Your voter guide to suburban school board races: Derby, Goddard, Haysville, Valley Center
Voters in school districts across south-central Kansas will select new school board members on Nov. 7. Here are candidates for key races in suburban Wichita.
Derby USD 260 School Board
Nine candidates are running for four at-large seats. Two candidates — Tara Parker and Andrew Trapp — did not respond to The Eagle’s candidate questionnaire. All voters in the Derby school district can vote on this race.
2023 Wichita voter guide: What to know about local candidates, where and how to vote
Mark Boline
Age: 60
Position: Information Security
Past position: Law Enforcement/United States Air Force; Teacher (1st, 4th, 5th)/El Dorado; Information Security/Textron, Accenture
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Masters of Management Information Systems; Masters of Information Security
Phone: 316-201-8587
Email: mark@bolineforboe.com
Website: bolineforboe.com
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
The most pressing issue for Derby is the activist school board over the last few years. The Derby school board has brought negative attention to the district and tarnished our reputation. Most notable is the loss of not only the long-time principal at Derby High School, but all assistant principals as well. This has adversely affected morale in the Derby district and must be reversed. A new majority school board will get Derby back on track by freeing our professionals to function appropriately.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Critical Race Theory (CRT) is used across the country and now in Derby to scare some residents. CRT is NOT being taught in public schools. It’s concerning that some use this tactic to avoid teaching children the full history of our country. It has even been stated that DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) has replaced CRT, tainting what is a very necessary part of education. I don’t want this lie to gain a still greater foothold in Derby. It is one reason I am running for the Board of Education.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I am very qualified based on my past experiences: teaching, parenting, and volunteering. But more important is my passion for the education of children. Teaching 4th and 5th grade after five years in 1st grade showed me the value of a good education. I have no doubt that school success continues into adulthood. Because of my respect for educators, my overall vision is to facilitate our experienced and well-trained professionals as they continue to provide an excellent education for our students.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
Derby’s reputation as an excellent school district must be maintained, but that costs money. I believe the school board must always provide transparency when it comes to funding. Included in this transparency is what is being spent and very explicit reasoning as to how it provides value to our children’s education. If Derby residents feel very confident that our schools are spending money wisely, I believe most will be comfortable paying a little more in taxes if that should become necessary.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
I am against banning books. There is, though, debate about the age-appropriateness of books. My concern about book-banning in the United States right now is the ability for one person to remove books on a whim. Derby schools don’t have inappropriate books in circulation, and I don’t believe any books should be removed. Books that allow children to experience things outside of their comfort zone is a positive. It is a great use of books and reading and should be instrumental in a Derby education.
Cathy Boote
Age: 63
Position: Retired, USD 259, Educator
Past position: Republican Precinct Committeewoman
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts Education
Phone: 316-250-1510
Email: Booteforboe@gmail.com
Website: No response
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
I have knocked on over 1400 doors. The most pressing issue among all stakeholders is the lack of accountability for student behaviors. The need for mental health services among our students has dramatically increased. I’m pleased to say our current board passed a new “discipline matrix” that has been implemented this year. I applaud the current measures and hope to be part of implementing continued policies that keep our students safe, allow our teachers to teach and students to learn.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
A key element of an effective school board is to ensure all students are taught at high levels and to be accountability driven. To be effective, we must be data driven and embrace and monitor the data even when the information is negative. I will do everything in my power to implement policy that will hold students accountable for their behaviors, stay laser focused on academic achievement and improve trust among all stakeholders as we work toward a common goal of academic excellence.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I was extremely honored to be named a semi-finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year in 2018. My 35 years of teaching experience, strong family values and clear communication skills uniquely qualify me to unite all stakeholders as we work to improve the academic success and overall relational health of our district. Accountability and transparency are key to building trust and I will work hard to build back trust among all stakeholders.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
A $117 million budget demands the scrutiny of evidence based budgeting. Our building needs assessment is key in prioritizing expenses. Seeking value in insurance coverage for our employees will be another priority. During these tough economic times, the Board must be accountable to our community by being good stewards with our tax payer dollars.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
A system similar to movie ratings is needed in our schools to protect young impressionable minds from materials that contain sexually explicit or pornographic content. Children lack the emotional and cognitive maturity to understand sexually explicit content and must be protected. For those unsure of the material being referenced, I recommend a simple Google search of Senator John Kennedy reading excerpts of two such books into the Congressional Record.
