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
Ferrel Bonner
Experience:
Graduate of FBISD board of trustees leadership academy; retired military intelligence analyst; FBISD volunteer; community activist
Occupation:
Retired military
Contact Information:
713-398-0419
Why are you running for this trustee position?
I have lived in FBISD for 20 years. My children and grandchildren have attended FBISD schools. I understand the frustration of parents wanting an exceptional, equitable and safe educational environment. I want to use my professional experiences to build bridges, empower minds and advocate for FBISD students, teachers and communities.
What are your top qualifications for a Fort Bend ISD trustee position?
I am a graduate of the FBISD board of trustees leadership academy, and I hold a master’s degree in public administration. I am a retired military intelligence analyst (IT/cyber security, emergency management and physical security). I believe the most important thing is my connection and involvement in the community.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?
As a district we need to prepare our students not only for the challenges of today, but for life. We need to equip them with the tools to be successful. To do that we also need to recruit, retain and provide competitive pay for qualified teachers.
How would you rebuild trust in the community after the sudden leadership change and bond overrun issues?
We have an opportunity for success because of change. We rebuild trust through engaging the community with honesty, transparency and integrity. We cannot go backwards. I want to move FBISD forward with fresh perspectives, vision and courageous leadership. We’ll remain committed to restoring trust by our actions, not just words.
Why should voters support your candidacy for the position?
My commitment to [my] country and community spans over 40 years of both military and grassroots advocacy experience. I want to use this expertise to help provide an improved educational environment for everyone. As both an ambassador and advocate, I will work every day focused on student academic excellence.
Kristen Malone*
Experience:
FBISD trustee; Texas Association of School Boards director; TASB budget & finance committee member; mentor at Title 1 school; FBISD volunteer
Occupation:
Chief financial officer, vice president of finance
Candidate Website:
https://facebook.com/malone4fbisd
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for this trustee position?
Rooted in Fort Bend: As a lifelong resident, graduate, board member and parent of two Fort Bend students, I'm fully invested in the district. Prioritizing quality education, teacher support, fiscal responsibility and transparency, I aim to ensure every student thrives, securing a brighter future for our community.
What are your top qualifications for a Fort Bend ISD trustee position?
My background in finance and advocacy for all stakeholders demonstrates my commitment to our district's welfare. We made $40 million in cuts and balanced the budget, approved teacher raises and added armed security at all campuses. My familiarity with new Texas educational standards will promote our district's innovation and excellence.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?
FBISD faces challenges in changing education standards, meeting diverse student needs within budget, teacher retention, and repairing public trust. I'll advocate for supportive environments, strategic budgeting and solutions to ensure student success and retain top educators while being open and honest to the taxpayers, and parents who entrust us.
How would you rebuild trust in the community after the sudden leadership change and bond overrun issues?
I prioritize honesty, integrity and transparency to restore faith and ensure accountability. I stood for transparent budgeting and requested a public budget workshop for the upcoming year. I will continue standing up for what's right and being a voice of the people to foster a united district.
Why should voters support your candidacy for the position?
I ask you for your support in my candidacy for integrity, experience, and dedication. With a finance background and transparency commitment, I tackle challenges effectively. I bring board experience to prioritizing kids, supporting teachers and protecting parents' rights. I am your voice—let's build a brighter future together.
Angel Hicks
Experience:
10-year FBISD educator and parent, student achievement specialist, community volunteer
Occupation:
FBISD master teacher
Contact Information:
281-845-9857
Why are you running for this trustee position?
My candidacy for FBISD [board of trustees] Position 6 is driven by a commitment to fostering stronger bonds of trust between our community and its schools. I believe in approaching challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, while working collaboratively with fellow board members and the superintendent to make students and teachers our priority!
What are your top qualifications for a Fort Bend ISD trustee position?
I bring valuable experience in effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders to drive progress within our district. Through my current occupation, I have demonstrated the ability to work closely with students, teachers and administration to elevate educational outcomes. As a Girl Scouts troop leader, I effectively engage with the community.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?
