Editor’s Note: The Friendswood ISD School Board Election is quickly approaching and it is clear that there are two camps: the incumbents and the challengers. As a journalist and publisher, I believe it is our duty to identify the issues that set these candidates apart.
However, as a teacher at Friendswood High School, I am intensely aware of the awkward position this puts me in. Which is why I am very pleased that our intrepid young reporter, Jolie Jackson, has stepped up to ask the hard questions. Jolie is a Senior at FHS and Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, The Lariat.
All of the questions submitted to the School Board candidates were written by current students in Friendswood ISD. Jolie and I then chose the questions from the list that we felt the candidates were most likely to disagree on.
All of the responses listed here were submitted to us by the candidates and are presented to you without editing. As journalists, it is not our place to tell you how you should interpret them. It is up to you, the voters, to make your own conclusions.
Jim Foreman
Publisher & Teacher
Incumbent for
Board of Trustees
Position 1: Laura Seifert
What are your campaign focuses?
As a dedicated school board member, I am passionate about creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and connected. Friendswood has always been a launching pad for world changers, and I’m committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders, innovators, and difference-makers. My focus is on fostering excellence across academics, athletics, fine arts, and beyond.
When re-elected, I will advocate for therelease of state funding to provide much-needed salary increases, reduce class sizes, and lighten the load on our teachers. I’m dedicated to ensuring that FISD students thrive in a safe, supportive environment while empowering teachers and families to reach theirfull potential.
Do you have children or grandchildren in the FISD system?
Yes. I have two children, Ben (FHS senior) and Beth (FHS junior). I also have a niece,Kate Sharpe (FHS junior) and nephew, Jake Sharpe (FHS sophomore). All four are proud K12 FISD students.
What is your perspective on Standards Based Learning (SBL)?
Standards-based grading (SBL) provides clear, accurate feedback on your child’s progress by focusing on mastery of key skills and concepts, rather than averaging test scores. Unlike traditional grading, which combines tests, homework, behavior, and participation, SBL separates these factors to better reflect what your child has truly learned.
With proper training and time, I believe SBL can greatly benefit both teachers and students in FISD. However, big changes take patience. We must give teachers and students the time and support they need to grow and adapt, ensuring this approach enhances both teaching and learning.
What is your perspective on the current learning reassessment policy?
Evidence-based grading (EBG) assesses student progress using clear evidence aligned with specific subject standards. It offers benefits such as accurate reporting of true learning, improved instruction tailored to student needs, and greater student ownership of their progress. EBG fosters a growth mindset by encouraging reflection and improvement while ensuring fairer grading focused on mastery.
It also standardizes evaluation to promote consistency and fairness. By challenging students to take greater ownership of their learning mastery, EBG enhances both accountability and achievement. Designed to supplement traditional letter grades, EBG provides a clearer and more equitable assessment of student success.
What are your opinions on current teacher workloads and pay?
Teachers have always been dedicated professionals who do much more than teach—they care for, encourage, and guide students, often wearing multiple hats. While teaching is a calling, not a pursuit for financial gain, they deserve better compensation.
We are currently advocating for the release of $4 billion in public school funding to provide well-deserved salary increases, hire more teachers, reduce class sizes, and offer more planning periods. This will help lighten the load for these unsung heroes, ensuring they receive the support and recognition they truly deserve.
What specific parts of the current FISD system are you hoping to change?
I wouldn’t call it “change,” as I’m proud of our district and our accomplishments. While not perfect, we’re on the right path. What I’d love to improve is giving teachers more time and training. Our teachers are exceptional and care deeply for our students, but stagnant state funding since 2019 has limited our ability to hire more staff.
With increased funding, we could reduce class sizes, increase planning time, and offer more support. I’d also love to provide teachers the time to plan together, offer vital feedback to each other and administration, creating a more cohesive and collaborative environment.
What is your position on current bond initiatives for facility improvements?
In November 2020, our community approved a $128 million bond initiative to fund essential improvements to our schools. This investment supported the construction of a new Cline Elementary School, major expansions at the High School—including a new Performing Arts Center, Competition Gym, and expanded facilities for Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts, and Athletics—and additional classrooms at Windsong Intermediate.
All projects were completed within the bond budget and aligned with the 2020 strategic plan developed by the Community Advisory Committee (CAC). This spring, the CAC will reconvene to review the current plan and propose future district improvements.
Challenger for Board of
Trustees Position 1:
Bradley Clapp
What are your campaign focuses?
I want to help re-establish the academic rigor and standards that made FISD one of the premier academic destinations for families. Ensure we are being fiscally responsible and maximizing the funding we use to support our students, educators and administrators. Offer a level of transparency to the community and not be afraid to have tough conversations.
Do you have children or grandchildren in the FISD system?
I do not, I have a daughter who is 3 years old and another daughter due in December.
What is your perspective on standards based learning (SBL)?
I think SBL is flawed and needs to be evaluated. I believe we have some of the best teachers in the region and I want to empower them to teach a curriculum that stimulates academic success.
What is your perspective on the current learning reassessment policy?
It was not something that was around when I was growing up, I do not think it puts value on learning and comprehension of subjects. I believe it also limits the accountability of the students to create learning habits and creates a shortcut to achievement.
What are your opinions on current teacher workload and pay?
I think teachers are underpaid and undervalued. I think the teachers’ voices are being stifled and only those in agreement with the current structure are being accepted. Teacher workload is something that we need to be cognizant of and make sure our educators are spending their energy and expertise teaching.
What specific parts of the current FISD system are you hoping to change?
Academic Rigor, Fiscal responsibility and transparency, accountability within the leadership, and giving autonomy back to the campuses.
What is your position on current bond initiatives for facility improvements?
I think we are in need of facility improvements in many places. I know that in the current climate it feels as if other areas of the district were put aside to enhance one singular location, creating inequities across the district.
I believe we need to ensure the safety and security of all students who are in FISD buildings, giving students and educators the tools they need to achieve at the highest levels. It is hard to go out and seek another bond, while we are still sorting through the phases of the past bond project.