Tanya Jacobucci
Age: 41
Position: Education Consultant and College Adjunct Professor
Past position: Sedgwick County District 5 Citizens’ Advisory Board Member, Elementary Teacher, Middle School Volleyball and Basketball Coach
Education: Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with Reading Specialist and ESOL Endorsement; Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education
Phone: 316-305-0605
Email: jacobucci260boe@gmail.com
Website: Face Book: Tanya Jacobucci- USD 260 BOE Candidate
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
The most pressing issue for our district is staff retention and recruitment. Staff morale is low right now, and many teachers feel a disconnect with the current board majority. Educators know they can go to other districts, or worse get out of education altogether. We must restore mutual respect between the BOE and teachers/staff to move forward as a district, and we have to be competitive with salary and benefits and ensure teachers and staff have the resources they need.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Related to staff retention is student behavior. Teachers and staff are frequently being interrupted by behavior issues. This is a complex problem, but one that can be remediated/prevented by systematic clear expectations, consistent consequences, and communication between staff and parents. Teachers cannot be successful without the support from parents, admin and counselors when needed. It takes all involved to create an environment that is conducive to learning and student success.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I bring a unique educational work experience to the table. Being in classrooms 3-4 days a week allows me to see firsthand the issues schools are facing, and what could work to fix them. Other days, I am training teachers, mainly in structured literacy and dyslexia. Having the opportunity to work so closely with teachers helps me relate to them and understand their needs. My overall vision is to help make Derby Schools THE place all students, staff, parents and the community want to be.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
The BOE should always consider the need before approving items in the budget. Maintaining facilities will help prevent the need for larger spending later. Responsible spending must always be in the forefront, and should be communicated with the stakeholders when that spending is needed. For bond items, studies will need to be completed to see if the need outweighs the taxes. Spending the taxpayers’ money should always be done with the utmost care, demonstrated by a need throughout the students.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
The banned book list has been a controversial topic for years. Obviously, pornography should not be available in schools. Any book that a parent determines a child should not be allowed to read should be marked as unavailable for that student. However, that parent should not get to decide what the next student can read. Our students have a wealth of information at their fingertips online, so keeping them from “potentially sensitive subjects” wouldn’t make sense.
Boyd Rawlins
Age: 64
Position: I am a retired engineer who spent 36 years working in the aircraft industry.
Past position: I spent 32 years with Boeing and 4 years with Airbus. My 32 years at Boeing I worked as a Design Engineer with 17 of those years as an engineering manager. At Boeing I was involved with proposal preparation, developing estimates, planning, scheduling, contracts, and negotiations. My time at Airbus was spent assisting airline customers around the world with structural repairs for their airplanes.
Education: Borger High School, Borger Texas Bachelor of Science Degree Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock Texas
Phone: (316) 371-7001
Email: boydrawlins@gmail.com
Website: Face Book: Vote for Boyd Rawlins USD 260
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
The most pressing issue our school district has is teachers compensation. Hiring and retaining teachers is difficult when other school districts in the area have higher salaries and better benefits. Teacher salary increases must be analyzed closely. Medical insurance currently offered to teachers is not affordable. One option that needs to be explored is self-insuring, most Kansas counties and cities currently do. Teachers have a passion to teach but they must be compensated for their effort.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Both the Derby School Board policies and Student Handbooks have no tolerance policies for bullying and harassment but it is still happening. These issues effect the student’s self-esteem and confidence, which are both important for the student’s success in life. The only punishment that can be used for these offenses are suspending or expelling the student who bullies or harasses others. These punishments are extreme but these no tolerance policies need to be enforced to protect our students.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
Being retired I have time to research actions brought before the school board. As an engineer I have experience developing solutions, estimates, proposals, contracts, plans, and schedules. My time as a manager leading professional organizations gives me a wide range of experience. Based on having time and my professional experience I fill I am the most qualified candidate. My vision is to see all students succeed and go on to become productive citizens that can make decisions on their own.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
No one wants to pay more taxes. However, while speaking with the residents of USD 260 the last few months there is more concern with how their tax dollars are being managed and spent than concerns with property taxes. The residents want a good school system where students are educated in a safe and healthy environment, with activates they can enjoy.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
School libraries should not have books that contain erotic text or pornography as identified in Kansas Statute 21-6402 “Promotion to Minors of Material Harmful to Minors”. Books used in classrooms should also meet Statute 21-6402 and exclude books containing offensive language. Limiting access to these types of books helps protect the innocents of our students.
