Ryan says he's "willing to listen" as he returns to Cy-Fair ISD board

Where were you when you found out you won your race? 

I was at a post-election watch party. It was at a restaurant called Capriccio's. I was thrilled that I won and that I'm gonna be able to serve the community for three more years.

Why do you think you won the race? 

I really think we won because—the incumbents won because—we've always had our focus on student achievement for all the students in the district. The only agenda that I've had is that every student in the district would get an exemplary education. I've also focused on being efficient with the tax dollars we received.

What are the most important personal qualities you think you will bring to this position? 

Being a good listener, first and foremost. And then also, not having an agenda, and just being willing to serve the students, and have the best interests of all the students and not just a select group as you serve. Every agenda item we have, the first question I ask is, how does this benefit the students?

What are the most important things about you that voters should know about you if they want to work with you?

That I'm willing to listen. I always appreciate good ideas, and just know that when I make a decision, I'm making a decision on what I think is in the best interests of the students.

What specific issue would you say is your number one priority in your new position?

The financial inequity that we have. We've cut $7 million from our budget in the last five years, and we can't afford to make cuts if it gets to the classroom level. At the same time we're the most efficient district in the state. We need to have some financial equity put back in the funding from the state.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from previous terms?

That we've been the largest recognized district in the state of Texas for the last three years. That, and we still have our Optional Homestead Exemption, and our tax rate is low compared to the surrounding districts. The other thing I'd tell you that I'm proiud of is that I was on the board that I was on the board that hired David Anthony, our Superintendant.

What have you learned in previous terms that will help you going forward?

I'd say the most important thing is to be open to new ideas, because a lot of people have ideas that, that are good ideas that I might not ever have though of on my own, and so be open to different ideas from people because there may be something that will benefit the district for years to come. That, and then, the other thing is that each campus has local control of their campus, where we just don't have a one-plan-fits-all, because all of our campises are unique.

What would you like to do differently in the coming term?

I don't know if I'd approach it differently, I just think that I'll contiune to be open to new things that can benefit our students. But I don't know if I'd approach it differently, because I've always put the needs of all the students at the forefront of everything I do. I think if I start doing something different in that regard, then it's really time for me to get off the board.