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In November's general election, residents in Friendswood ISD will have the opportunity to vote on four competitive races for Friendswood ISD's board of trustees.
Among them is Position 3, which is currently held by board member Rebecca Hillenburg. She, along with challenger Debbie Spurr, are running for position in November.
Other positions set to appear on the ballot are Positions 1, 2 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
What are your priorities if elected?
Meeting the needs of all kids through continual evaluation of all programs [and] attaining the goals of the district.
What changes, if any, would you like to see with the district’s budget?
More support from the state, specifically raising the per student allotment.
What do you think is the biggest challenge students face in school today?
Academic and social pressure.
Would you make any changes to the district’s policies regarding student conduct? Such as cell phones, dress code violations, etc.?
Evaluating what is best for students is my primary goal as a policymaker. It changes. I would like fewer distractions so all students have the opportunity to be attentive, ready to be attentive and ready to learn.
Would you support the district going for a bond within the next year to keep up with technology and building enhancements?
My decision will be based on the structure of the bond and its impact. Bonds take immense planning and community input. A committee of citizens and staff brings recommendations to the board who decides whether to put it on the ballot for the voters to choose. It’s the voters’ decision.
What are your priorities if elected?
My priorities if elected are [to] implement an academically effective, rigorous curriculum; enforce safe schools and strict discipline policies; advocate for teachers, teacher autonomy and effective leadership that promotes good morale; effectively use resources to benefit tax dollars; keep FISD a sought-after district of distinction.
What changes, if any, would you like to see with the district’s budget?<br>
The changes I would like to see to the district's budget is to make sure our teachers have competitive salaries and raises each year, ensure that the bond money has been allocated as promised and disbursed fairly and efficiently, and money is budgeted to ensure equity among each school.
What do you think is the biggest challenge students face in school today?
I strongly feel that our students face many challenges in school today, but the one that is most concerning is bullying. It is imperative for the mental health of our students that this issue is addressed immediately when brought to the school's attention, with zero tolerance.
Would you make any changes to the district’s policies regarding student conduct? Such as cell phones, dress code violations, etc.?
One change made recently to district policy is the limitation of cell phone use by our students. I commend our current board for enforcing this new policy. I believe there is a direct correlation between dress code, student behavior and student success. Dress code should be appropriate and strictly enforced.
Would you support the district going for a bond within the next year to keep up with technology and building enhancements?<br>
I would support the district going for a bond next year as long as monies are allocated for enhancements and remediation to Westwood, Bales and Windsong [campuses]. Technology is an important tool for our students. One possibility to ensure exceptional technology would be [to] obtain grant money from the Friendswood Education Foundation.
