On Monday, September 15, 2025, the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) welcomed back a familiar and trusted leader: Addie Heyliger. Appointed to fill the vacancy left by former trustee Sonya Jones, now a candidate for Fort Bend County Clerk, Heyliger’s return marks a pivotal moment for the district as it continues to chart a course of progress, inclusion, and academic excellence. She will serve through May 2, 2026.

“I am laser-focused on bridging achievement gaps, elevating excellence across all campuses, and ensuring every budget decision is made with accountability in mind,” Heyliger said moments after raising her right hand to take the oath for Position 5. “As a businesswoman and a mom, I know budgets determine everything. And as a community leader, I know partnerships fuel progress.”

A Legacy Rooted in Service and Education

Heyliger’s story is as inspiring as her leadership. Raised in Dunbar, West Virginia, where her father pastored a small church, she absorbed lessons on faith, responsibility, and education as a pathway to success. After graduating from South Charleston High School, she pursued higher education with determination, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and later an MBA from Texas Woman’s University.

“My father always preached that education is not only a steppingstone but a foundation. It’s how we change the trajectory for children, families, and entire communities,” she reflected.

Championing Texas’ Most Diverse School District

Fort Bend ISD is proudly recognized as Texas’ most diverse school district, serving more than 80,000 students across 85 campuses. Its student body reflects the dynamic fabric of Fort Bend County: approximately 28% Black, 27% Asian, 27% Latino, and 14% White, with nearly 1 in 5 students learning English as a second language and 47% qualifying for free or reduced lunch.

During her previous service from 2015 to 2021, Heyliger spearheaded reforms that transformed low-performing schools, advanced student achievement, expanded special education access, modernized discipline practices, and championed investments in fine arts and facilities. Under her leadership, the district also achieved cost-saving measures that allowed tax rate reductions—a win for both families and businesses.

Her vision remains clear: keep test scores rising, keep costs down, and keep families at the heart of every decision.

Awards, Recognition, and Community Impact

Heyliger’s service has been recognized at every level. She has been honored as:

Outstanding Texan by the Texas Legislative Caucus

Francis Williams Advocate by the Houston Lawyers Association

Recipient of the Energized By You Award from CenterPoint Energy

IT Professional of the Year from Methodist Hospital

Top Producer Award from IBM

Yet, she humbly insists that her proudest achievements are raising her sons in Fort Bend and serving as a neighbor, advocate, and citizen in the community she loves.

Looking Ahead

Houston Style Magazine readers, as Fort Bend ISD continues to expand opportunities in academics, technology, and the arts, Heyliger is poised to strengthen partnerships and accountability across the district’s 170-square-mile footprint. Her return brings not only experience and proven leadership but also renewed energy for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“I am excited to get back to work for the students, teachers, and taxpayers who make this district great,” Heyliger affirmed.

With leaders like Addie Heyliger at the table, Fort Bend ISD’s future looks brighter than ever.