Among them is Position 2, which is currently held by board member Niki Rhodes. She, along with challenger Donald "Doc" Stran, are running for position in November.
Other positions set to appear on the ballot are Positions 1, 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
Donald C. “Doc” Stran
Experience:
Chairman of Friendswood Animal Control Center, partner of Houston Physician Hospital, past Chief of Staff…
Occupation:
retired foot/ankle surgeon, retired pharmacist
Candidate Website:
N/A
Contact Information:
N/A
What are your priorities if elected?
Prioritize teacher voices in the education process. Allow teacher input without fear or consequence. Eliminate male students from using female restrooms and locker rooms regardless of how they identify. The [U.S.] Supreme Court overturned this area of Title IX but FISD has not done so. Return to the traditional grading…
What changes, if any, would you like to see with the district’s budget?
There is a business component to FISD. Spending the tax revenue collected from the citizens of Friendswood is a serious responsibility. First, I would eliminate over-spending and stay out of debt, only spend what monies you actually have. Second, I would allocate more funds for Westwood, Bales and Windsong…
What do you think is the biggest challenge students face in school today?
Student challenges would be different for each age group. Fitting in and being popular has always been an issue. I feel social media has heightened this problem. The biggest challenge for the elementary-level students is understanding where they stand. High schoolers can be challenged with their educational and employment future.
Would you make any changes to the district’s policies regarding student conduct? Such as cell phones, dress code violations, etc.?
There are plenty of policies already in place. However, they are not enforced. The student handbook outlines policies for the dress code, cell phones and responsibilities. Students need boundaries to better thrive. The policies need to be enforced and hold students accountable for their actions.
Would you support the district going for a bond within the next year to keep up with technology and building enhancements?
Having the budget examined by outside professionals is the first step. Spending [money] you do not have is a bad habit. Depending on the results of the study will determine if a bond is needed. Technology will always be quickly outdated, but building enhancements for Bales, Windsong and Westwood would…
Niki Rhodes*
Experience:
22-plus years in finance, 15-plus years volunteering in FISD, four years on school board
Occupation:
lead bookkeeper at Laminack, Pirtle and Martines LLP
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/RHODES4FISD
Contact Information:
N/A
What are your priorities if elected?
My commitment remains to ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education in a safe environment, our teachers and staff feel seen, heard and connected and that our school district continues to be a source of pride for our community.
What changes, if any, would you like to see with the district’s budget?
The district’s budget should prioritize competitive salaries for all staff. We need to continue to advocate at the state level for increased student allotments and full mandate funding. Enhanced funding will enable reduced class sizes and second planning period for teachers; therefore, improving learning environments, staff retention and student outcomes.
What do you think is the biggest challenge students face in school today?
The biggest challenge students face today are developing essential life skills, such as a balance between family, work, extracurricular activities and academics. Students struggle with communication skills such as face-to-face conversations; therefore, impacting their social and interpersonal interactions. This can hinder their personal development and overall academic performance.
Would you make any changes to the district’s policies regarding student conduct? Such as cell phones, dress code violations, etc.?
I will continue emphasizing the importance of consistency and enforcement in all district policies, including cell phones and dress code violations. Ensuring clear, fair application of these policies is crucial in gaining the trust of students and teachers. Additionally, focusing on improving attendance will be essential, as it significantly…
Would you support the district going for a bond within the next year to keep up with technology and building enhancements?
I support reconvening the Citizens Advisory Committee, or CAC, to work with the district to reassess facilities and technology, ensuring we stay on track with improvements and provide consistent, forward-looking resources for our students and staff. If the CAC recommends the district call for a bond, I would support that.
