Here's who's on the ballot for Fort Worth ISD's District 9 school board seat
Fort Worth Independent School District board President Roxanne Martinez faces off against Robyne Kelly, a retired flight attendant and substitute teacher, for the District 9 school board seat.
Martinez, who is wrapping up her first term on the board, touted her experience as a board member during a time of challenges and transitions. Kelly pledged to fight for a quality public education for all students.
Early voting runs from April 22-April 29 for the May 3 election.
Here's what to know:
Age: 44
Campaign website: www.Roxanne4FWISD.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Email: info@Roxanne4FWISD.com
Occupation: Marketing Consultant
Education: Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School (FWISD); Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Communications from University of Florida; Graduate Certificate in Marketing Management from University of Dallas
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years)
Yes, I am the current FWISD School Board Trustee District 9; Elected in 2021
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth.
My civic involvement and engagement includes: Past board service with Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Women's Network of Texas Fort Worth Chapter, Fort Worth Community Action Partners Council and Diamond Hill Jarvis Heritage Foundation. I have previously served as chair of the Tarrant County Cancer Disparities Coalition, on the marketing committee for Girls Inc. of Tarrant County and as a member of the City of Fort Worth Race & Culture Task Force. I have completed the SteerFW Keyholders program and a Leadership ISD fellowship. I currently lead the Diamond Hill North Side Youth Association and serve as a volunteer for Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center, Diamond Hill Community Center and Riverside Community Center back to school programs. Prior to being elected, I was an active Fort Worth ISD parent volunteer; DHJ Athletics Booster Club president, District Advisory Committee member and served on the site-based decision making committees for two neighborhood schools.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
Yes, filed bankruptcy in 2015 (due to medical expenses - cancer)
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Patricia Martinez; Rosa Najevar; Steven Poole
Why are you seeking this office?
As a product of Fort Worth ISD and a parent in the district, I truly believe that every student should have the opportunity to succeed. Under my leadership, the Fort Worth ISD Board adopted a strategic plan that prioritizes student achievement and places a renewed focus on literacy. But there's still more work to do. With the right Superintendent now in place, I want to continue the work to move the district forward and toward success.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
If re-elected, my top three priorities include: improving student achievement, specifically around literacy rates; managing financial sustainability through the adoption of a strategic budget and master facilities plan, and promoting transparency/communication that restores trust among parents, teachers, staff and stakeholders.
How will you measure your success as a district trustee?
As a district trustee, I measure my success based on our collective success as a district, specifically the progress we make toward our comprehensive district goals. I will also measure my own success as a trustee on how I personally contribute toward those top priorities that I have listed.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
What sets me apart from my opponent is my proven board experience and steady leadership. Over the past four years, I've helped guide our district through some challenging times — from the COVID pandemic to leadership transitions — always with a focus on what's best for students. As a product of Fort Worth ISD and a parent in the district, I bring a student-centered perspective shaped by firsthand experience. I'm present on campuses, engaged in the community, and I listen. Parents, students, and staff know they can count on me to be accessible and responsive — whether it's through social media, in person at events, or by email.
Fort Worth ISD has declared literacy as its main priority. What strategies would you like to see the district adopt to boost reading scores?
If re-elected, I will continue to support the Superintendent's literacy initiatives, advocate for the adoption of a literacy-focused budget and hold the Superintendent accountable for student outcomes, specifically when it comes to literacy. As an ambassador for the district, I will work to build and foster community partnerships that support literacy goals and enhance educational opportunities for students.
Besides literacy, what other issues do you consider priorities for Fort Worth ISD, and how would you address them?
Financial sustainability and improved transparency should also be priorities for the district. The board can address these priorities through implementation of good governance, adoption of a strategic budget, completion of a master facilities plan, and effective communication with stakeholders. Improvement in these key areas will improve issues around declining enrollment, stakeholder mistrust and retention of great teachers and staff.
Age: 58
Campaign website: www.ibelieveinfwisd9.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Candidateforfwisd9.robynekelly@gmail.com
Occupation: Substitute teacher/retired Flight Attendant
Education: B.A. in Speech Communications from Texas A & M University, College Station, TX M.S. in Journalism from Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years) No
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Public Arts | Art Commissioner
Minority and Women's Business Enterprise Advisory
Committee | Fort Worth member
Volunteer Deputy Registrar | Tarrant County
Leadership Fort Worth | 2010
United Way of Tarrant County | Blueprint for Board Service
United Riverside Neighborhood Association | member
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. | 38-years member
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
Civil lawsuit - topiary removal
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Family, friends and neighbors/about $2000 to date
Why are you seeking this office?
I believe in public education. And I want great public education for all students.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Literacy, Mathematics and Transportation.
How will you measure your success as a district trustee?
The FWISD will continue to increase literacy scores, marrying the philosophy of motivated teachers with concerned parents to inspire the students.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I am the candidate to fight for public education for all students. I believe in the existence of public education and its greatness.
Fort Worth ISD has declared literacy as its main priority. What strategies would you like to see the district adopt to boost reading scores?Besides literacy, what other issues do you consider priorities for Fort Worth ISD, and how would you address them?
I'm referencing an article, https://journal.imse.com/top-science-of-reading-strategies/, entitled 'The Top Ten Science of Reading Strategies in 2024, in my answer.
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