LuAnn Pickens Schaaf
Age: 61
Position: USD 260 BOE At Large
Past position: No response
Education: BA Computer Science & MBA
Phone: 316-207-5344
Email: luann.schaaf@gmail.com
Website: n/a
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
Restore Diversity and Equity into the Strategic Plan. Education is for all students, of all backgrounds, and all abilities. Education is non-partisan and religion and politics are a personal belief that needs to be left at the door. We need to restore trust with the District staff with the BOE.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
We must retain our outstanding staff and support them as needed. We must ensure salaries, benefits, resources, etc. are adequately provided. We must restore Derby to be the District where teachers want to come teach. The BOE does not run the schools. We need to trust and hold our Administrative educational experts accountable as they propose decisions based on facts and data and aligned to advance our District Strategic Plan.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
As a Spirit AeroSystems/Boeing manager for over 26 years in my 40 year career, I have outstanding leaders skills. I Listen to people. I hold people accountable, make decisions based on facts and data (not emotion), ask difficult questions, I find common ground and negotiate for decisions that are the best for all of our students and our District staff.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
Property tax increases should be the last option. BOE needs to look for options to cut budget costs if taxes will be raised.The community needs to understand the school district budget and allocations. Dedicated budget discussions need to occur with the community. Communication and community engagement is critical for budget allocations.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
Process and procedures are in place to review books and the committee is composed of educators and community members. Reading opens so many opportunities for every student to learn. I do not support book bans. I do support parents right to restrict books for their children.
David Sowden
Age: 42
Position: Realtor
Past position: Sedgwick County 5th District Citizens Advisory Board, Chairman
Education: No response
Phone: 316-789-6969
Email: david@votesowden.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/VoteSowden
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
There’s a lot to be dealt with; vaping, drugs, discipline, safety & declining academic achievement. The purpose of education is academic achievement & preparing students for career & college. We must create positive learning environments, set high standards for academic success & work with leadership, teachers, & staff to ensure our buildings are safe & focused on student achievement. We need to work with parents to create full transparency & bring back families in the education process.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
We average 20.8 students per classroom. When a student is able to deter a class with disruptive behavior the remaining 19 lose their opportunity to learn. PBIS has been proven ineffective at eliminating negative behaviors & demoralizes the students already abiding by the rules. We must get creative with IEP behavior students as the Fed Government limits the out of classroom time allowed, with the least restrictive environment requirement. We must create an environment where teachers can focus on teaching.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
Supporting USD260 is not new for me & I am not running because I am angry at anyone. I am running to help our District connect with the stakeholders, stand true to our community’s values & put education & our students at the forefront of every decision. DHS at risk students are only 7% career & college ready in math, 12.5% in ELA; 31.81% in Science. Personal moral compasses will always guide individuals, and they should. But we must find a way to work together, regardless of political or personal beliefs.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
Derby operates a $117M annual budget. We need to review how and where that budget is being spent, search for financial efficiencies, find ways to stretch that money farther. We need to seek out grant opportunities to alleviate financial constraints on the existing budget. We must operate like a business and not just rely on tax increases. We must be fiscally conservative.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
It is imperative that we emphasize the importance of reading & reading comprehension. We have a responsibility to ensure that the books are age & academic appropriate for our students. Fiction & Non-Fiction books are imperative to expanding the minds of young readers, but schools are not in the business of promoting social biological engineering. Schools should be socially neutral places for equality and learning for all, no agendas. We must also be fully transparent about what books we believe should be in our buildings.
