What you need to know
Candidates running for the FBISD board were asked to complete a questionnaire 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.
Candidates shared the issue they believe is most pressing for the district, the offerings the district should prioritize in the face of expanded school choice and how to support the growing enrollment of special education and bilingual students.
Candidates are listed by ballot order, according to the Fort Bend County elections administrator.
For more information on the election, visit the district’s website.
Angie Wierzbicki
Experience:
grants manager for local government
Occupation:
experienced former nonprofit executive, active FBISD parent
Candidate Website:
https://linktr.ee/angie4fbisd
Contact Information:
832-274-9246
Why did you choose to run for the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees?
As a parent of two children in FBISD, I’ve seen how important it is to have strong leadership in our schools. I want to ensure that every child has access to high-quality education and that our schools are places where all students, teachers and staff feel supported and valued.
What do you think is the most pressing issue in FBISD, and how would you address it?
Politics in the board room. Rather, my focus will be on the following: improving educational outcomes for all students, supporting teachers and staff, and maintaining fiscal discipline. That's the job of a trustee, and instead, far too many have spent far too much time on divisive culture war issues.
With the expansion of alternatives to public schools, what offerings should FBISD prioritize for its students?
Parents want to put their kids in schools where they feel they have the best teachers, facilities and education. We should be aiming to strengthen FBISD in all those aspects. I plan to work with our leadership, staff, students, parents and community members to do just that.
How would you address the district’s staffing needs amid a national teacher shortage?
To recruit and retain teachers and other staff, salaries need to be increased. I will work with the board and district personnel on this, as well as advocate at the state level. I will also encourage other retention strategies such as better professional development opportunities and more incentives.
What support should the district provide to accommodate the growth of special education and bilingual enrollment?
These services aren't fully funded by the state. I will advocate for full funding and recommend better pay and professional development opportunities to recruit and retain teachers in specialized roles. Additionally, I will support leadership and staff in finding ways to secure vital materials and technologies to meet students' needs.
Allison Drew
Experience:
enterprise data architect
Occupation:
FBISD trustee, [Texas Association of School Boards] leadership, reading buddy, psychiatric nurse, underprivileged children program coordinator
Candidate Website:
https://www.vote5allison.com
Contact Information:
832.376.7768
Why did you choose to run for the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees?
As an experienced state level recognized former FBISD trustee, I have expertise in district budgeting, identifying programming needs, assisting in bond oversight and reducing inequities. As an enterprise data architect, I ultimately help systems communicate better. As a psychiatric nurse, I support the whole student and foster community input to…
What do you think is the most pressing issue in FBISD, and how would you address it?
FBISD has several pressing issues needing further attention: realigning the school board to be focused on student success, rather than political agendas; closing learning gaps while increasing academic performance; creating a plan for financial stability by retaining students; advocating for funding; supporting all staff to increase morale and reduce attrition.
With the expansion of alternatives to public schools, what offerings should FBISD prioritize for its students?
FBISD should place renewed emphasis on fostering academic excellence, championing innovative programs and promoting student mental health. Ensuring all students have access to high-quality resources like college-career preparation, technology, advanced coursework, fine arts, athletics, special education, emerging bilingual education programs while enhancing soft skills such as creativity, teamwork and leadership.
How would you address the district’s staffing needs amid a national teacher shortage?
FBISD must focus on staff retention while implementing a solid recruiting plan. Employees stay where they feel stable, trusted and valued. The school board’s stability and integrity is a foundational part of this effort. I’d prioritize strategies that create career pathways while providing a supportive environment to reduce teacher burnout.
What support should the district provide to accommodate the growth of special education and bilingual enrollment?
I’ve chosen careers that support children having medical, psychological and language needs. We should prioritize targeted support services, resources and programs to ensure all students have unhindered access to quality education. This requires a holistic approach, which includes early identification and intervention, collaborative planning with parents, and flexible, accommodating environments.
Cheryl Buford
Experience:
former teacher
Occupation:
University of Texas, MPA, policy advisor, U.S. [Department of Education], [science, technology, engineering and math] advocate, team-building consultant
Candidate Website:
https://cherylbuford.com
Contact Information:
713-303-4888
Why did you choose to run for the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees?
I have dedicated my life to educating the next generation, in the classroom, as an education policy analyst, and as a tutor for at-risk youth. I have seen which policies are effective and am committed to championing the ones which will best serve our students, families, and teachers and staff.
What do you think is the most pressing issue in FBISD, and how would you address it?
It is essential our graduates are well prepared to become tomorrow’s leaders—referred to as college, career or military ready (CCMR). In 2024, only 60% of our graduates met Texas’s CCMR criteria. We must do better! Implementing curricula and effective teaching practices which build a solid foundation are key.
With the expansion of alternatives to public schools, what offerings should FBISD prioritize for its students?
FBISD offers numerous unique choice programs, such as early literacy academies, gifted-and-talented programs, the James Reese Career [and Technical Center], and more. I will review what is currently available, solicit parent and student feedback, determine which ones have waiting lists, and explore how we can best serve more students.
How would you address the district’s staffing needs amid a national teacher shortage?
Competitive financial compensation, opportunities for professional development and positive school cultures/work environments are essential in both attracting and retaining excellent teachers and aides. In 2023, only 57% of campus-based staff reported that they “believed discipline is enforced fairly.” We must support teachers when discipline problems arise.
What support should the district provide to accommodate the growth of special education and bilingual enrollment?
I am eager to receive parent feedback to determine how FBISD can improve these programs with realistic, tailored benchmarks. Teachers in these roles deserve ample training and support staff. I will also explore offering financial bonuses for teachers and staff serving in more challenging positions.
