Four candidates will face off in the race for Fort Bend ISD board of trustees Position 2 in the upcoming May 4 election.
There isn't an incumbent in the race, as trustee Judy Dae chose not to seek re-election.
Candidates running for Position 2 were asked to fill out questions and answers from Community Impact. They 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
M. Asher Baptiste
Experience:
20 years of experience as an educator/leader and founder of STEAM Academy in the Caribbean
Occupation:
Educational consultant and executive vice president of international affairs & programs
Candidate Website:
https://baptiste4fbisd.com
Contact Information:
832-857-0285
Why are you running for this trustee position?
My drive comes from a deep desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of future leaders. I envision a future where every student has the support they need both academically and emotionally to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
What are your top qualifications for a Fort Bend ISD trustee position?
Education expertise: strong foundation in educational theory, policy and practice; Leadership experience: educational consultant, project manager, economic development director and much more; Community engagement: history of active engagement in Fort Bend; Fiscal responsibility: strong understanding of budgeting, finance, and resource management; Collaborative approach: commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?
I believe the district should prioritize the following (addressed in depth on my website): Budget constraints: I will advocate for state and federal funding, grants and partnerships including for teacher recruitment/retention. Social/emotional well-being of the students: We must invest in mental health; technology integration and digital equity.
How would you rebuild trust in the community after the sudden leadership change and bond overrun issues?
This change requires a multifaceted approach to prioritize transparency, accountability and meaningful engagement with stakeholders. FBISD leaders must take proactive steps to rebuild these relationships. We must engage in collaborative problem-solving; seek common ground, and work towards shared goals and priorities that benefit the entire community.
Why should voters support your candidacy for the position?
With a strong commitment to serving the community, a track record of leadership/collaboration, 20 years of experience in education and a vision for ensuring the success and well-being of all students, I have a clear vision for the future of FBISD, grounded in the principles of excellence, innovation and equity.
Manisha Gandhi
Experience:
Business owner; professional fundraiser (chief development officer) and journalist; budgeting, revenue generation and communication skills
Occupation:
Insurance and financial advisor, TV correspondent
Candidate Website:
https://gandhi4fbisd.com
Contact Information:
832-876-2142
Why are you running for this trustee position?
I am a mother, businesswoman and a taxpayer. I have raised two kids from public schools. I have a wealth of experience, and the time and the skills to serve on the FBISD board. I would like to be instrumental in greater common good through good governance and academic excellence …
What are your top qualifications for a Fort Bend ISD trustee position?
I have experience as a business owner. I owned and operated an insurance and financial services agency for many years. I professionally fundraised for many nonprofits, including chief dDevelopment officer. I am also a TV correspondent for the last 14 years, producing [approximately] 1,000 stories. With financial knowledge, fundraising and …
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?
Budget and academic excellence are in question currently in the district. We need to have full accountability and transparency when [it] comes to district finances, regular audits and making sure programs are implemented which are already budgeted for. We need higher retention of teachers and recruitment of qualified and experienced teachers …
How would you rebuild trust in the community after the sudden leadership change and bond overrun issues?
We need to engage our parents, taxpayers and school administrators to rebuild the trust of the FBISD leadership team. We need to be more transparent. Listen to concerns and work together for the greater good of all students. We need to create stability in the leadership and communicate with transparency …
Why should voters support your candidacy for the position?
I went to public schools and have raised two children, now age 33 and 27, in public schools. I am passionate about education. I am not an educator but understand the value of education and bring skills in finance, revenue generation and communication to the team. There are educators …
Adam Schoof
Experience:
Owner of property management company, law enforcement officer
Occupation:
Small business owner, investor and law enforcement officer
Candidate Website:
https://fortbendforadam.com
Contact Information:
832-344-6715
Why are you running for this trustee position?
I have a daughter in fourth grade and a vested interest in seeing this district succeed. Our teachers are under tremendous pressure even after the [voter-approved tax rate election]. They are still underpaid especially after the rise in their health insurance premiums. I want to be a voice for our entire community.
What are your top qualifications for a Fort Bend ISD trustee position?
I am a small business owner, investor and law enforcement professional. I have the unique ability to bring an outside perspective to the district which is much needed. We need a more diverse set of experiences on the board and my background will be an asset to the district.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?
The biggest challenges are the bond budget shortfall and repeated [Texas Education Agency special education] noncompliance, which is leading to learning loss. We need better support for SPED teachers and more resources for the students we serve. We must look at each bond project in detail to get them back on track.
How would you rebuild trust in the community after the sudden leadership change and bond overrun issues?
I would like to see more community involvement through focus groups and more district level committees and not only to be heard, but for the district to listen. Regarding the bond, we must hold vendors accountable and ensure we are being good stewards of the taxpayer dollar through value engineering.
Why should voters support your candidacy for the position?
Voters should support me because I live by integrity and I believe in transparency. I have pledged an oath to serve the community and have spent a lifetime working for the betterment of all of those around me.
Rizvan Quadri
Experience:
21 years in public education; principal at elementary, middle and high school levels
Occupation:
Executive director of a public relations firm
Candidate Website:
https://riz4fortbendisd.com
Why are you running for this trustee position?
My passion for public education and extensive leadership experience in the public education sector drive my commitment to serve. I'm running to ensure every child has an opportunity to receive a quality education, provide our teachers and staff with the necessary support they need, to ensure we maintain fiscal responsibility.
What are your top qualifications for a Fort Bend ISD trustee position?
With a doctorate in educational leadership, extensive experience as a principal and an educator for over 20 years, coupled with expertise in community outreach and public relations, I bring a comprehensive skill set to advocate for student success and effective school board governance.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?
Addressing disparities in student achievement, employing efforts in effective teacher recruitment and retention strategies, and managing fiscal responsibility are key challenges. I propose targeted intervention programs, transparent communication, tailored professional development and collaborative decision-making to overcome these obstacles.
How would you rebuild trust in the community after the sudden leadership change and bond overrun issues?
As a trustee, I will support the superintendent so the district maintains a consistent, stable and upward trajectory. Transparent communication, effective accountability measures and community involvement are always important when establishing trust. I look forward to working together with trustees, the superintendent and staff to move our district forward.
Why should voters support your candidacy for the position?
Voters should support my candidacy because I have a proven track record of educational leadership, commitment to student success, and community engagement. As a community member for over 10 years, a parent, former educator and principal, I am dedicated to ensuring Fort Bend ISD remains a beacon of excellence in public education.