Melanie Turner
Age: 49
Position: Physical Therapist
Past position: Chairman Derby Public Library Board
Education: Bachelor Science in Biology, Master of Physical Therapy
Phone: No response
Email: No response
Website: No response
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
Vaping is prevalent among many youth today, and its dangerous effect on students concern parents. Student vaping has led to frequent class interruptions and decreased student focus. This fall, vape detectors were installed in middle and high school bathrooms in Derby, but this will never completely eliminate the problem. The Board has implemented policies to address vaping, including a plan for discipline. The Board will adjust these policies as the need arises.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Some of my concerns are the recruitment and retention of teachers, the shortage of special education teachers and paraprofessionals, the need for more math and reading specialists, chronic absenteeism, and the lingering effects of Covid on effective learning. The burden of high property taxes is of great concern to many local residents. It is my hope that our community can unite with confidence in our school system and establish positive goals for the future.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I volunteered in classrooms and committees locally and district wide including Site Councils, Instructional Review, Calendar, and the Special Services Parent Advisory Council. I’ve held leadership roles at church, 4-H Club and Library Board. My experiences, listening and decision-making skills, and my priority on the retention and recruitment of teachers make me highly qualified. I vision a time when Board members work together with respect and trust to make wise decisions for Derby students.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
When school boards analyze and approve the school budget, they should base their decisions on the needs of the district while respecting the concerns of many residents over property tax increases. The board must ensure that the maximum amount of school funds is spent on classroom instruction. They must remember one of their prime missions is to adequately fund schools in order to train and educate students.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
I am against book banning. When books are censored, students lose access to information and are left to educate themselves about important topics. I trust our professional media center staff to select age appropriate materials for their school buildings. However, parents always have the right to restrict access to any book they feel is inappropriate for their child to read.
Goddard USD 265 school board
Twelve candidates are running for four at-large seats. All voters in the Goodard school district can vote on this race. The other candidates — Titus R. Crockett, Nathan L. Johnson, Rachel Murphy and Noah Guinn — did not respond to The Eagle’s candidate questionnaire.
Edward Cropper
Age: 46
Position: US Air Force Reserve, Logistics
Past position: No formal government positions. I have served on HOA boards and small, group association council positions within the military in the past.
Education: An associate’s degree from the Air Force and multiple professional military education classes.
Phone: 316-208-3212
Email: croppy45@gmail.com
Website: None
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
Recruitment and retention of quality educators, administrators, and staff. We need to continue to make Goddard a magnet for the professionals that spend a third of the day with our children. The board with the superintendent ensure there is an acceptable quality of life at the workplace that includes: class sizes, class planning time, flexible/available curriculum, and a positive culture.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
The Board and district staff can work on how to better explain to the residents and taxpayers how money is spent through the budget and why. Open budget meetings isn’t the best place to introduce what “the state” has levied upon is. However, responsibility isn’t removed from the resident to educate themselves to what their legislation is doing also.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I’m not, you have a 25+ year educator and previous school board members running. I just want to be part of the team that advocates for our students and staff.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
Again, this comes down to educating the residents on where their money goes and why the administration feels it needs to be there. Our teachers and administrators have the experience to know what it takes to make our children successful in school.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
I believe it’s a parent’s right & responsibility to know what their children are learning, doing, reading, watching on tv and surfing on the internet. It’s their right to restrict their children from doing things they disagree with. If I don’t want my daughter texting after midnight, I can take away her phone. I don’t have the right to restrict her friends’ phone usage.
Ginnie Ely
Age: No response
Position: Human Resources
Past position: Education
Education: Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education
Phone: No response
Email: No response
Website: No response
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
There are many pressing issues for public schools. Number one is funding. The Board has to allocate budget to keep salaries competitive in order to attract top talent.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Student achievement and academic success are other areas that need improvement. Adequate time for instruction and access to resources for all learners are extremely important. Teachers have many responsibilities added each year that bog them down and take away from what they know best: teaching.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
My background is in education. I was a teacher. I was in the throes of the limited planning time, academic testing, time constraints, lack of support in terms of staffing, resources, etc. I now work in human resources, where I help business attract and recruit top talent My hope is that I can bring balance to the discussion. I’m a believe in getting back to the basics, giving parents choices in their children’s education, and a champion of teachers because they are the backbone of our communities.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
Property taxes are up everywhere across the State. Home values have also significantly increased. Inflation can be seen across the board. It is a balancing act, but as a BOE member and as a tax payer, I will be a good steward of the tax payers and ensure funds are accounted for.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
Yes. Public community libraries allow access to books of all content material. School libraries are different, and should offer material that is reviewed prior to admission into circulation to ensure that it is developmentally appropriate for the children that will have access to them.
