Anjali Shirvaikar is a candidate for the Frisco ISD board of trustees.[/caption] Anjali Shirvaikar, a Frisco ISD parent and information technology consultant, is running for the Place 2 seat of the FISD board of trustees. She has two children who have grown up in FISD and said she has been heavily involved with Frisco schools for the past 14 years. "I have served in many different PTA boards and booster clubs at the elementary school, middle school and high school levels," Shirvaikar said. But it was not until Shirvaikar served as part of the FISD strategic planning committee in 2015 that she said she gained a deeper knowledge of the challenges facing FISD in the next five years. "I realized that I have knowledge to be an effective board member because I have deep relationships with people in the community, with our teachers and having worked closely with them over the last 14 years," she said. "I just feel that I can utilize this experience to better serve the school district and the community that has given my family so much. Shirvaikar said she knows the many different programs offered at the schools given that her children were or are involved in many of them including academics, fine arts and sports. "I know first hand what these programs are and what they provide so kids can have the best possible environment for success," she said. Shirvaikar has more than 18 years of corporate experience working in information technology. She said she has supported clients on a global platform in more than 25 countries for many years. "I think I bring with me a unique perspective and skill set that is different than my opponents," Shirvaikar said. If elected, Shirvaikar said she would like to see the district continue with its small schools model and small class size. She would also like to see the district maintain its relationships with the city and community partners. Shirvaikar also said she would to build more and stronger relationships with the state legislatures. "I have seen Frisco grow from the ground up," she said. "I remember the time when the ground was being broken for Stonebriar Mall, and I think I'm in a very unique position that I can help FISD face the challenges of tomorrow by focusing on the heart and soul of what Frisco ISD really is: a small schools philosophy." Shirvaikar is running against Steve Noskin and Phil Ramirez for Place 2. Early voting begins April 25 and ends May 3. The general election is May 7.