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Fayette R-III School Board

Four vie for three seats on Fayette school board

Justin Addison Editor/Publisher
Posted 5/19/20

The Fayette R-III Board of Education has three seats up for grabs in the June 2 municipal election. Two incumbents, Larry Anderson and Shauna Young, will face off against newcomers Sarah Wies and …

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Fayette R-III School Board

Four vie for three seats on Fayette school board

Posted

The Fayette R-III Board of Education has three seats up for grabs in the June 2 municipal election. Two incumbents, Larry Anderson and Shauna Young, will face off against newcomers Sarah Wies and Aaron Bentley.

Fellow incumbent and board president Gary Gose did not seek re-election.

The Fayette Advertiser presented each candidate with a list of questions that cover a variety of topics, including the board’s recent decision to transition the district to a four-day school week.

Larry Anderson
Larry Anderson
Larry Anderson

Why run for school board?

I am running for reelection to the school board, I have served two previous terms.

I enjoy serving the community and school district as I have been in Education my entire adult life.

Currently I am President of the Fayette Rotary Club, on the Board at Endless Options, a member of Linn Memorial United Methodist Church and the President of a Cemetery Association in Southwest Missouri. 

Also, the past few summers I have helped coach youth baseball both in Fayette and Boonville. I co-sponsor a group at CMU while announcing home football game.  

So, involvement and service are important to me.

Personal background

My wife Terri (Rohlfing) graduated from FHS as did her two daughters. My three children and three of four grandchildren have also graduated from FHS. My youngest grandson, Cash, will be a freshman at Fayette this coming fall.

I have a BSE from Central Methodist University, a Master Degree from Drury University, and post master hours at the University of Missouri. I have taught on the Elementary, Middle School, High School and College Level.  Currently teaching both undergraduate and graduate classes at CMU in the Education Department.

What qualifications that you possess make you the best candidate for the job?

My life is been involved in education, therefore I believe I have a knowledge that is helpful when making decisions regarding aspects that will impact the school district. I believe that listening to the public is important but also studying each situation to make the best decision for the school district.

What do you believe is the role of a member of the board of education?

A school board member listens to the public, the school administration, faculty and support staff. All groups are important. Then, just attending the meetings, being involved in school activities, supporting our students, faculty, administration and support staff, knowing that you are one of seven members and working as a group, is the important thing to remember.

Where do you stand on the school board’s recent decision to transition to a four-day school week?

I voted for the four-day school week. The survey that was sent out to the district families and over 200 replied, with over half of the families supporting the change was a big factor in my decision.

Plus, contact with administrators, faculty, parents and students that currently have a four-day school week further solidified my decision. These were from Warrenton, Montgomery City, North Callaway, Harrisburg, plus several others. Change is difficult for all of us, but given the opportunity with support the four-day school week will be successful.

Add to this the intended enhanced summer school for 2021, the three-year-old pre-school, and we are heading down the correct path.  

What is your vision for the Fayette R-III school District?

Our future could involve more and better technology, facilities of our own so we don’t have to rely on CMU for these, gradually increasing salaries while maintaining a great administration, faculty and support staff.

What do you think is the best way to recruit and retain good teachers?

To continue to support and maintain our faculty we must gradually raise salaries. The four-day school should help some, but we have the potential of close to twenty teachers retiring in the next five years. Therefore, a gradual salary increase is imperative. Listening is extremely important, and a Thank You can go a long way.

A constant struggle for public schools is unfunded mandated mandates from the state. How do you think the district could best meet these challenges?

State funding has been and seemingly will always be an issue. A school board member should contact our state elected representatives to make their thoughts known.

What changes would you like to see the district undertake?

The Fayette School District needs to maintain a fund balance of the low to mid-twenties.  For me a twenty five percent fund balance would be ideal.  

Do you agree with how the district is handling the COVID-19 restrictions? Please explain. 

The Fayette School District has handled the Covid-19 restrictions is great fashion. Everyone has seemingly pulled their weight as we have struggled through this pandemic. Teaching online is not as good as being in front of a class, as I well know, but it has had to suffice for now.  

Who knows what the future holds. But our Fayette School District team will rise to the occasion and be successful.  

Media: panel

Aaron Bentley
Aaron Bentley
Aaron Bentley

Why run for school board?

I want to help the school be successful with the approach of future decisions that impact the quality of education that our children receive.

Personal background

I am a graduate of Fayette high school. I currently reside in Fayette with my wife, Kerri, and our two daughters, Kamryn and Lainey. I am a Product Manager for SEMCO, which is a global HVAC equipment manufacturer. I manage global product design and shipments each year.

What qualifications that you possess make you the best candidate for the job?

I have a passion to help others and would like to offer my time to assist the school district in being successful. I have experience with business management that allows me to view things from multiple angles.

What do you believe is the role of a member of the board of education?