Amanda Gish
Age: 37
Position: Assistant Vice President of Marketing for Credit Union of America
Past position: No response
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University
Phone: No response
Email: No response
Website: No response
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
From class sizes to transportation services, the growth USD 265 is experiencing is one of the most pressing issues. The Board should support strategies to accommodate additional housetops and a growing student base, while confronting the very real challenges posed by teacher shortages and school funding limitations. If elected, I will work hard to understand the current issues relevant to the district and ensure all perspectives are taken into consideration.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Education is not one size fits all. Whether a student has learning disabilities or could benefit from gifted programs, Special Education (SPED) is one way that schools are able to meet unique needs. In Kansas, SPED has not been fully funded since 2011. This is concerning since one in six students relies on these services. State funding struggles to keep up with the growing demands of SPED. It’s our duty to ensure these services are provided without interruption.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
As GHS alum and a district parent, my commitment is real. I am not a politician; my focus is on providing input and connecting resources to strengthen the public-school model. My involvement in the schools and regular attendance at district meetings fueled my interest in a Board position. I’ll be an advocate for parents, staff, and students, by explaining policies and ensuring voices are heard. My vision for serving on the Board aligns with the district’s to provide advanced opportunities for all students.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
Balancing the critical need for adequate school funding with the valid concerns of residents regarding property taxes is a challenge. Engaging the community through transparent communication and budget explanations is a starting point. Providing residents with clear information on budget prioritization can help alleviate concerns about wasteful spending. Our taxes go towards funding so many initiatives throughout the community. Demonstrating how tax dollars directly affect these initiatives will lead to a better understanding.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
I will actively promote a culture of transparency. This will help ensure that parents are aware of what’s available in school libraries, and the rationale behind those choices. I have full confidence in the district’s team of highly educated librarians who are trained in understanding age-appropriate information for each grade level. In today’s digital age, our children have unprecedented access to information online. I’m committed to understanding the viewpoints and concerns surrounding this issue.
Liz Hamor
Age: 44
Position: Leadership Consultant & Coach
Past position: No response
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish, Master’s degree in Elementary Education with a Bilingual and ESOL emphasis
Phone: 316-993-8092
Email: lizhamorforusd265@gmail.com
Website: lizhamor.com
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
It feels like everything pressing ties back to budget. Currently, understaffing is the most pressing issue. We’ve struggled to hire enough bus drivers, nutrition services staff and support staff to name a few areas. I think the board needs to seek deeper understanding about what the challenges are from multiple stakeholders. It’s easy to assume that increasing pay will solve the challenges but it may require more nuanced solutions than that.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Back to the budget, the state is underfunding special education and the difference between what state law says the state is required to fund (91%) and what they are actually funding (~69%) is approximately $5 million per year for our district. That’s a significant amount that could go back into teacher and staff raises. Using my lobbying experience, I’m looking forward to using my skills and connections to work on getting the state legislature to meet their obligations to the youth of Kansas.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I’m a former educator, an engaged parent with kids in the district, and have worked with K-12 schools across the state for the last decade to create schools in which ALL students can learn and thrive. I’m a leadership consultant and coach, and helping my clients make progress on their biggest challenges is what I do. My overall vision is a school and community environment in which everyone has their basic needs met so that they can learn, thrive, and contribute to a vibrant community.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
This is a challenge that doesn’t have a clear-cut answer because it depends on so many factors within the community. Often, people are worried about property taxes, but are even more worried about property values. The way to keep property values high is to have good schools in a community where people want to come live. Ultimately, I would use my experience as a leadership consultant to facilitate deeper understanding of the challenge, ensuring that all perspectives are considered.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
Books are for growing our understanding of the world and how we fit into it. As a former teacher, I know that teachers/librarians are experts that put great thought into making sure books are age appropriate. As a parent, I want my kids to have access to even controversial books at school. If they read something that makes me uncomfortable, it opens opportunities for discussion so we can both grow. That said, I do support parents being able to exempt their own child from reading specific books.
