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.
Stephanie Elad*
Experience:
I have served as a Frisco ISD Trustee since May of 2022.
Occupation:
Vice President of HR and Administration
Candidate Website:
www.stephanie4fisd.com
Contact Information:
858-735-8904
Why are you running for school board?
I am running for re-election in order to continue advocating for students, teachers, staff, families and community members. We have accomplished a lot in the past 3 years and there is more work to be done. We have unique challenges now which will require experienced leadership.
What are the biggest challenges Frisco ISD is facing?
Teacher and staff turnover has improved but remains a critical area of opportunity. The budget is also a challenge as the district has had 3 deficit budgets in a row and that can’t continue. Enrollment is another area of concern for Frisco ISD. This will lead to further funding challenges.
How do you plan to address these issues?
We need to become relentlessly curious about the reasons why people leave Frisco ISD. Implementing an exit survey process will help identify the reasons why people leave which is the first step in addressing these concerns. As for the budget issues, we need to insist on getting to balance.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities would be teacher, staff and student retention, achieving balanced budgets, providing transparency and accountability to the community and ensuring that students achieve their full potential.
Stuart Shulman
Experience:
20 years in education, decade as a classroom teacher, PTA Board Member
Occupation:
Director of Product Management for an EdTech software company
Candidate Website:
www.Stuart4FISD.com
Contact Information:
469-888-9103
Why are you running for school board?
As an educator and parent of two young children, I'm committed to creating an environment that empowers students, supports and compensates hardworking educators and keeps parents actively engaged and well-informed. I’m driven by facts and progress, not division and national agendas. I’ll listen to our community and do the work.
What are the biggest challenges Frisco ISD is facing?
1) Unfunded and underfunded state-mandated services costing FISD over 60m dollars, combined with inflationary pressures which have resulted in a 105m dollar reduction in purchase power. 2) Teacher compensation, support and retention. 3) Maintaining our successful opportunity model. 4) Promoting meaningful engagement with parents and following through with responses.
How do you plan to address these issues?
1) Advocate for funding, work to find possible savings and pursue additional public-private partnerships. 2) Continue expanding TIA, increase compensation and offer retention bonuses. 3) Preserve and expand academic, co/extracurricular, and specialized programs that make FISD a destination district. 4) Expand communication channels and opportunities for parent engagement.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
1) Advocate the state to fully fund education and their mandated services. 2) Preserve academic, co/extracurricular and specialized programs that sets FISD apart from others. 3) Value and trust teachers, staff, and administrators expertise and commitment to our students. 4) Meaningful community collaboration and guarantee responses to all stakeholders.
