BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
KEY: *Incumbent
Fort Bend ISD board of trustees, Position 3
Angela Collins Occupation & experience: finance background, as well as writing policies and special education advocacy www.meetangelacollins.com
Afshi Charania Occupation & experience: entrepreneur, president and business owner of a downstream energy company since 1999 www.afshiforfbisd.com
Rick Garcia* Occupation & experience: project manager, currently training to become a master trustee approved by the Texas Education Agency www.voterickgarcia.com
What do you think is the most pressing issue in FBISD, and how would you address it?
I could not really pinpoint just one after talking to parents, students, teachers and administrators. For the future of our children, I would say closing the achievement gaps.
FBISD’s most pressing issue is funding, forcing the district to do more with less. To thrive, it must embrace transparency, innovation and more active communication with stakeholders to ensure efficient management of resources.
Literacy is always a top priority and it’s especially important to ensure our students are reading and comprehending by the third grade. We must focus on early literacy and after school initiatives, and we also need to make sure we are continually monitoring progress throughout the year for all students.
Fort Bend ISD board of trustees, Position 7
Angie Wierzbicki Occupation & experience: experienced former nonprofit executive, active FBISD parent, grants manager for local government www.linktr.ee/angie4fbisd
Allison Drew Occupation & experience: enterprise data architect, FBISD trustee, [Texas Association of School Boards] leadership, reading buddy, psychiatric nurse www.vote5allison.com
Cheryl Buford Occupation & experience: former teacher; University of Texas, MPA; policy advisor, U.S. [Department of Education]; [science, technology, engineering and math] advocate www.cherylbuford.com
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.
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.
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.
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 election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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