Among them is Position 1, which is currently held by board member Laura Seifert. She, along with challenger Bradley Clapp, are running for position in November.
Other positions set to appear on the ballot are Positions 2, 3 and 4, according to FISD documents.
Early voting starts Oct. 21. Election Day will be held Nov. 5.
Candidates 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.
*Indicates incumbent
Laura Seifert*
Experience:
Parents of two FISD students, 8-year school board member, active community member for 21 years
Occupation:
Founder & CEO of Yes. Ministries and Yes. Workplace
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/laura.c.seifert
Contact Information:
N/A
What are your priorities if elected?
When elected, I’ll prioritize FISD students by fostering a safe, supportive environment where they excel academically and discover their passions. I’ll ensure teachers feel seen, valued and connected while advocating for the release of state funding to provide well-deserved salary increases and improve the resources for our schools.
What changes, if any, would you like to see with the district’s budget?
We’ve balanced the district’s budget this year, while maintaining a focus on competitive salaries and affordable insurance for all staff. I’ll continue advocating for the release of $4 billion in public school funding and $1 billion for safety. Also, prioritizing smaller class sizes and teacher planning will improve retention ...
What do you think is the biggest challenge students face in school today?
Excessive screen time and social media contribute to student isolation and a mental health crisis. Limiting use during school can improve well-being, foster social interaction and boost peer engagement. Thoughtfully integrated technology, however, can enhance learning by offering interactive tools that support student engagement and understanding.
Would you make any changes to the district’s policies regarding student conduct? Such as cell phones, dress code violations, etc.?
We review cell phone and dress code policies annually, and are currently considering either restricted use or a no-cell-phone rule from bell to bell. Consistency across the district will help build trust and fairness. Improving attendance, crucial for student success and engagement, will also remain a key focus.
Would you support the district going for a bond within the next year to keep up with technology and building enhancements?
This fall, our Citizens Advisory Council will reconvene to review our facilities and offer valuable recommendations to the board. We’re looking forward to improvements, including upgrades to Westwood/Bales, the Ag Barn and other key systems, to better support our students’ growth and success.
Bradley Clapp
Experience:
former high school coach, Nike TEAM territory manager, Game One regional sales manager
Occupation:
Western North America sales manager
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564402491491
Contact Information:
N/A
What are your priorities if elected?
My main goals are to reestablish the academic rigor that pushes our students to unimaginable heights, ensure we are a fiscally responsible district, develop a culture of great leaders and empower them to lead their campuses, and give our teachers and coaches autonomy to do what they do best.
What changes, if any, would you like to see with the district’s budget?
I would like to ensure we are utilizing the available funds in an equitable way such that we are able to impact the greatest number of students. We need to take personal interests and outside influences out of the financial decision making process.
What do you think is the biggest challenge students face in school today?
I believe students are facing a daunting challenge of seeing a world through their phones and not seeing the world around them. We need to give our students an environment that challenges them to become the next world leaders, innovators and thinkers.
Would you make any changes to the district's policies regarding student conduct? Such as cell phones, dress code violations, etc.?
I don't know about changes, but I would make sure we have set standards and we enforce them. We need to make sure that everyone is on the same page and understands what is expected, from cell phone use, dress code and other code of conduct policies.
Would you support the district going for a bond within the next year to keep up with technology and building enhancements?
No, not while they are still working through capital projects from the last bond. We need to maximize the current funds we have and look at ways to build in enhancements.
