Afshi Charania
Fort Bend Independent School District, Position 3
Tenure
Term ends
Years in position
Predecessor
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Afshi Charania is a member of the Fort Bend Independent School District in Texas, representing Position 3. She assumed office on May 19, 2025. Her current term ends in 2028.
Charania ran for election to the Fort Bend Independent School District to represent Position 3 in Texas. She won in the general election on May 3, 2025.
Charania completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Afshi Charania graduated from Clements High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998 and a graduate degree from the University of Houston in 2004. Her career experience includes working as a business owner and president.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: Fort Bend Independent School District, Texas, elections (2025)
General election
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Endorsements
Charania received the following endorsements.
2019
See also: Fort Bend Independent School District, Texas, elections (2019)
General election
2025
Video for Ballotpedia
Video submitted to Ballotpedia
Released February 20, 2025
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Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Afshi Charania completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Charania's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Thirty years ago, my parents moved to Sugar Land because they knew a strong school district is the backbone of a thriving community. For decades, families like mine have moved to Fort Bend ISD, wanting the same for their families - a quality education, enriching extracurricular activities, and flourishing communities anchored by the very schools we love.
Fort Bend ISD has been facing significant challenges: tightening budgets, a state legislature that refuses to fully fund public education, growing inequality in our district, and increasing pressures on the mental health and overall well-being of our children. This year alone, we are facing unprecedented challenges that will require our district to adopt bold innovative leadership and a community-driven approach.
With over 20 years of experience leading local initiatives, I am committed to working alongside FBISD families to find practical, common-sense solutions. That’s why I am proud to announce my candidacy to be your next Fort Bend ISD Trustee for Position 3!
Let’s work together to deliver greater transparency and real solutions. - Fiscal Responsibility. With budgets tightening, we must find innovative ways to do more with less. Reduced funding threatens essential classroom resources and widens educational disparities, putting some students at a disadvantage. We need leadership focused on finding practical solutions to these pressing challenges.
- Student Wellness. As mental health challenges continue to rise, it's crucial that we prioritize the well-being of our students, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.
- Transparency. Clear, open, and timely communication between the district, parents, and all stakeholders is essential to building a strong, trust-based relationship between our schools and the community.
I’m passionate about education, particularly ensuring that all students have access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. I also care deeply about mental health and student wellness, as the emotional and psychological well-being of children is integral to their academic and wordly success. Additionally, I am committed to fiscal responsibility in education—ensuring that resources are used efficiently to benefit all students while maintaining transparency and accountability in decision-making.
"I look up to His Highness the Aga Khan IV as a visionary and philanthropist who has dedicated his life to improving the lives of others worldwide, regardless of their race, religion or creed. Guided by Islam’s ethical principles of compassion, social justice, and service to those in need, he worked tirelessly to uplift marginalized communities and give them the spark of hope. His commitment to philanthropy is reflected in his efforts to foster pluralism, promote sustainable development, and enhance quality of life through his network, the Aga Khan Development Network. By advancing education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, especially for wome, while advocating for peace and ethical leadership, he sets a remarkable example. His unwavering dedication to humanity makes him the person I aspire to emulate in both my values and my actions.
I would recommend the book "The Audacity of Hope" by President Barack Obama. It beautifully articulates a vision of leadership that combines optimism, pragmatism, and a deep belief in the power of community and collective action. It explores the importance of working across divisions, promoting equality, and tackling issues with a mindset that value both personal responsibility and the government's role in supporting the common good for the people. This book reflects the philosophy I embrace, one rooted in inclusivity, responsibility, and the belief that through collaboration, we can create better systems for all.
The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and service to the community. Elected officials must be approachable, actively listening to and engaging with the community to understand their concerns. Effective communication, the ability to make informed decisions, and a commitment to working collaboratively with others are essential principles to ensuring positive outcomes when serving the community.
The core responsibilities of someone elected to this office include advocating for the best interests of students, families, and the community while ensuring that educational resources are used effectively. This involves setting and supporting policies that promote academic excellence, equity, and inclusivity, as well as prioritizing the mental health and well-being of students. An elected official must be a strong fiscal steward, balancing budgets, cutting where needed, all while aiming to maintain or improve the quality of education. Transparency and accountability to the community are essential, as is fostering collaboration between all the stakeholders to to drive positive change and continuous improvement.
I want to leave a legacy of inclusive leadership and meaningful change. My hope is to be remembered for creating spaces where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Whether in my personal life or professional endeavors, I strive to inspire collaboration, innovative thinking, and mutual support, strengthening the bonds that connect us. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact by helping others realize their potential and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose in every community I touch.
I find joy and fulfillment in seeing those I mentor and work with reach their full potential. Serving my community and others has given my life purpose and meaning. The first historical event I experienced was 9/11. I was 24 years old, running late to work that day, past 9 am. I was in the car listening to NPR, my favorite radio station, when the news broke. Since I was not in New York where events were unfolding, I was not able to fully grasp that we were under attack. It was only when email traffic came to a dead halt that morning as America reeled from the shock that reality set in. 9/11 was immediately followed by the next historical event, for me, which was the re-entering Afghanistan, to hunt the terrorists responsible.
