Fort Bend ISD swore in two new members of the board of trustees at a special meeting May 12.
Judy Dae and Kristen Davison Malone won election to the Position 2 and Position 6 seats, respectively, during the May 1 election.
Dae won the Position 2 seat with 59.12% of the vote. Grayle James, who currently holds the Position 2 seat, did not seek re-election.
“I really feel a need to bring the community together,” Dae said. “I believe that more than ever we need to come together for the students. I will do my best to serve our students and work in their best interest.”
In the race for Position 6, Davison Malone defeated incumbent Addie Heyliger and four other challengers, garnering 36.72% of the vote.
“It is a privilege of a lifetime to serve this community,” Malone said. “This is my home. I was born and raised right here in Fort Bend County. I want everyone to know that when I said I was the one who would care and listen and represent you all, I meant it."
James and Heyliger were both recognized for their dedication and contributions to the district during years of board service.
James, who has served on the board for nine years, was credited with crafting district policy that has guided the board in establishing the “profile of a graduate” framework and strategic plan.
“I can honestly say no trustee has frustrated me more; no trustee has given me more phone calls and more emails,” Superintendent Charles Dupre said, drawing laughs from those gathered for the ceremony. “But, I can also say Fort Bend ISD is better because you have served on this board and were board president during a critical time.”
Dupre and other trustees thanked Heyliger for bringing her unique perspective and devotion to equity to the board over the past six years.
“Even though my time as a board member has come to an end, the passion is still here and the fire is still burning,” Heyliger said. “I will continue to be an advocate for the students in FBISD and the students around the world.”
Fort Bend ISD is also in the process of selecting a new superintendent after Dupre announced his planned resignation in November. Dupre’s last day in the district will be June 10. Deputy Superintendent Diana Sayavedra will serve as acting superintendent effective June 11.
The board is working with search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates to recruit, vet and interview superintendent candidates. A timeline of the search shows a lone finalist for the position will be announced the week of June 21 with an August start date.
The FBISD board of trustees will meet May 27 for a special meeting during which they will discuss several items in closed session before engaging in team-building activities.
