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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 4, which is currently held by board member Tony Hopkins. He, along with challenger John Scott, are running for position in November.
Other positions set to appear on the ballot are Positions 1, 2 and 3, according to FISD documents.
Click below to read the Q&A for the following races:
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?
My first priority is to ensure that every graduate has the knowledge, skills and character to thrive in our global society. To achieve this, we need Austin to release education funding, continue to work on recruiting and retaining the best employees while maintaining our top five performance in Texas.
What changes, if any, would you like to see with the district’s budget?
With the release of $4 billion in general funds and $1 [billion] in security funds, our employees deserve raises first and to reinstate second planning periods at the high school. We will also need to invest in continued expansion of opportunities across the district and in updating our facilities.
What do you think is the biggest challenge students face in school today?
Time. We all as parents want our children to have every opportunity and to succeed at the highest levels. Technology and connectivity fill our days and have many unintended consequences. Stopping the noise and over-booked schedules is the greatest service we can do for our kids.
Would you make any changes to the district’s policies regarding student conduct? Such as cell phones, dress code violations, etc.?
Continue the focus on limiting cell phone usage on campus and enforce the rules that are already in place. Whenever I talk to teachers and administrators this year, I have said set high expectations and students will rise to meet them. Attendance is also a key focus for every campus.
Would you support the district going for a bond within the next year to keep up with technology and building enhancements?
This fall we will be reforming the Citizen Advisory Council to look at all facilities and make recommendations back to the Board. I hope their priorities include a comprehensive plan for Westwood [built in 1967], Bales, Ag Barn Expansion, FHS infrastructure and facilities upgrades, including the fieldhouse, drill, cheer, lacrosse and wrestling.
What are your priorities if elected?
To build as close to a distraction-free learning environment as possible. To give autonomy back to the principles and teachers of the district. And to build teacher morale through effective leadership.
What changes, if any, would you like to see with the district’s budget?
I believe that there are ways that the district could be more efficient with the dollars that they receive. I would look to maximize every dollar spent for the benefit of the teachers and students.
What do you think is the biggest challenge students face in school today?
Distractions. Students are pulled in every direction today. I would work to create an environment where distractions are minimized.
Would you make any changes to the district’s policies regarding student conduct? Such as cell phones, dress code violations, etc.?
I believe that the policies in place are sufficient. They just need to be enforced on a consistent basis.
Would you support the district going for a bond within the next year to keep up with technology and building enhancements?
Not at this time.
