ABOUT | Voteforgopal

GOPAL PONANGI

It has been a true privilege to serve as the Board Vice President of the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees. As a 21-year resident of Frisco, I’ve been deeply grateful for the opportunities this community has given me to serve and make a positive impact. I’m proud to be an active member of Frisco, leading initiatives through nonprofits with a focus on Education, Healthcare, and the Fine Arts.

Now, I’m seeking the honor of continuing to serve our city as your representative on Frisco City Council, Place 4.

Election Day is May 3rd, 2025.

About Gopal:

Lives with his wife Viji, daughters Ananya and Aneesha and their pet Shih Tzu “Coco”
Small Business Owner with businesses in Digital Marketing, Financials Services and Real Estate
Past Director, Frisco Economic Development Corporation
Long distance runner: Ran 10 Marathons. Fundraised for Frisco students during his Marathon run in NYC
Passionate Community Leader; Founder/President of a non-profit organization that supports cancer clinic and Seniors students of Frisco Schools
Founding Co-Chair of the Mayors Adhoc Committee; Frisco Indian Affairs Committee; which has now taken shape of Multicultural Committee under Frisco Boards and Commissions
Leadership TASB, Class 2024
Past Member, Long Range Planning Committee, FISD
Member, Programs and Facilities Evaluation Committee, FISD
Advisory Board Member, Frisco Education Foundation (FEF)
Volunteer at FEF and reviewed the scholarship application form
Ardent lover of Fine Arts; Regularly organizes concerts in music and dance
Part of several other non profits in Dallas since last 24 years

Major Accomplishments:

Played a key role in securing the PGA partnership with FISD, creating opportunities for students to practice at PGA facilities and gain internships at OMNI PGA.
Expanded athletic offerings by introducing cricket as an off-campus Physical Education option.
Contributed to the opening of five new campuses: Emerson High School, Buddy and Joni Minett Elementary, Panther Creek High School, Shana K. Wortham Intermediate School, and Richard A. Wilkinson Middle School.
First person of color elected to the School Board, bringing diversity in thought and fostering a deeper understanding of community and culture within the Board and School Leadership.
Served as a bridge between the community and administration during challenging times such as rezoning and COVID-19, advocating as the voice of the community.
Represented the School District in Austin, ensuring that legislators understood and supported priorities related to school financing, security, and special education.
Selected as one of only 30+ trustees (from over 7,000 in Texas) for the Leadership TASB Class of 2024, earning the title of Master Trustee and gaining a broader perspective on K-12 education.
Visited multiple school districts, including in El Paso and Houston, to gain insights beyond Frisco ISD and enhance educational strategies.
Actively engaged with students, parents, and teachers to understand concerns and facilitate connections with the right people for issue resolution.