Q&A: Get to know who's running for Lamar CISD board of trustees District 6

Editor's note: The story was updated with the correct acronym for Lamar CISD, and candidate Ali Khan was removed from the article March 13, as he withdrew from the race.

Three candidates are vying to serve District 6 on the Lamar CISD board of trustees in the May 3 election. There’s no incumbent in the race, as trustee Joe Hubenak didn’t seek re-election.

The details

Previously there were four candidates, but educator Ali Khan withdrew from the race, John Oldham, Fort Bend County elections administrator, confirmed March 13.

"Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I am unable to continue the campaign," Khan said in an emailed statement to Community Impact. "The support and momentum was tremendous and unfortunately to all the podcasters and venues where I was scheduled to speak; I thank y'all and apologize. I shall return in a different capacity and time. Best wishes to the leadership ahead!"

What you need to know

Candidates running for the LCISD board were asked to complete a questionnaire from Community Impact. They were asked to keep responses under 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.

The ballot order could not be accessed in time for publication, so candidates were listed in alphabetical order.

George Arroyos

Experience: full-time speech communication community college instructor, 25-year career business financial planning [vice president] Amegy Bank

Contact Information: N/A

Why did you choose to run for LCISD board of trustees?

My candidacy is conceived of concern, awareness and involvement in our community. I’ve served our community as chairman Fort Bend County Library Advisory Board, LCISD Common Threads and 4-H Youth Leadership volunteer. I’ve also served on the Rosenberg Planning Commission, Rosenberg Parks Master Plan Steering Committee and Rosenberg Development Corporation.

What is your top priority if elected to represent LCISD?

I’m committed to preserving and enhancing the high quality of education at LCISD while maintaining sound fiscal policy of taxpayer dollars. I look forward to providing a voice in support of the students, parents, teachers and staff during this hypergrowth environment which holds immense opportunity and hope for the future.

What are the main challenges the district is now facing, and how would you plan to address them?

There are an incredible range of opportunities and challenges that go along with the hypergrowth at LCISD. I’ll utilize my bachelor’s and master’s degrees educational background, business management experience and local public service in planning for growth to evaluate the multifaceted issues offering my ideas and energy toward identifying solutions.

Are there any programs or policies you’d like to see introduced or changed in the district?

I’m endorsed by LCISD District 6 incumbent Joe Hubenak, Fort Bend [County] Commissioner Dexter McCoy and Rosenberg Mayor Bill Benton. They agree that my commitment to public education along with my business experience and local public service qualify me to make policy decisions enhancing student success for all learners at LCISD.

Demographers have said LCISD is in hypergrowth status due to new home starts. How will you help the district manage the incoming growth?

Planning and managing for hypergrowth is paramount. My business experience managing for large corporations engaged in a fast-paced, rapid growth mode along with my extensive local public service in planning for growth is what sets me apart. I will work diligently to provide responsive leadership in a rapidly changing environment.

Bisi Ngwolo

Experience: real estate consultant, educator for over 14 years, master’s in education administration-digital marketer

Contact Information: N/A

Why did you choose to run for LCISD board of trustees?

I believe every student needs skills and tools before they graduate from high school and enter the real world. Coming alongside the current board members to bridge the gap between campuses, parents and community stakeholders.

What is your top priority if elected to represent LCISD?

My top priorities are managing the growth of LCISD, including the developing the infrastructure to handle the needs of tomorrow and beyond. Teachers' pay needs to beat inflation so finding ways to retain and develop teachers is key.

What are the main challenges the district is now facing, and how would you plan to address them?

The two main challenges would be the growth and retention of high-quality campus staff. 1. Strategic growth and infrastructure planning: proactive land acquisition policies; improve zoning and capacity management and collaborating with city planners. 2. Teacher and staff retention incentives: expand mentorship programs for new teachers; advocate for competitive salaries and benefits to attract …

Are there any programs or policies you'd like to see introduced or changed in the district?

I believe we are heading this way but allowing students to have mental health days with counselors on site or therapist who specialize in high performance strategies.

Demographers have said LCISD is in hypergrowth status due to new home starts. How will you help the district manage the incoming growth?

To help LCISD manage its hypergrowth, I will leverage my expertise in land acquisition, financial oversight and education leadership to ensure that our district expands strategically while maintaining high educational standards, fiscal responsibility and school safety.