I’m running because I’m passionate about creating a school environment where kids can really thrive, not just academically, but also in terms of mental health, social development and overall happiness. I feel I would bring a much-needed, fresh perspective to our current board as the only board member with children still in elementary school and one in middle school, [and] as a scientist who understands the need for finding research-based solutions, independent thinking and honest examination.

One of the biggest issues facing FISD is distrust within the community. This can be improved by increasing transparency, restoring time for public comments at board meetings, validating parent concerns and accepting criticism and admitting wrong-doing when needed. Another big issue is teacher burnout. We’re losing a much higher number of skilled teachers than what was typical just 10 years ago. I want to ensure teachers have a safe place to be heard.

1) Listen to parents: Parents know their child’s needs best. 2) Listen to teachers: They’re our district’s greatest asset! 3) Achieve better balance: We need a balanced approach to screen time, breaks and assessments. The school day should be structured around the way children’s brains actually work, rather than expecting their brains to work around the structure of the school day. 4) Cultivate academic excellence: We should teach accountability and provide the right-level challenge for each student.

[I would like to see] a minimum of 15 minutes of flex/social break time for middle schoolers (elementary gets 40 minutes of break time, and high schoolers get 30 minutes of flex/break time); a half-day kindergarten option in addition to the normal full-day option; [and] an improved GT program at the elementary level; more use of paper and pencil, whiteboard discussions and textbooks at the secondary level in balance with continuing to develop digital proficiency.

Apart from serving the Frisco ISD community on the board of trustees for the past three years, I have been serving the community in the areas related to education. Five years ago, I founded [the] Shubham Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has been providing scholarships to FISD seniors. Prior to becoming a trustee, I was a member of FISD’s long-range planning committee, programs and facilities evaluation committee and was on the advisory board of [the] Frisco Education Foundation.

Learning gaps and the mental health of students due to COVID-19 are our biggest challenges. This is being addressed by providing additional support and resources to students in need. Another issue continues to be the management of ongoing district growth. A history of strong academics and ever-expanding opportunities for students are driving the growth. We manage this with a keen eye on changing growth patterns, making adjustments where needed to build new schools and reconfigure existing schools.

Apart from addressing COVID-19-related learning gaps and district growth, my top priorities include expansion of student opportunities and programming; fiscal responsibility; ensuring prudent handling of district finances with no major increased impact to taxpayers; strengthening programs that foster entrepreneurial skills; and strengthening mental health and special education programs.

I would like us to continue optimization of technology use to ensure students, teachers and staff have access to the latest technologies. This enhances the experience for teachers and students, and helps staff achieve directives more efficiently. I would like the district to further explore private industry to add appropriate programs and courses that ensure students are proficient in the future-ready skills of leadership, collaboration, communication and problem solving.