I think each member has to be available to review topics and understand the laws of the state to make sure as a team, the school continues to operate while abiding by those laws. I believe it is a member’s responsibility to make decisions in the best interest of the children and the school.

Where do you stand on the school board’s recent decision to transition to a four-day school week?

With the four-day school week in place, I would like to respectfully support the decision made by our current BOE and provide what I can to continuously review the process and make recommendations that are in the best interest of our children and school district.  

What is your vision for the Fayette R-III school District?

I want to see the Fayette R-III School District thrive and be a leader to our surrounding communities, taking care of our kids and helping with community betterment.  

What do you want to accomplish as a member of the school board?

I want to see additional technology be readily available to support higher learning levels with hopes of increasing test scores; reviewing ways to help the district to receive grants and/or funding for future expansions; continuing effort to maintain safety precautions within our school district.

What do you think is the best way to recruit and retain good teachers?

While financial improvement is always beneficial, offering a competitive benefit package along with a strong and supportive team to work within, would likely encourage new prospects and retain those we already have. I believe listening to feedback from the teachers and administrative staff in regards to possible improvements or changes is crucial for any position you wish to retain.

A constant struggle for public schools is unfunded mandates from the state. How do you think the district could best meet these challenges?

I think the Board of Education should review and understand the laws as they are handed down and evaluate the district’s wants versus needs for the potential of compromising to maintain the district’s operation within state guidelines. The district would need to initiate mandates in a timely manner to reduce risk of penalty.

What changes would you like to see the district undertake?

I would like to see our student activities (band, music, ag, sports, etc.) be provided with additional funding in order to ensure all students can be given the opportunity to enjoy extra-curricular activities; research methods to reduce energy consumption for annual cost savings.  

Do you agree with how the district is handling the COVID-19 restrictions? Please explain. 

Yes, I believe the district followed the state and government recommendations and did what was in the best interest of our kids and staff to keep them safe. I think they went above and beyond to ensure our kids were still being provided with educational opportunities. It was a phenomenal effort amongst our staff to ensure all kids in the district were offered a free breakfast and lunch during this pandemic. I am grateful to be raising my kids in the Fayette School District.

Sarah Wies
Sarah Wies
Sarah Wies

Why run for school board?

I am running for school board as my children, ages 11, 7 and 4 receive their education at Fayette R-III and would be proud to be part of a team that is committed to ensuring that not only my children but all children continue to receive an above standard education and opportunities within the district.

Personal background

I am Sarah Wies and I am running for Fayette School Board. I was born and raised in Salisbury and married my husband, Blake Wies. I have been residing in the community for 12 years. I am a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. I enjoy living in Fayette, raising my family here and being a part of the community. I received my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri and I am employed as a case manager at Missouri Orthopedic Institute. In short, my role as a case manager is to work as part of a multidisciplinary team that consists of physicians, nursing and therapy staff to put in place discharge plans for patients. 

What qualifications that you possess make you the best candidate for the job?

I believe my skill set as a case manager will be an asset to the board as I will use my interpersonal, collaborative and problem solving skills to work as a strong team member given the opportunity to serve on the board of education.

What do you believe is the role of a member of the board of education?

In my opinion, as a board member my role is to work collaboratively with other board member to serve the school district so that outcomes within the district are positive. Most importantly, focusing on quality education for our students while providing support to our educators and ensuring opportunities for our students who have a wide range of interest all while being fiscally responsible.

Where do you stand on the school board’s recent decision to transition to a four-day school week?

I will admit that I have had some reservations in regards to the move to a four day school week, but I am not close minded nor opposed to change in regards to moving to a four day school week if students’ academic outcomes do not decline. Now that our district will be moving to a four day school week this fall, if elected to the board of education I want to assure and better understand measures that are made or that are already in place to gauge the academic outcomes of the move to a four day school week. If there is a decline in educational outcomes our district should be open minded and prepared to make adjustments as in my opinion academic success is a priority for all 

What is your vision for the Fayette R-III school District?

If anyone were to take a look at the Fayette R-III School District mission statement, “To educate all students to be ethical, successful citizens,” I believe it sums up what our district’s vision should continue to strive to be. There are many great families within our district that provide much support to our school district so to continue to provide and focus on quality education so students become successful citizens is what is owed to our students of the district.  

What do you want to accomplish as a member of the school board?

Since the vote was made to transition to a four day school week this fall there have been many individuals, families and community members that have expressed and/or voiced their concerns in regards to the transition to four day school week. I believe there can be a difference of opinions yet still have respect for one another’s opinion. I would like to bring about positivity within our district and community. There is no doubt that our educators, board members and staff at Fayette R-III want what is best for our students education and I believe it is important to be accountable and transparent to assure families and community members that remain skeptic of the transition to a four day school week that quality education and opportunities for our students within the district is the priority.

What do you think is the best way to recruit and retain good teachers?

