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Tomball ISD voters will have the opportunity to elect a new school board trustee to Position 5 in November.
The details
Candidates Amanda Bass and Joseph Ferguson are running for Position 5 on the TISD board of trustees.
Current trustee Matt Schiel did not file for re-election.
Also of note
On Nov. 5, TISD trustee Positions 6 and 7 are also up for election. Early voting starts Oct. 21 and Election Day is Nov. 5.
Candidates 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.
For more information about voting in Harris or Montgomery counties, visit www.harrisvotes.com or https://elections.mctx.org. For more election coverage, go to communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Why did you decide to run in this election?
As a mom of three children in Tomball ISD, I’m deeply invested in our schools and community. With a love for this district, I’m committed to ensuring TISD upholds its high standards of student achievement, strong community values and responsible fiscal management.
What experience do you have that would help you in this role?
Fifteen years volunteering across TISD, serving on PTO boards, campus improvement teams and the first strategic planning committee. My experience includes TISD Leadership Class and seven years on the TISD Education Foundation, including three as president. This background has equipped me with valuable insights for the role of a trustee.
What is your top priority, if elected?
To drive continuous improvement in student success and readiness for college, career and military paths. I aim to achieve this while maintaining fiscal responsibility and enhancing the safety and security of all TISD campuses and facilities, ensuring both student and community well-being.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Tomball ISD?
TISD’s rapid growth brings challenges like expanding facilities, improving transportation and maintaining our community’s culture. With state funding limits and unfunded requirements, I will advocate for smart planning and efficient use of resources to ensure our students continue to thrive in a supportive, high-quality learning environment.
How do you plan to address the growth coming to the district?
I will ensure education standards remain high while optimizing space and managing resources responsibly. Strategic staffing and infrastructure enhancements will support our growing student population, balancing growth with effective planning and maintaining our commitment to excellence in education.
Why did you decide to run in this election?
As a former Tomball [ISD] student, the influences of my teachers made lifelong impressions that contributed greatly to my success, and now I see my own child receiving the same life-changing benefits I did. Serving on the board would be my way of showing gratitude for all I have received.
What experience do you have that would help you in this role?
I have a master's degree in Educational Administration from SHSU. I have worked in local public schools as a substitute teacher, classroom teacher and assistant principal. I am currently a professor of education where I am the faculty lead for the teacher education courses on my campus.
What is your top priority, if elected?
Student safety. Not only vestibules and resource officers, but also the way district transportation operates needs a hard look, as there are currently serious safety concerns about students sitting three or four to a seat, or on the bus floors. Followed closely by high academic standards and financial responsibility.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Tomball ISD?
Recruiting, training and retaining the best teachers so that our students can benefit from their knowledge and skills. Caring for our teachers and treating them with the respect that experienced professionals deserve is a top priority. Teachers need to feel valued and supported if we hope to accomplish these goals.
How do you plan to address the growth coming to the district?
The district's rapid growth brings the welcome challenges that result from many new neighbors joining our community and our schools. We must be excessively proactive rather than constantly reactive in planning for how to adequately care for all of the new students both academically and logistically to ensure success.
