Four candidates eye Kendrick School Board seats

Nov. 3—Four candidates who care about the direction of the Kendrick Joint School District want their voices to be heard on the school board for the next four years.

On Tuesday, voters will choose between Ron Ireland and Steven McDowell to represent Zone 1 on the board. Ryan Lawrence and Justin Cowley are competing to represent Zone 4.

The Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News sent a questionnaire to the candidates, who can thereby let voters know more about themselves and their goals for the district, which includes Juliaetta Elementary School and Kendrick High School.

Here are their responses:

ZONE 1 Ron Ireland

Why did you decide to run for the Kendrick School Board?

I would be honored to serve my community as a school board member. Growing up a child of a schoolteacher and administrator, I am aware of the many challenges that schools face and how that can impact a community. I am eager to support positive decision-making for our community and schools.

What unique qualities would you bring to the table as a board member?

This community has been home to me and my family for 36 years, which has given me a true sense of belonging and a need to give back. My children attended and my grandchildren will attend elementary school and high school in this community. I want all children, including my grandchildren, to have academic experiences that will allow them to explore professional, trades or workforce careers. I feel strongly that our students also need skills to function as everyday productive citizens.

What are the most pressing issues the Kendrick Joint School District needs to address?

My 35 years of coaching experience and owning and operating my own business has taught me the value of listening and understanding different perspectives. I plan to use these skills to move our education system forward. This includes maintaining a variety of programs that benefit the diversity of students in the Kendrick School District.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish by the end of your first term?

I would like to learn more about how I can keep the community informed about budgets, and student and staff needs that need to be addressed. It is important to keep all stakeholders informed of the many aspects considered when running a school.

Steve McDowell

Why did you decide to run for Kendrick School Board?

I am a longtime resident of Juliaetta whose family has a lengthy history in both the Kendrick and Juliaetta areas and a trustee of the Kendrick Joint School District since 1997. I am seeking a final term to correct some issues I am currently seeing in the district's management and spending priorities.

What unique qualities would you bring to the table as a board member?

During my tenure serving patrons of the district, I have supported both many infrastructure improvements as well as other endeavors aiming to improve the educational opportunities of this district's rural students. I bring extensive experience to the table, especially with regard to knowledge of district management, governance, and district-community relationships.

What are the most pressing issues the Kendrick Joint School District needs to address?

Top issues I see for the district include: transparency, retaining/hiring qualified staff, condition of facilities, a commitment to career and technical education, communication, and the need for the district's students to give back to their community.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during your term?

I am looking to return to one last term to ensure the district upholds its responsibilities to improve its hiring/retention of staff, refurbishment of the KHS shop and its programs, and to see the return in some fashion of an event where students officially give back to their community.

ZONE 4Ryan Lawrence

Why did you decide to run for the Kendrick School Board ?

I decided to run for the Kendrick School Board to help initiate change in the community. The most valuable resource in the community are our children. We need effective change to ensure that our children are being properly prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

What unique qualities would you bring to the table as a board member?

As a native of the Kendrick community, I was raised in the current educational system (2015 graduate). My unique background as a local business owner (farm/ranch) and having graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 2023 means I have a unique perspective on how to address legal and administrative issues that the district may face.

What are the most pressing issues the Kendrick Joint School District needs to address?

The most pressing issues are as follows:

1. Accountability. The school administration and school board currently lack accountability to each other, and to the community at large. School administration runs free to do what they please, even if the community at large is displeased with the policy/ actions by staff.

2. Attracting quality staff. The school currently has a core curriculum taught by an online IDLA program because the district failed to attract and hire a quality staff member for the position. The lack of a teacher in a core position has a negative effect on our children's education, and must be resolved.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish by the end of your first term?

I hope to improve the relationship between community and school board as well as school board and staff. Rebuilding trust, transparency and accountability is crucial to create a healthy and positive relationship.

Justin Cowley

Why did you decide to run for the Kendrick School Board?

I was appointed to the school board in June 2022 when the previous trustee moved out of the area. I have enjoyed learning and working with the other board members and district employees this past year. I think it is important to be involved and serve in the community and this is one way I have been able to do that.

What unique qualities would you bring to the table as a board member?

I moved to Kendrick a little over four years ago, so I am not from here like the rest of the board members. I guess I am somewhat of an outside perspective with dedication to improve in all aspects.

What are the most pressing issues the Kendrick Joint School District needs to address?

Ensuring buildings are kept up to date with regular maintenance and improvements, retaining and attracting good talented teachers, engaging with patrons and soliciting input from as many as we can.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish by the end of your next term?

Ensure the continued success and improvement to academics for all students year over year, maintain a healthy budget, and continue to replace outdated and failing facility equipment.

Kuipers can be reached at akuipers@dnews.com.