The appointment comes after board President Kristin Tassin said the board was unable to reach a consensus to fill a vacant seat at a July 28 meeting, despite soliciting applications from candidates to represent the district’s East Division. Previously, the board said the seat would remain vacant until the May 2026 elections.
Community Impact reached out to Tassin to learn more about the appointment, but a response was not received before press time.
About the appointee
First elected to the FBISD board in 2015 and reelected in 2018, Heyliger served as president from November 2020 to May 2021, per a Sept. 16 news release.
According to the release, Heyliger is active in several organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., The Links Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America Inc. and The Fort Bend Church.
She also holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a master's degree in business administration from Texas Woman’s University, per the release. A longtime Fort Bend County resident, Heyliger raised two children who attended FBISD schools.
Quote of note
In her first words as newly sworn-in trustee, Heyliger said she saw her return as “coming home to a mission, a community and a calling that has always been close to my heart.”
She addressed the emotional weight of the past year and the support she received from the community in the aftermath of her son's death.
“In that season of grief, the outpouring of love and support from this community was overwhelming,” she said. “[FBISD] is more than a district—it’s a family—and I carry that love with me into this next chapter of service.”
District officials confirmed that Heylinger will serve until the end of Jones’ term in May 2026.
The FBISD board election will take place May 3, 2026, according to the district’s website. Candidates can file from Jan. 15, 2026, to Feb. 14, 2026, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