My first-ever job, the first one I earned a paycheck for, was at Pizza Hut in Austin when I was at university. I wore many hats—server, pizza maker, order taker, cashier, and anything else that needed to be done. I lasted six months before realizing that if I stayed any longer, I might never want to eat pizza again!
My favorite books are Enid Blyton's Mr. Pink Whistle book series, a collection of a stories of a half human, half brownie named Mr. Pink Whistle. Mr. Pink Whistle has a unique gift to turn invisible at will. He uses this ability to right things for good people when bad things happen to them. What makes Mr. Pink Whistle's actions special is not just his kindness but his decision to use his gift for the benefit of others. Mr. Pink Whistle knows what it’s like to be different, yet instead of feeling isolated, he embraces his uniqueness to do good. Mr. Pink Whistle’s story is inspiring because it highlights the power of using one's unique abilities for good rather than dwelling on being different.
The primary job of a school board member is to ensure that all students across the district receive a high-quality education by setting policies that support academic excellence, equity, and the overall well-being of students. School board members are responsible for overseeing the district’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively, and advocating for the needs of students, families, and educators. Trustees must also be transparent, communicate regularly with the community, and work collaboratively with parents, teachers, and staff to address challenges and work to create a positive learning environment.
My constituents are the students, families, educators, and community members of Fort Bend ISD. This includes parents, teachers, staff, and residents who are invested in the quality of education and the well-being of students. As a school board member, I’m accountable to all those who are part of the district.
To support the diverse needs of the district’s students, faculty, staff, and community, I would focus on creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Students of all backgrounds would have access to the resources they need to succeed, from academic support to mental health services. I would work to provide professional development for staff that addresses the diverse needs of students and encourage inclusive teaching practices. Additionally, I would prioritize open communication and collaboration with the community to make sure their voices are heard, and that decisions are made with the best interests of all the stakeholders in mind.
Building relationships with the broader community starts with active listening, being approachable, and engaging with a variety of groups and stakeholders. I would prioritize establishing open lines of communication with parents, teachers, students, and staff, as well as local organizations, businesses, and civic groups. I would engage with parent-teacher organizations (PTOs), school unions, local nonprofits, community leaders, and faith-based organizations. Regular town hall meetings, surveys, and one-on-one conversations would help me understand their concerns and work collaboratively toward solutions that benefit the entire community.
Good teaching is a combination of strong knowledge of the subject, engaging methods of instruction, and the ability to connect with and support students of diverse backgrounds and learning styles. Effective teachers foster critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning while maintaining a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.
To measure good teaching, I believe we should use a balanced approach that includes student progress data, teacher evaluations, peer and administrative feedback, and input from both students and parents. Standardized test scores alone do not fully capture a teacher's effectiveness, so we must also consider classroom engagement, student growth over time, and innovative teaching strategies employed.
Supporting advanced teaching approaches requires providing teachers with ongoing professional development, access to modern instructional tools, and opportunities for collaboration. I will advocate for expanding training in innovative teaching methods, increasing access to technology and resources, and ensuring that educators feel supported rather than overburdened. Investing in our teachers is investing in the success of our students. Fort Bend ISD must expand its curriculum to better prepare students for both college and career pathways. This includes strengthening advanced technical training, apprenticeships, and career and technical education (CTE) programs to equip students with real-world skills and job-ready experience.
I would advocate for expanding partnerships with local businesses, trade schools, and industry leaders to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships in fields like healthcare, engineering, information technology, and skilled trades. Additionally, I see a need for more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and computer science programs, including coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence, to ensure students are prepared for the evolving job market.
Innovative programming should also focus on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills education to empower students with the knowledge they need beyond the classroom. Expanding dual-credit and early college programs can provide students with a head start on higher education while reducing college costs for families.
By broadening curriculum offerings and embracing innovative learning models, we can create more pathways to success for all students, whether they choose to enter the workforce, attend college, or pursue technical certifications. Firstly, I would advocate for a funding model that ensures all schools in Fort Bend ISD receive the necessary resources. This will also include pushing for state reforms that address disparities in funding and make sure that schools with higher needs, those serving low-income students, students with disabilities, or English Language Learners get the support they require.
Additionally, I would work to maximize state funding for our schools, ensuring that FBISD gets its fair share of education funding. This would involve actively engaging with legislators as well as seeking out grant opportunities for special programs like STEM, arts, and career readiness initiatives, that can enhance our students' educational experiences. I would also advocate for more transparency in the district’s budgeting process to ensure that funds are allocated effectively and efficiently.
Finally, I would explore local funding options, such as voter-approved bond elections, to support school infrastructure improvements and new resources. We must rebuild trust with the community by demonstrating responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and delivering on the promises made. By creating strong partnerships with community members, we can work together to ensure that funding efforts are aligned with the needs of our schools. Overall, it will take collaboration, innovative thinking, and persistent advocacy to secure the funding our students need to succeed. My policies for school safety are driven by a commitment to student-centered safety, where the well-being of students is always the top priority. This includes not only students' physical safety but also their emotional and mental well-being. Our schools should be environments where our students feel safe, supported, and valued.
