Four candidates are vying for two at-large positions on the Fairfield ISD Board of Trustees this term.

On the ballot will be incumbents John Fryer and Kevin Benedict, along with candidates Toni Abrams and Cleo McElroy.

Here are what the candidates had to say about some of the issues they will face, if elected this term:

1. School safety seems to be a constant concern for everyone. What does our school district do right, and what are some ways it can improve?
–Toni Abrams: School safety is very important, especially in today’s world. I believe FISD is taking the proper measures to keep the students and staff safe. Having an officer at each school, as well as the extra security measures. I wish there was a way to keep the students and staff safe, and not make them feel like they’re in prison at the same time.
–Cleo McElroy: I like the fact that we have school officers at every campus but I would really like to see more efforts at sporting and extracurricular events. There are a lot of people who come and go without any active check points to see who has what, and with what’s going on in todays world, this could only keep everyone safer.
–Kevin Benedict: The safety of our students and staff at FISD are of paramount importance. We have and continue to take significant measures to provide safe and secure campuses and facilities throughout the district. There is a Safety Committee that meets on a regular basis consisting of members of our administrative team, resource officers, law enforcement officials, elected officials, community representatives and myself, as President of the board of trustees. This committee provides guidance and recommendations to the board of trustees for consideration regarding specific measures to maintain and enhance the safety of all at FISD on an ongoing basis, including the continuous evaluation of products & technology to enhance the safety and security protocols throughout the district.

2. With the Texas legislature in session this year, what proposed bills are you watching, and how would they affect this school district if passed?
–Toni Abrams: I’m watching for school safety and teacher retention mostly! It’s important to keep our school system safe, and it’s also important to pay our educators! FISD, like so many schools, are losing too many great teachers!
–Cleo McElroy: SB-9 : Is a bill that stands out to me because we need ways to pay our teachers better and keep the ones here that want to be here. I think by keeping teachers for the long haul would help with Parent/Teacher relations and that could only benefit our students.
–Kevin Benedict: I remain engaged with the legislative process as it relates to public education and more importantly, Fairfield ISD. There are several proposed bills that I am following and weighing in on with our representatives. HB 3, HB 13 & SB11 are attempting to define state standards for school safety. HB 11 & SB 9 are addressing teacher retention policies and redefining school funding formulas. HB 100 is attempting to adjust the school funding formulas, which could include vouchers, ESAs and changing funding from being tied to average daily attendance to student enrollment. Each of these bills if passed would have an impact on our district and community at large.

3. Name one issue you would like to see addressed in the school district, and how you feel would be the best way to do so.
–Toni Abrams: There is a huge gap between teachers and parents! I plan to bridge that gap by getting more parents involved, not just in their extracurricular activities, but in their school business.
–Cleo McElroy: One issue that I see happening often that affect our Students is when situations or opportunities arise, good or bad and are of the same nature and magnitude but are handled differently then we are not only doing our Students and Staff a disservice but our Community as well. We can fix this by demanding that EVERY decision made be done so WITHOUT BIAS and by doing so would mean more trust and support from our Parents and Community!
–Kevin Benedict: I would like to see a continued emphasis placed on expanding our Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs at Fairfield ISD. We made a significant investment in purchasing the contiguous property formerly belonging to Navarro College, and I led the efforts to partner with TSTC to provide additional CTE programs. We are continuing to expand programs offered in the year ahead and have added Navarro College as a partner providing this curriculum. Fairfield ISD has and continues to set high standards in college readiness, and enhancing our CTE offerings will ensure that we are providing a foundation for success for all students.

4. Anything else you would like voters to know?
–Toni Abrams: FISD is still one of the greatest schools in Texas! I know and love every student and faculty member! I pray that God guides me in making the right decisions for our children and staff if I am selected on the school board! The children ARE our future!
–Kevin Benedict: As a longtime resident of Fairfield, I have served my church and community in many roles, perhaps none more important than the role of school board trustee. In addition to providing for the education and wellbeing of our children, Fairfield ISD is one of the largest employers in our community. That is no small responsibility and one that I take very seriously. The landscape of education is changing and we are facing serious challenges, and I am committed to providing experience, leadership and stability in my continued service to this district. I have a deep love of this community and want nothing less than an exceptional educational experience to provide a foundation for lifelong learning.

Early Voting will be held 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 24th – Friday, April 28th; and on Monday, May 1st and Tuesday, May 2nd.

Fairfield ISD will accept early voting ballots at the Career and Technology Center located at 961 E. Commerce Street in Fairfield.

Election Day is Saturday, May 6th with polls open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

On that day, Fairfield ISD voters in Freestone County will cast their ballots at the following locations:

–Fairfield ISD Career and Technology Center, 961 E. Commerce (Fairfield #1 and Fairfield #2)

–Wortham Community Center, 105 E. Main Street (Wortham #7 and Kirvin #6)

–Teague City Hall, 105 S. 4th Ave (Teague #5 and Teague #9)

–Butler Community Center, 1628 FM 489 E. (Butler #11, Donie #13 and Fairfield #1)

–Streetman City Hall, 204 East Main (Streetman #15, St. Elmo #8 and Fairfield #1)

GO VOTE!