Supportive and strong leadership, positive atmosphere, opportunities for staff within the district and competitive salary and benefits with neighboring rural school districts.

A constant struggle for public schools is unfunded mandates from the state. How do you think the district could best meet these challenges?

Unfortunately, unfunded mandates from the state does create financial challenges. Lobbying at the state level for education and writing letters to our local state representatives is likely a start to our districts voice being heard. Also, assuring that our district is fiscally responsible. Being creative and using problem solving skills as to how the district can continue to provide quality education with less resources.

What changes would you like to see the district undertake?

One area that comes to mind is an adjustment to preschool, whether that be an option of all day preschool or the possibility of limited transport to and from pre-school on a half day schedule so that more children in the district have an opportunity to attend pre-school.

Do you agree with how the district is handling the COVID-19 restrictions? Please explain. 

Yes. The Covid-19 pandemic was an unforeseen circumstance and our district came together quickly to develop plans to assure that education continued at home. Of course, on-line learning, home packets and Zoom can never replace the importance of education in the classroom though our district went above and beyond to make sure students had materials to continue to learn from home. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic I now have a better appreciation and understanding of how important each role is in ensuring a successful education for our children. I believe we as educators, parents and students learned how important we all are in providing a successful and quality education to our children. Also, the meals that continued to be provided to our students was a great service and appreciated.

Shauna Young
Shauna Young
Shauna Young

Why run for school board?

I spent the majority of my childhood growing and thriving in Fayette, Missouri.  I graduated from Fayette High School in 1991 and went on to complete my degree in accounting at MIZZOU. I moved away in 1995 to start my career in Kansas City working in accounting, tax and finance. I moved back to Fayette in 2006 and married Lee Young, a lifelong resident of Fayette. We have two girls who currently attend Daly Elementary.

Personal background

Over the past three years I have served on the Board of Education. The business of running a school district is unique and I believe no one is fully prepared for what lies ahead when they take that board seat on their first night.

What qualifications that you possess make you the best candidate for the job?

As one of seven board members, each with unique expertise, I have utilized my experience in business finance and management to help make informed decisions and achieve district goals.

What do you believe is the role of a member of the board of education?

The Board of Education sets policy to align with federal and state regulations and district goals, sets the budget and prioritizes spending to meet those goals while maintaining fiscal responsibility, and holds the district accountable for results. Each board member must educate themselves, seek understanding of the needs and desires in our district communities and work together to make the best decisions that will provide our children with the skills necessary to be successful in their adult lives.

Where do you stand on the school board’s recent decision to transition to a four-day school week?

The vote to transition to a four-day school week was a difficult one for me. I agree with the statement that allowing teachers one day during the week to plan would result in higher quality education on the remaining four days. In addition, our district faces a real problem recruiting teachers, especially science and math.  I voted against the four-day week because I felt this was a short-term solution. Soon more districts will turn to a four-day platform and we will lose any advantage we gained. The majority of the board voted for the new schedule and I will support the decision of the board going forward. We continue to research full summer school programs which could fully negate the reduction of instructional hours due to the 4-day week schedule. I also expect staff morale to rise when they can enjoy more time with family while continuing to plan for and provide our students an exemplary education.  

What is your vision for the Fayette R-III school District?

I share Fayette R-III School District’s vision to ensure all students are given the necessary means to be prepared for and successful in their next academic challenge. Over the next three years of board service I would continue to emphasize the importance of financial planning for future capital and operating expenditures. In addition I would like to see the district build a stronger bond with our community leaders to tackle the declining economic conditions we face. Together we might build a strategy that equally benefits local businesses, governments and the school. I believe our district should continue to work with CMU to provide opportunities for talented education students to spend time in our classrooms and groom them for future positions.

What do you want to accomplish as a member of the school board?

The past three years our board has had a strong focus on building our financial health. Over the next three years we will need to continue this financial diligence, implement and closely monitor our new schedule and focus efforts on teacher retention. COVID-19 has caused even more uncertainty over the level of federal and state funding for schools. The board should form stronger relationships with our senators and representatives by inviting them to tour our facilities and meet on a routine basis to discuss proposed legislation.  

Do you agree with how the district is handling the COVID-19 restrictions? Please explain. 

Our district experienced unchartered waters with COVID-19. Our teachers and administration came together quickly and developed methods to get food and instructional material in a variety of formats to as many students as possible. Now that the school year is complete the district should review what worked and develop plans to overcome the challenges we faced to better prepare us for future challenges. I would be honored to serve another term as member of the board of education for Fayette R-III School District.

School Board, election

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  • chiefman1962

    Four people running and all four are in line with the stupid idea of a 4 day school week. This, despite a huge number of parents against it. I am so glad I have no children and am doubly glad I have no children in the Fayette school district. That idea has short-changed the students and the students will be the ones to suffer for it.

    Tuesday, May 19, 2020 Report this