Nicole Hawkins
Age: No response
Position: No response
Past position: Goddard Board of Education - 8 years and Goddard Education Foundation
Education: No response
Phone: 316-794-8026
Email: colehawk@hotmail.com
Website: n/a
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
Teacher retention. We must continue to recruit, develop, and retain world class staff members throughout the district. This is a core belief as outlined in the Goddard Public Schools Strategic Plan. Each year I have served on the Board of Education has resulted in additional wages for teachers and support staff to be competitive with the local surrounding districts. I want to make sure our teachers are receiving wages that allow them to raise and support a family.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Parental involvement and social/emotional needs. It is disheartening to hear from our teachers how many parents of their students are not engaged with their children’s education. To give each child the best opportunity to be successful demands parents be involved with their child’s education by not only communicating with the child’s teacher, but encouraging positive collaboration with their child, their teacher and their school.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I believe over the past eight years I have contributed to the continued success and positive reputation the Goddard School District receives from around the state. I have shown how to collaborate with other board members to make decisions which are in the best interest of the children and parents we serve. My only agenda is to make the Goddard school district the best district in Kansas.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
A good school board member understands there is not an unlimited amount of funding. I understand that. Our board makes the decision after going through an extensive budget process with our business manager and Superintendent. We must balance personnel and student programming requirements and identify the difference between needs and wants. Our board is very aware that the average taxpayer is taxed by other municipalities. We understand the need for taxpayer support and strive to keep the mill levy at an acceptable rate.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
A school district serves a great diversity of students and their families. If I do not want a particular book available to my child, I should have every right to prohibit my child from checking out that book and the district should provide the resources to make sure my child cannot check out that book.
Timothy Henderson
Age: 61
Position: Retired district court judge
Past position: District court judge; chief counsel, Wichita, SRS; staff attorney, Emporia, SRS; assistant, district attorney, Shawnee County, Kansas
Education: Bachelor of arts, University of Kansas; jurist doctorate, Washburn University; master of theological studies, Neuman University.
Phone: 316-640-4571
Email: Timothyhughhenderson@gmail.com
Website: No response
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
The most pressing issue for any school system is the education of its children. Not woke, political, correctness, or personal political agendas. Goddard is failing in that regard. Most recent state testing indicates only 46% of its students are proficient in reading and 38% are proficient in math. Yet, the school system graduates, 95% of its students. We are graduating students that are not proficient in the basic educational goals of any school system at the cost of almost $18,000 per student, per year. This has to stop.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
The solution to better educated students is early childhood development. I strongly support evidence-based early childhood development programs. These are not only excellent programs that produce good academic results but they are cost efficient and far cheaper than remedial efforts later in the child’s life. We also need a better emphasis on basic civics and life skills being taught to our students.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I’ve spent most of my professional life working with children and seeking to improve their educational opportunities. I have extensive experience in evidence-based educational programs to the level that I have been asked to be a trainer and presenter on children issues at both the local, state, and national Levels.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
Our current school board has for too long, viewed tax payer funding as a right to a blank check. This is so corrupt as to even include supporting litigation that effectively sued their own school parents and the taxpayers of their district. Parents want a good quality education for their children and are willing to invest in that education. But, it must be viewed as an investment with a school board dedicated to making wise investment choices that will reap benefits for the students of the Goddard Public Schools.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
Questions such as this are the result of a miss guided emphasis on a political agenda. The solution is quite simple. A common sense approach to what is reasonable for a child to have access to is an effective standard. For example, no kindergartener needs access to books that provide detailed descriptions concerning sexuality. They frankly do not understand it and what they should be exposed to is a decision for parents, not school personnel.
