James Davidson James Davidson[/caption]

James Davidson


Occupation: project manager at VALIC
281-261-2664
[email protected]



What makes you qualified to represent the schools and communities of Fort Bend ISD?


My public education came from FBISD, and I’ve immersed myself in service while living here. I received my undergraduate degree in community communication from the University of Kentucky and earned my master’s degree in public administration. My MPA gives me the tools needed to analyze each situation independently and provide realistic solutions to presented challenges. This skill set, coupled with a servant mindset and familiarity with this community, prepares me to serve FBISD.



If elected, how would you work to meet the needs of FBISD’s diverse student population?


To prevent stagnation, I’ll make sure we identify the connection between our schools, the businesses we support and neighborhoods we live in. [Although] we boast our diversity numbers, we lack true inclusion of every member of our community. Our students need a board that’s representative of our diverse community. It’s my job to bring the collective to the table. I’ll strive to be the bridge builder our district needs to ensure student success.



What intervention or prevention tactics should FBISD use to stem truancy and prevent disparities in discipline, as has happened in the past?


Truancy and literacy are among my top priorities. It’s disheartening to see African Americans make up 67 percent of suspensions. What’s left of our truancy program has become practice for prison for students. I would promote a more balanced diversion program that would eliminate the need for a county collaboration like Saved by the Bell. My [truancy] prevention plan would include a roundtable discussion at the student’s school, not a courtroom, with everyone who understands the importance of that child’s success.







Sonja Nelson Leonard Sonja Nelson Leonard[/caption]

Sonja Nelson Leonard


Occupation: speech therapist
757-218-5911
[email protected]



What makes you qualified to represent the schools and communities of Fort Bend ISD?


I am qualified to serve the schools in the FBISD communities because I have a desire to help my world be the best world that it could be. I have worked in public schools as a speech language therapist in Louisiana, Galena Park ISD, Houston ISD, Aldine ISD and Virginia. My experience exposed me to the challenges and successes of education as well as its impact on parents, students, teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers, janitorial staff and the bus drivers.



If elected, how would you work to meet the needs of FBISD’s diverse student population?


To meet the needs of FBISD’s diverse population, I would work to help district leaders, principals, teachers, parents and students understand the role of cultural nuances and the impact that cultural differences play in the perception of attitudes, behavior, language and social interactions within the school environment.



What intervention or prevention tactics should FBISD use to stem truancy and prevent disparities in discipline, as has happened in the past?


To address disparities in discipline, the district should ensure that all school employees be taught and trained to recognize cultural differences versus inappropriate verbal and physical actions, and ensure school employees are more [tolerant] of the cultural differences. Employees also need to understand that students come to us with different levels of trauma. The district should develop policies related to truancy that are hierarchical in nature at the school level and not through the courts or law enforcement.







Laura Ramirez Laura Ramirez[/caption]

Laura Ramirez


Occupation: Alief ISD human resources director
281-498-8110
[email protected]



What makes you qualified to represent the schools and communities of Fort Bend ISD?


My children are FBISD students. I have been a classroom teacher, therefore I know firsthand the challenges that teachers face daily. I have been a principal in FBISD in two different campuses, including a Title I campus.Each campus is unique and needs programs to fit its specific needs. I have an educational business background and extensive knowledge in Texas Association of School Boards policy due to working in human resources in FBISD and now Alief ISD.



If elected, how would you work to meet the needs of FBISD’s diverse student population?


I would advocate to ensure campuses are seen as unique communities of learners with distinct and specific needs. The district needs to be proactive rather than reactive. [Educators Dedicated to Growing Excellence], long over due, appears to be a good plan for the two pilot campuses. It will need to be given the opportunity for longevity and consistency. The district is heading in the right direction, and I want to continue to be a part of the great work that is taking place.



What intervention or prevention tactics should FBISD use to stem truancy and prevent disparities in discipline, as has happened in the past?


We need to have programs to interest students in coming to and staying in school. If students feel valued and see the value in coming to school, they will come. We need to expand our career and technology education programs and promote them. We need to offer more social and academic clubs in elementary and middle school. In addition, these programs should be unique to the campus and its community. They are not all the same.







Shirley Rose-Gilliam Shirley Rose-Gilliam[/caption]

Shirley Rose-Gilliam


Occupation: principal of Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston ISD
281-799-5065
[email protected]



What makes you qualified to represent the schools and communities of Fort Bend ISD?


I’m a 27-year education veteran. I worked at Willowridge, Kempner, Elkins, Bush and Marshall high schools, and Christa McAuliffe Middle School. I feel what I bring to the board is, first of all, the educator viewpoint and the parent viewpoint. I’m someone who actually knows what’s going on. I’ve worked and lived in Fort Bend County, and it’s a matter of what I can truly bring as far as experience. My children attended FBISD schools, and my son is graduating this year.



If elected, how would you work to meet the needs of FBISD’s diverse student population?


I think the diversity starts with accountability to all stakeholders, making sure we’re fiscally responsible. We must continue with the character education that’s there. It’s being accountable to parents, teachers [and] administrators as well as being responsible. How do [new programs] change what’s going on in the school? I want every school to be a popular school. How do we make Christa McAuliffe Middle School [better]? It’s not really money; it’s bringing up a climate.



What intervention or prevention tactics should FBISD use to stem truancy and prevent disparities in discipline, as has happened in the past?


It’s all about relationship building. [For example], restorative discipline at Missouri City Middle School is simply working with children and building relationships. At Bush High School we had a program called Saved by the Bell with truancy officers who would come to the school. When we do that as teachers and administrators, we encourage students to come to school. How can we make that better? In my experience, the way you make that better is building the culture and climate.







Dave Rosenthal Dave Rosenthal[/caption]

Dave Rosenthal (incumbent)


Occupation: geophysicist for LSNA Energy Group
281-685-1081
[email protected]



What makes you qualified to represent the schools and communities of Fort Bend ISD?


I have served on the board of trustees for four years, serving as board vice president for the past two years.  Typically, it takes years for a board member to understand their role and how the governing body can positively impact the direction of a school district. Four years ago FBISD was headed in the wrong direction. I have been part of the team that has begun to change that direction, striving to make FBISD a district of choice.



If elected, how would you work to meet the needs of FBISD’s diverse student population?


Our diversity brings unique challenges that require a board member who understands the needs of all of our students and who sees the district as a whole, not simply an east side versus west side dichotomy. We have implemented the [Educators Dedicated to Growing Excellence] program for struggling students in two elementary schools, moved forward on an expanded career and technical education center for skill-based training, and expanded career pathways and endorsements for high schools.



What intervention or prevention tactics should FBISD use to stem truancy and prevent disparities in discipline, as has happened in the past?


FBISD’s truancy policy changed over the past year. I think all agree that referring about 6,000 students to the Truancy Court, as was done years ago, was ridiculous. The district is now focused on preventing truancy, with clearly defined procedures and a focus on helping students and parents stay out of trouble. A great example of this is the restorative discipline program in Missouri City Middle School.  Combined with great leadership, this program is greatly reducing discipline and suspension issues.