CFISD to Host 2025 Board of Trustees Candidate Forum Oct. 15: Meet the Candidates for Positions 5, 6, and 7
As the November 4 election approaches, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is inviting the community to attend its 2025 Board of Trustees Candidate Forum on Tuesday, October 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Berry Center, located at 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. The event provides CFISD residents with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to serve in Positions 5, 6, and 7 on the Board of Trustees.
The forum, which will also be livestreamed on CFISD’s website and YouTube channel, includes a meet-and-greet with candidates from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in the Berry Center atrium. From 7–9 p.m., candidates will respond to randomly selected, pre-submitted community questions during a moderated Q&A led by Jason Culpepper, Houston market president for Community Impact Newspaper.
Here’s a breakdown of the candidates by position and a summary of their background and priorities:
Position 5 Candidates
Terrance Edmond (#1 on the ballot) – Ravens Way Lakes
A CFISD alumnus and founder of The Owner School, Edmond brings experience in education, entrepreneurship, and youth mentorship. With degrees from Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Saint Mary’s University, Edmond aims to lead CFISD in tech innovation and budget transparency. His priorities include restoring librarians, increasing financial clarity, engaging alumni, and elevating Cy-Fair’s story in a growing Houston landscape.
Lesley Guilmart (#2) – Coles Crossing
An educator, nonprofit leader, and former CFISD employee, Guilmart is the president of Cypress Families for Public Schools. She offers over 20 years in public education, a Master’s in Educational Administration, and a passion for advocacy. Her SMART platform emphasizes support for students and staff, fiscal responsibility, and transparency. She has been a constant CFISD volunteer and led initiatives like Back-to-School Bashes and scholarships for future educators.
Radele Walker (#3) – Park Forest Trail
A retired CFISD administrator and current business owner, Walker has spent 47 years in the district as a parent, volunteer, teacher, and administrator. She emphasizes experience, fiscal discipline, and unity. With deep roots in the district, Walker believes in conservative governance, community ownership of schools, and servant leadership that supports teachers and academic rigor while maintaining strong discipline.
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Position 6 Candidates
Scott Henry (#1) – Stablewood Farms
The incumbent trustee, Henry is a CFISD parent, volunteer, and community advocate with a background in sales. He champions transparency, parental rights, staff support, and academic rigor. During his term, he helped expand transportation, raised staff pay, and supports discipline-focused classrooms. Henry promises continued focus on budget accountability, academic achievement, and community engagement.
Cleveland Lane Jr. (#2) – Stone Gate
A Prairie View A&M University professor and father of three CFISD students, Lane offers over 25 years in higher education and workforce preparation. He’s been a mentor, Bus Buddy, and volunteer across the district. Lane emphasizes preparing students for post-graduation success, supporting STEM and AI integration, and advocating for public school funding amid statewide financial pressures.
Natalie Blasingame (#3) – Copperfield Southdown Village
A retired CFISD educator and current part-time consultant, Blasingame brings three decades of Title I school experience to the board. She currently serves as the Board Vice President and chairs the Ad-Hoc Teacher Recruitment and Retention Committee. Her focus includes early reading, teacher support, safe classrooms, and empowering parents while maintaining financial discipline.
Position 7 Candidates
Elecia Jones (#1) – Bridgeland
Jones is an accounting and finance consultant and active CFISD volunteer. She brings both fiscal acumen and a strong sense of empathy to the table. Her platform focuses on wise resource stewardship, uplifting teachers and parents, and ensuring students are seen, safe, and supported. Jones emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and people-first leadership over politics.
Kendra Camarena (#2) – Towne Lake
A longtime educator and current Director of Partner Engagement for Harris County Precinct 4, Camarena has served in public education for over 20 years. With deep ties to CFISD and local nonprofits, her focus is on fiscal responsibility, teacher morale, and aligning education with workforce needs. She values parental rights, transparent leadership, and balanced governance that protects students and teachers alike.
George Edwards Jr. (#3) – Towne Lake
A retired CPA, U.S. Army veteran, and former CFISD trustee, Edwards brings decades of experience in financial oversight and district leadership. He previously led initiatives that impacted year-round schooling and budget reforms. His platform centers on early literacy, fiscal transparency, safe school environments, and teacher retention.
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Important Dates and Voting Information
- Submit Questions for the Forum: Deadline is Oct. 7 via CFISD’s official link found here.
- Forum Date: Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 7:00–9:00 p.m. | Berry Center
- Clear bag policy will be in effect.
- Livestream available on the CFISD website and YouTube.
- Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, Oct. 6
- Early Voting: Oct. 20–31
- Oct. 20–25: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Oct. 26: Noon to 7 p.m.
- Oct. 27–31: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 4 | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- For polling locations and more information, visit harrisvotes.com.
The upcoming candidate forum offers an opportunity for residents to engage with those who will help guide one of the largest school districts in Texas. From funding priorities to student success, the decisions made by CFISD trustees impact every corner of the community. Residents are encouraged to attend the forum, submit questions, and vote in the upcoming election.
For more updates on local elections and education in Cypress and Northwest Houston, stay tuned with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
