Fort Bend ISD postpones May 2 board of trustees elections amid coronavirus concerns

Because of concerns over the coronavirus, the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees unanimously voted March 23 to postpone the scheduled May 2 election.

“Due to the public health crisis that we are facing—not only in Fort Bend ISD, but around the state, nation and the world—I believe that it's in the best interest of our public [and] of our community to ... consider postponement of the election for on behalf of students, our staff and our community,” Trustee Kristin Tassin said.

On March 18, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation allowing local municipalities to postpone their May 2 elections to Nov. 3.

According to the governor’s proclamation, candidates who filed ahead of the May election will appear on the ballot in November.

Fort Bend ISD board of trustees positions 1, 4 and 5 are up for election this year. These seats are currently held by board President Jason Burdine, Tassin and Allison Drew, respectively.

In the race for position 1, Burdine will face Angie Hanan. Shirley Rose-Gilliam filed to run against Tassin for position 4. Drew will have two competitors—Reggie Abraham and Denetta Williams—in the race for position 5.

“I don't think anybody can be out campaigning right now during this period of uncertainty,” trustee Jim Rice said. “We owe it to everyone's health and wellbeing to cancel at this point in time.”