Eligible residents have until April 3 to register to vote. The early voting period starts April 22 and ends April 29. Election Day is May 3.
The gist
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
The names of incumbent candidates are marked with a *. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Muni Janagarajan
Experience:
chair for nonprofit organization, crossing guard, previously ran for Frisco ISD board of trustees
Occupation:
Information technology and real estate entrepreneur
Candidate Website:
www.muniforfisd.com
Contact Information:
972-900-3404
Why are you running for office?
I firmly believe that education is a powerful equalizer, and we are fortunate to have an excellent school system in Frisco ISD. I am running to build on the District’s academic success by providing leadership in areas such as fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability, as well as enhancing safety.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district?
Falling student enrollment and funding challenges; past three years FISD is running deficit budget, accuracy in financial forecasting and enhanced transparency; attracting and retaining talented teachers; campus safety and security ; disciplinary issues, cyber bullying, vaping and drugs; waterfall grading and lack of uniform district wide grading policies affects academic excellence
How do you plan to address these issues?
FISD needs to create a five-year, 10-year and 15-year vision to determine what FISD will look like in regards to enrollment, programs and facility standards. I will push for improvements in the budgeting process by encouraging the use of a district-wide zero-based budgeting approach, increase oversight.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
The top priorities are: balancing the budget; creating long term plan for school facilities, students enrollment and programs; revise policies to retain the talented teachers in the district; address uniform curriculum and grading policies for all the grades; and promoting positive behavior and student development.
Amit Kalra
Experience:
FISD Leadership Board Academy, District Advisory Committee and Capital Project Committee, 12,000 volunteer hours
Occupation:
Physical Therapist
Candidate Website:
www.DrKalraforFISD.com
Contact Information:
818-312-6072
Why are you running for office?
My child attends Frisco ISD school, and education is important to me and my family. I want to represent the parents' voice to foster open communication between the community stakeholders and the district. Championing the power of public education for a thriving Frisco ISD where excellence is upheld and redefined.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district?
Balancing the budget, school enrollment, teacher retention, academic readiness, and school safety are the main areas affecting our district. External factors include the economy and the growing influence of AI. There is a communication gap between the district and the community due to the perception of communication received versus shared.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I will demonstrate equity in attitude, trustworthiness in stewardship, integrity of character, honor in conduct, and commitment to working with the district and its stakeholders. I will demonstrate a strong voice in support of Public Education at the local and state level. We will shape bright futures together.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Let's build a positive impact in the Frisco ISD district through my five-star formula: School Safety, Teacher Empowerment, Accountable Finances, Responsive Communication, and Student Excellence. Working together with the administration to create solutions for the success and well-being of our students through probity.
Suresh Manduva
Experience:
Over 27 years in the IT Industry and 25 years in community service.
Occupation:
Technical lead at a retail company
Candidate Website:
www.sureshforfisd.com
Contact Information:
469-777-8066
Why are you running for office?
Over the years, I have actively served in leadership roles within community organizations and dedicated my time to volunteering for student empowerment programs and service initiatives. I am running for Frisco ISD Trustee to leverage my experience in serving our vibrant community of learners and educators.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district?
Like many other districts Frisco ISD is facing gaps in mental health and wellness support that impact students well-being and academic success and personal development. A gradual decline in enrollment will further strain an already deficit budget, adding to financial challenges.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Invest in student well-being, mental health and safety. Expand Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Peer Support Programs. Develop data-driven strategies by analyzing enrollment trends and reasons families choose alternative schooling options. Conduct a comprehensive budget review to ensure funds are allocated efficiently without compromising student success.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Strengthening the communication between students, parents, educators and the school board. I will advocate for enhanced college readiness programs within Frisco ISD. Partnership with local corporations and businesses to create opportunities for students and prepare them for the future. Enhance and expand mental health and wellness programs. Support for special education programs and student athletes.