Teacher recruitment and retention is a big challenge in our district, and as a 10-year FBISD teacher, I believe I can bring a unique perspective and a deep understanding of this issue. I have a program in mind that could help turn this around and bring in highly qualified educators.
How would you rebuild trust in the community after the sudden leadership change and bond overrun issues?
One of my top priorities is to ensure transparency and open communication in all decision-making processes. I will also advocate for accountability and responsiveness within the district. It’s essential to hold ourselves to high standards and remain vigilant in addressing concerns raised by our constituents.
Why should voters support your candidacy for the position?
Education is not just a profession for me; it's a passion. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world. This commitment will be at the forefront of my decision-making as a school board member.
Simran Patel
Experience:
Banking and finance; economics and marketing; nonprofit volunteer; business owner; mother of three FBISD-educated children
Occupation:
Mortgage broker and Realtor
Candidate Website:
https://voteforsimran.com
Contact Information:
833-394-6690
Why are you running for this trustee position?
I'm taking action for our children's future. The world is evolving fast, but our education system isn't keeping pace. Standards are dropping, and our children aren't ready for AI. Teachers are overwhelmed, and not respected and transparency seems to be murky at best. It's time for change in FBISD.
What are your top qualifications for a Fort Bend ISD trustee position?
I'm well-suited for this role with business leadership, banking, and financial planning expertise. With three kids in FBISD, I grasp its challenges. My skill in connecting with diverse community members uniquely qualifies me to enhance our district's representation and progress.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?
Transforming our schools into beacons of hope starts by addressing critical issues like fiscal responsibility and teacher empowerment while fostering collaboration between educators and families. Our taxpayers and residents also seek accountability and transparency from the board and FBISD.
How would you rebuild trust in the community after the sudden leadership change and bond overrun issues?
The recent upheaval in leadership and financial management has shaken our community's trust. We need clarity on decisions like the superintendent's departure and better oversight on allocating our school funds. More significant input from parents could prove pivotal in decision-making and ensuring transparency in all board actions and governance procedures.
Why should voters support your candidacy for the position?
I'm committed to our community's future, addressing its challenges. My campaign prioritizes respect, inclusivity and accountability in our schools. Let's unite to foster a safe, nurturing environment for all children to excel. It's time to rectify our education system's failings and secure a brighter future for our kids.
Kristin Tassin
Experience:
Intellectual property, business, contract attorney, special education advocate, FBISD board president, secretary, vision/planning, audit, legislative
Occupation:
Attorney, business owner, advocate
Candidate Website:
https://facebook.com/kristin.tassin.campaign
Why are you running for this trustee position?
FBISD faces special education noncompliance, declining student achievement and literacy, lack of accountability and transparency and extreme budget challenges. The unraveling of processes that support higher student achievement, fiscal responsibility and innovative solutions is a root cause. I offer experience, leadership and knowledge that will improve education for all students.
What are your top qualifications for a Fort Bend ISD trustee position?
As trustee, I achieved: Texas Outstanding Board; Texas Outstanding Large District; “Hero for Children” award; Texas Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education; reduced property taxes; zero failing schools; teacher pay raises; increased literacy; at-risk student programs; mental health centers; increased school safety; innovative special education pre-school; “listening tours;” “literacy tours”
What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?
Literacy: Almost half of students aren’t reading at grade level. I will budget expanded interventions, engage community, reinstate literacy tours. Accountability/transparency: As trustee, I taught audit/accountability. I will restore a strong audit function. Special education: FBISD’s three years noncompliance risks state takeover. I bring focus and experience to this issue.
How would you rebuild trust in the community after the sudden leadership change and bond overrun issues?
I understand school finance and have experience advocating for taxpayers, budget accountability and enforcing transparency. Accountability leads to transparency, community trust and student success. Leadership begins with the board. I bring experienced leadership and will reinstate a robust audit program, both critical for student success, budget accountability and public transparency.
Why should voters support your candidacy for the position?
FBISD desperately needs leadership, accountability and positive culture shift. I’m a FBISD resident for 28 years. All my children attended FBISD schools. As an attorney, education advocate and proven leader, attaining results on school finance, literacy, mental health, tax reduction, and special education, I’m most qualified to help FBISD improve.
