Dr. Thomas brings a wealth of experience to the Plano City Council, including a a Ph.D. in Human Services and 20-year tenure with Plano ISD.<\/p>\n
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A special election<\/a> took place on January 31, 2026, to fill a vacancy in Place 7 on the Plano City Council<\/a>. Candidate Colleen Aguilar-Epstein received 40.44 percent of the vote, with Dr. Shun Thomas, Ph.D., receiving 59.56 percent of votes for the majority.<\/p>\n Dr. Thomas brings a wealth of experience to the Plano City Council. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Services, and served as a team leader, special education teacher, academic specialist, and district 504\/MTSS coordinator throughout a nearly two-decade career in the Plano ISD<\/a>. In her current role as Educational Specialist at Children\u2019s Health Plano<\/a>, Dr. Thomas bridges the gap between hospitals and school districts to ensure patients are supported in their returns to the classroom. She has served with many community and philanthropic organizations, and was honored among Plano\u2019s 50 Leading Women<\/a>\u00a0by the Plano Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n \u201cNow that the special election is over, my focus shifts fully to service,\u201d says Dr. Thomas. \u201cMy priorities include supporting public safety rooted in trust; preserving our parks while growing tourism responsibly; economic growth that works for residents; transportation that connects opportunity; and wraparound support that strengthens families.\u201d<\/p>\n In the immediate future, Dr. Thomas also stated that she anticipates \u201can immediate need for collaboration to address areas for growth in our current mass transit system.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n