Incumbent Don Ryan will run for Position 6 in the 2021 Trustee Election and drew the No. 2 ballot position.

Position 6, Ballot Position 2

• Don Ryan - Finance Report 10-4-21
• Don Ryan - Finance Report 10-25-21
• Don Ryan - Final Finance Report 1-12-22

YEARS IN CFISD: 49
SUBDIVISION: Wortham Villages
OCCUPATION: owner of Cy-Fair Insurance Group
SPOUSE: Julie Ryan
CHILDREN: Wesley Ryan—Cy-Fair High School Class of 2009 (Spouse Loriann Ryan and Grandson Ford Ryan). Allie Ryan Paine—Cy-Fair High School Class of 2012 (Spouse Michael Paine). Tanner Ryan—Cy-Fair High School Class of 2017

Why did you choose to live in CFISD?

I was raised in our community and attended Lamkin Elementary, Arnold Middle School, and Cy-Fair High School. This community and my teachers and coaches had a profound impact on my life and we wanted our children to have that same experience. The decision Julie and I made to live in CFISD provided our children with unlimited opportunities that enabled them to be successful in their future endeavors. CFISD is the best community to raise a family, obtain a first class education, and make friends that last a lifetime.

Are you currently a CFISD volunteer? If so, what school(s)?

Yes, I am a CFISD Global Volunteer and have spent time on several of our campuses. Adam Elementary, Lamkin Elementary (Mentor), Arnold Middle School, and Cy-Fair High School were the primary schools where I spent time volunteering while my kids were in school.
 

List your participation in CFISD school and/or district parent clubs, business partnerships and/or committees.

CFISD Board Member, CFISD Global Volunteer, CFISD Mentor, CFISD Bus Buddies, Cy-Fair High School Athletic Booster Club Lifetime Member, PTO Volunteer, Read Across America Volunteer, Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce Member, Cy-Fair Sports Association Volunteer Coach.

Include any other areas in which you have supported CFISD not included in previous question.

Superintendent’s Fun Run and Go Public Texas Schools. CFISD FFA Programs. Meeting with elected State Representatives as an advocate for CFISD.

List Cy-Fair organizations in which you currently participate, including offices held.

Texas Association of Sports Officials, Texas Association of School Board Former Member. Wortham Villages Architectural Control Committee.

Considering your skills and talents, what positive contribution would you make as a member of the Board of Trustees?

I have been a part of a team that has guided our district through some difficult times and unprecedented growth. I have a passion for public education and have been a visionary leader that has implemented programs that give every student an opportunity to pursue their passions. Collaboration with board members is critical and listening to concerns and opportunities from our stakeholders (parents, students, and employees) has been instrumental in my tenure as a board member. I am committed to continue working with fellow board members to move our district forward.

What are the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees?

The role of the board is to hire the Superintendent, set goals, approve budgets, contracts, personnel appointments, and make policy for the district. Our board has also made a commitment to visit campuses throughout the year to see first hand the great things going on in our facilities. While this is not a responsibility of the board, it shows a commitment to our students and staff that we support public education.

What role do positive trustee relations on the Board play in affecting student success?

The board is considered a team of 8, including our superintendent, and positive trustee relations have a direct impact on our student success. We don't always agree, but by treating each other with respect and valuing a difference of opinion we set the example of what can be accomplished with collaboration. A board member should make every decision on what is in the best interest of all students and stakeholders.

What critical challenges face the district, and what are possible solutions to address those issues?

The biggest issue CFISD is currently facing is the COVID-19 pandemic and making sure that our students and employees are in a safe and sterile environment that will allow in-person instruction. Deep cleaning our campuses, providing hand sanitizers, disinfectants, misters, and wipes enabled CFISD to keep every campus open during our last school year. We have seen a gap between students that were in-person and virtual learners and are implementing tutorials, free summer school and other programs to help students that struggled in the virtual environment. Addressing each students needs as a result of the pandemic is critical.