Safety is about prevention. It's essential to implement comprehensive programs that focus on social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, and mental health support for both students and staff. Early intervention is key to identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate.
Collaboration with local law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community organizations is vital for creating a safe school environment. Strong partnerships with these groups can enhance both physical security and provide emotional support for students, ensuring that we are addressing the full spectrum of their safety needs.
Clear communication and transparency are also essential. It is important that schools, parents, and the community are all informed and have an opportunity to provide feedback in the district’s safety plans. This includes making sure everyone understands safety procedures, drills, and how the district will respond in the event of an emergency.
Safety must be an ongoing effort and adapting to emerging challenges.. I will work to continuously evaluate and improve safety measures, seek feedback from students, staff, and the parent community.
By focusing on proactive strategies, collaboration, and constant evaluation, we can create a safe and supportive environment where students can focus on their education and thrive. I would advocate for a comprehensive approach that includes both proactive and reactive measures. It is crucial to ensure that mental health resources are readily available to student, including access to school counselors, therapists, and community mental health professionals. These services should be easily accessible, affordable and promoted as a normal part of school life to reduce stigma.
Additionally, I would push for programs focused on social-emotional learning (SEL) to help students develop skills for managing stress, building resilience, and fostering positive relationships. These programs would not only benefit students but would also be valuable for the faculty and staff, who also face high levels of stress and burnout.
Training for faculty and staff on recognizing mental health issues and how to respond appropriately would be essential. By equipping our teachers and administrators with the knowledge and tools to identify early signs of mental health challenges we can intervene sooner and ensure our students have the right support.
I strongly believe in creating a culture where mental well-being is prioritized. This includes encouraging open dialogue about mental health issues, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone and ensuring that everyone feels safe reaching out for help when needed. Collaboration with local mental health organizations and community-based resources can also help provide additional support for students and staff beyond what is available within the school district. I would like to start by examining the current policies surrounding equity and inclusion to ensure that every student, regardless of background, feels supported and valued. This includes reviewing disciplinary policies to ensure they do not disproportionately impact certain groups of students and creating a more inclusive environment for all learners.
In addition, I believe there should be a stronger focus on mental health support for students and staff. While FBISD has made strides in this area, I would advocate for increased funding and resources for mental health services, including access to counseling and social-emotional learning programs. These should be integrated into the regular school day to ensure that students and staff have the support they need to thrive emotionally and academically.
Lastly, I would advocate for policies that promote transparency and community engagement in the board’s decision-making. It’s essential for the district to maintain open lines of communication with parents and the community to ensure they are aware of decisions made when it comes to budget allocations, school safety measures, and academic initiatives. Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy, Stafford Municipal School Board Member and Vice President Ash Hamirani, Stafford City Council Member Xavier Herrera, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction
My ideal learning environment is one where every student feels safe, supported, and engaged. It’s a space that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration and where students have access to the resources they need to succeed. The environment should be inclusive, respecting diverse backgrounds and learning styles, and provide opportunities for both academic growth and personal development. With a strong focus on mental health and well-being, it should also encourage open communication and offer a balance of structure and flexibility to help students thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
Fort Bend ISD worked tirelessly through the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. The district quickly pivoted and implemented remote learning allowing students to learn online by providing them with the necessary technology and resources to continue their education from home. They also made efforts to support families with food distribution and mental health resources, which was especially crucial during this time of uncertainty and extreme stress.
Like many districts there were challenges. These challenges were expected given the short time to plan to move to online learning. These challenges included ensuring equitable access to technology and addressing the mental health needs of students and staff. Given the opportunity, I would focus on strengthening these areas. Specifically, I would work on improving communication with families to ensure that all students had the support they needed during remote learning, especially those from underserved communities. I would also advocate for additional mental health resources and support programs to help students, faculty, and staff navigate the emotional challenges they faced during the pandemic.
I would also urge the administration to work on developing more robust contingency plans for future disruptions. While Fort Bend ISD did an admirable job responding to the crisis, having even more flexible and adaptable systems in place for remote and hybrid learning, mental health support, and resource distribution would help our district be better prepared for challenges in the future. To build a strong relationship with parents in the district, I would prioritize open, two-way communication and ensure they feel heard and valued. I would advocate the district to regularly hold town halls, virtual meetings, and office hours to give parents a platform to share their concerns and thoughts. I would advocate using the district's digital tools in place to build trust through transparency by keeping parents informed about school updates, policies, and decisions in timely manner.
My recruitment strategies would focus on attracting diverse, qualified individuals committed to student success. Key priorities include offering competitive compensation and benefits, providing professional development and mentorship, promoting diversity and inclusion, building community partnerships, and fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. These approaches will help attract and retain passionate, dedicated staff for our district.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are key to building trust and responsible governance. The public deserves to know how their tax dollars are spent. This helps prevent waste and ensures officials are held accountable. Accountability also means being responsive to community needs, maintaining open communication, and making tough decisions when needed. Elected officials must be good stewards of public funds, prioritizing efficient use of resources for the community’s well-being.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2019
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Afshi Charania did not complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.
See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 27, 2025