Jerry Longabaugh
Age: 61
Position: Retired
Past position: Retired Middle School Principal in the Goddard Public Schools
Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary Education - Kansas State University. Master’s degree in Educational Administration - Wichita State University
Phone: 316-648-7101
Email: longabaugh@att.net
Website: No response
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
I believe that growth in student enrollment is going to be an issue. Residential real estate has the potential to increase exponentially in the next 4 years. There have been a large number of residential homes built and multiple developments are beginning to move dirt, install utilities and pave streets. More new homes equates to more students in our schools. The school board and the administration needs to monitor the trends in student enrollment and consider appropriate actions for addressing the issues.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
School districts are always battling the state legislature for equitable funding. The Gannon case provided stable funding for school districts. But how long will the legislature continue to fund education at these levels? Unfortunately, the state is underfunding special education. Increasing funding for special education is paramount. As a board member, I will be an advocate for funding a world class learning experience for all students as well as providing competitive salaries and benefits for all staff members.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
Education is my life! I was a teacher, coach and administrator for 37 years and lived in the district for 34 years. I was a middle school administrator in Goddard for 25 years. I believe my experience as an educator and a parent of 3 Goddard graduates gives me a unique insight into the Goddard Public Schools. I believe that every decision we make should be in the best interest of students. My vision to to provide all students a quality education that will assist them in being a productive member of our society.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
I am proud to live in a school community that values education. I appreciate the past support of our school community to maintain quality schools as our student population continued to grow. When I started in the school district, we had 5 buildings and 3600 students. We currently have 12 schools and over 6,000 students. There is a delicate balance between taxes and providing a world class education to our students. I will be a good steward of taxpayer funds while continuing to provide a quality education to all students.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
I believe all students should be life-long readers. I believe it is a parent’s right to determine and monitor which books their kids read. I do not believe that someone else should dictate what books my child reads. The Destiny online program allows students and parents access to all books available in the libraries. Destiny provides parents an account of all the books their child has checked out. Parents may work with the librarian to make certain books or genres they deem inappropriate unavailable for their child to checkout.
Jenny Simmons
Age: 49
Position: Director of Taxation, Current Goddard School Board Member
Past position: No response
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Phone: No response
Email: No response
Website: Facebook: Jenny Simmons for Goddard School Board
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
The social and emotional wellbeing of our students is THE most critical issue. Children that are anxious, depressed, bullied or inattentive are unable to focus and engage in the classroom. Our students are facing an unprecedented attack on their self-confidence, self-image and mental health driven in part by social media. We can’t overlook the negative impact it’s having on their ability to learn. We have a responsibility to give them the tools they need to battle back, regain confidence, and focus on learning.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Public education is under attack in our state. There is a concerted effort to confuse voters about public school performance and the true cost to educate. I would challenge anyone that believes public schools are over funded to (1) compare the cost to attend a private school and ask yourself if public education deserves substantially “less” and (2) ask the state why they aren’t fully funding special education which forces districts to pull dollars from the general fund to cover those unfunded costs.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I believe my experience as an accountant and as a parent in the district are beneficial as a candidate. I see public education as more than just academics, it’s also about connecting, learning social skills, and growing from your mistakes. Public education is what levels the playing field for all children and allows children that don’t come from privilege to achieve their goals. I believe that one teacher, one para, one coach, one counselor or principal can engage a child and change the trajectory of their life.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
I would encourage taxpayers to come to the budget hearing to ask questions. Funding for schools is extremely confusing and convoluted. Our district did not increase the mill levy – but yes, the dollars increased over last year due to increasing home values (in aggregate). The increase in dollars was necessary to (1) educate additional students not included in the prior year count (2) pay our bills – we have to pay rising costs (3) provide an increase for our employees so that they can also deal with rising costs.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
While I am generally opposed to the banning of books and censorship of any kind, I believe we have a responsibility to develop a process to (1) understand what our children have access to (2) understand the literary merits the books provide and the overall context in which they are intended to be used weighed against the content and its appropriateness for the age group and (3) provide parents visibility into what their children have access to allowing them to take overall control over what their children may read.
Haysville USD 261 school board
Six candidates are running for four at-large seats. All voters in the Haysville school district can vote on these races. The other candidates — Jennifer Bain, Jerome C. Crawford, Greg W. Fenster and Tasha N. White — did not respond to The Eagle’s candidate questionnaire.
Tom R. Gibson
Age: 73
Position: USD 261 Board of Education
Past position: No response
Education: College
Phone: 3166413021
Email: No response
Website: No response
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
Educating our great students within our financial ability
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
If you are in a business, you can raise your prices to make up your shortfalls. In education we are limited by what the state thinks we need whether they fund what they are required or not. We have to find a way to make educating all of students, not just part of them.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
Clear vision and the love of our students to make them ready for the real world when they graduate.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
It is a concern for all school boards, if the state would fully fund what they are legally bound to fund, it would help solve many of the schools financial problems.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
Not that I am aware of.
