Ridge campus for six years.

"I love education. I'm enthusiastic about it and I hope to energize, engage and motivate," Ramirez said. "[I'm running because it's] about passion towards education and timing because I have to be in the right spot in the right time to be able to devote time, energy and effort in order to be able to run. And now is the time."

Ramirez said his teaching background is his biggest asset.

"It's not that it's teaching in and of itself, but its the fact that I've been teaching in this community," Ramirez said. "Because of the level I teach I get the students who graduate from Frisco. So I see the results of their education, and I think that is a unique skill set."

Ramirez said he believes it is important to have the voice of an educator on the board.

"One thing about a board of trustees that you need to have is a variety of professions on the board," Ramirez said. "And we do have somewhat of a variety right not but when you take that educator away you lose that variety. I think its important to have that eyes, ears and voice of an educator on the board to have perspective."

Ramirez said there are a couple of issues he would like to address if elected. He said he would like to start a discussion concerning the lack of final exams and the re-testing policy. He also said he would like to improve and build stronger relationships between FISD and the local colleges and universities.

As the district continues to grow Ramirez said he would support hiring an internal auditor who would ensure continued due diligence in managing a cost-effective fiscal approach as more schools, facilities and personnel are needed to maintain the small schools model.

Ramirez is running against Steve Noskin and Anjali Shirvaikar.

Early voting begins April 25 and ends May 3. The general election is May 7.