Candidate Spotlight: Ben Allen runs for Sanford-Fritch School Board

Editor’s Note: Ben Allen is running for one of two open seats on the SanfordFritch ISD Board of Trustees. Currently, two seats are open on the SFISD Board.

I’m Ben Allen and I’m running for School Board. I’m 34 years of age. I graduated from Borger High School in 2007. At which point I briefly left the panhandle on a Tennis scholarship to attend Oklahoma Baptist University. I also attended Frank Phillips College and West Texas A&M. I began working for the NBC & Fox News stations in Amarillo under Nexstar Broadcasting in May of 2010. I

filled various roles throughout my 12 years with the station but the majority of my time was spent as the Promotions Manager. About a year ago, I made the very difficult decision to change careers and took an Operations job with Solvay at the Ryton plant in Borger.

I have been married to my lovely wife Shelby for nearly 11 years. We have two wonderful children, my 6 year daughter Avery, and my 2 year old son Owen. These two are a big part of my desire to join the SFISD school board.

I think it’s important to note that throughout my childhood, both of my parents were teachers. My mom, long time SFISD principal, and former assistant superintendent, Edie Allen. My wife has also been a teacher here in the district for the last 10 years. With her employment by SFISD, we felt the need to return and reside in Fritch, having lived here at various times throughout the last 15 years and consistently for the last 10.

My whole life I’ve lived in a household with educators, either with my parents or wife. Throughout that time they have educated and imparted their stories and feelings, ups and downs, immense joys and struggles with in the school system. These daily reports have taught me so much and brought a lot of insight into the school system.

As a member of the board, my number one priority will always be the students, followed by the faculty and staff. These are our greatest resources, not only with our district but within our community! It’s vital to all of our interests that this school is thriving and that’s not possible without the sustained success within these school walls!

Throughout the last year or two with Avery, my daughter, beginning her educational journey. My wife and I spent a lot of time thinking about our children’s success not only in the classroom but what can we do to best prepare them for life. We discussed whether or not we thought being in Fritch was the best thing for our family!? We ultimately came to the conscious decision that Fritch is where we wanted to be for the long run! We look around and see a strong administration, solid teachers, and a safe community.

I wanted to take a more active role in our community and specifically with helping to shape my children’s educational journey. I also want to help build a stronger community and school culture where our students truly believe that they are being provided with the proper leadership to guide them to success and the belief that if they are willing to put in the work and trust the process, they can achieve whatever goals they desire for themselves.