Barbara Walters
Age: 66
Position: Retired
Past position: Haysville USD 261 Board of Education
Education: Bachelor of Science in Management and Ethics, Manhattan Christian College
Phone: 316-619-1044
Email: Bammafive@gmail.com
Website: No response
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
Students should be challenged to get the best education available. A disruptive student can adversely effect the outcomes of every student in the classroom. The BOE can provide the tools and support educators need to correct the situation and maintain a positive learning atmosphere.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Humans often rise to expectations. Students should be encouraged to be attentive, respectful and achievement oriented. Academic excellence can be achieved when students are provided with appropriate challenges.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I am passionate about our community and its future. I would like to see Haysville students graduate equipped to move successfully into their next endeavor and to be productive citizens as they take their places as adults.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
I would like to look closely at how current funds are being allocated and see if changes need to be made. We are all tasked to live within our means, so we need to be creative with what we have. I am not in favor of increased property taxes.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
Media Specialists are tasked with making decisions on age appropriate materials for school libraries. I would not think that elementary libraries should offer books which have content meant for adults. A high school teacher would not select a picture book for a literature unit. I would hesitate to challenge reading materials cleared by district professionals except in an extreme situation.
Valley Center USD 262 school board
Six candidates are running for four at-large seats. All voters in the Valley Center school district can vote on this race. The other candidates — Chris Eldridge, Scott Duke, Dawn M Stiglitz and Benjamin Wilson — did not respond to The Eagle’s candidate questionnaire.
Ryan McCalla
Age: 27
Position: Customer Support Specialist
Past position: Real estate agent
Education: Bachelors of Business Administration
Phone: n/a
Email: n/a
Website: n/a
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
I believe the most pressing issue for our district is currently the rapid growth we are seeing. I believe we need to work with the community to find out how we can grow our districts capacity in an effective way.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
I am not running on any issues, my purpose for running is to make sure our students get the best education possible.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I might not be the most qualified candidate for the job. What I am is a life long learner who believes education is the cornerstone of a strong community. I believe as a young candidate I can bring a fresh perspective and be able to learn from the experience of the other board members.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
The school board needs to evaluate the needs of the district and request feedback from the committee on how to achieve those goals. They need to work with all parties to find creative solutions.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
I will politely be declining to answer this question.
Sean Miller
Age: 46
Position: USD 262 BOE Member
Past position: USD 262 BOE Member
Education: BS Mechanical Engineering from Wichita State University and MBA from Southwestern College
Phone: 316-249-2779
Email: miller4boe262@gmail.com
Website: Facebook: Miller4boe262
What is the most pressing issue for your school district and what do you think the school board should do about it?
Learning space. Each of our school buildings ranges from 90% to over 100% in capacity. With a recent failed bond issue our district is reorganizing efforts for new bond coupled with other ideas that will hopefully gain the support of the community and allow us to move forward with much needed facility expansions and improvements.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Student achievement. Our district, like many others, has experienced a negative or slow growth in achievement and test scores across the board. Our main priority is to educate our students and we need to figure out the best way to get better at doing that.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
We have multiple qualified candidates running for BOE this year. I hope voters can support me by looking at my past experience on this board, my small business ownership with work experience that involves relationships with multiple school districts across the state, and my experience on educational advisory boards at Wichita State University and Hutchinson Community College. I have no political agenda on the board and strive to see all sides and make the best decision possible for the success of our students.
How should the school board balance having the resources to fund schools with residents’ concerns about property taxes?
Our recent bond issue failure feedback was very clear that no one wants to pay more taxes. While we have a great need for more learning space, we also need to do a better job of keeping these concerns in mind while still trying to do what is right for our students.
Are there any types of books students should not have access to in school libraries or classrooms? Please explain.
As the son of a librarian and a strong believer in accurate education, I am not for the banning of books for any reason. Education is important whether it is good, bad, ugly or controversial. That said, school is not really the place to “promote” controversial subjects in the library, but we also shouldn’t ban them.
Other races
Find our voter guide to suburban mayoral and city council races here.
Find our voter guide to the Wichita mayor’s race here.
Find our voter guide to Wichita City Council candidates here.
Find our voter guide to Wichita school board candidates here.
