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.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Melanie Barrios-Jones
Why are you running for school board?
I'm running for school board to address key issues of fiscal responsibility, school safety and district transparency. With the recent bond proposal failing, it's clear we need more efficient resource allocation. Bullying continues to be a problem, diverting focus from education and district communication with the community needs improvement.
What are the biggest challenges Frisco ISD is facing?
Some of the biggest challenges the district is facing are declining enrollment, our current debt service payment is 1/3 of the annual budget and less students means less money. Additionally the one population that continues to grow is the special needs kids and there is a funding gap there.
How do you plan to address these issues?
By collaborating with the superintendent and setting board priorities that directly impact these issues, we can create a strong plan for overall district improvement in spending, program retention for the students and teacher retention.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities are fiscal responsibility, school safety and district transparency.I will advocate for policies that support educators in maintaining discipline and academic excellence. Responsible budgeting that prioritizes students while keeping taxpayers in mind. Transparency and open dialogue to foster trust and collaboration in the community.
Renee Sample
Experience:
Past President Frisco Education Foundation, Legislative Leadership Committee (LLC), District Advisory Committee (DAC), FISD Mentor
Occupation:
Information Technology Quality Assurance Analyst
Candidate Website:
www.sample4fisd.com
Contact Information:
214-509-8757
Why are you running for the school board?
I'm running for the school board to ensure every student receives a quality education, promote innovative teaching methods and foster a supportive environment for both students and teachers. I believe in transparency, community involvement and prioritizing resources effectively to enhance educational outcomes for all.
What are the biggest challenges Frisco ISD is facing?
Frisco ISD faces several significant challenges, including rapid population growth, straining resources, maintaining high educational standards amid increasing diversity and addressing mental health needs among students. Additionally, funding disparities and the impact of technology on learning necessitate innovative solutions to ensure all students receive equitable opportunities for success.
How do you plan to address these issues?
We must review and revise the budget to make tough decisions to ensure fiscal transparency, develop strategic partnerships to support and provide our student experiences. Additionally, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) should be seamlessly integrated into curriculum planning and invest in professional development for educators.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities are: Strengthen communication and collaboration among parents, students, educators, and the community. Advocating for responsible budgeting, financial transparency, and student-focused funding solutions. Enhancing STEM and Arts programs while investing in educator development.
Ange Yao
Why are you running for school board?
I'm running to improve the Frisco school district as follows: Be the voice of our school children. Bring my ideas to implement a much robust curriculum. Give a better chance to our students to be able to compete with confidence.
What are the biggest challenges Frisco ISD is facing?
Frisco is a great school district with some areas of opportunities to elevate the school district to a higher level. These areas include: multiple complaints about inappropriate books in schools libraries; multiple complaints about inappropriate books in schools curriculums; Insufficient extra-curricular student training resources; insufficient student exchange programs to elevate student cross-cultural knowledge.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Innovative approach to ideation; strategic communicative approach; enforcing transparency across the board; including parents in the decision making process; and open dialogue to resolve any issues.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Bring my expertise to the table to better students education, specially reading and math.
