Getting to know your school board candidates

Four individuals have filed for two open positions on the Ekalaka Public Schools Unified Board of Trustees. Both openings are three-year terms for candidates from Elementary District No. 15 and High School District No. 3.

Those who filed include incumbent Samantha Wright, David Loudermilk, Sarina O'Connor and Tricia Lovec.

A list of six questions was sent to each of the candidates on Monday morning with a request to have the answers back to the Eagle by Tuesday afternoon. Following are the candidates' answers. Candidates appear in alphabetical order, by last name.

DAVID LOUDERMILK

Why are you running for school board? If elected, what will be your top priorities?

I am very interested in the education of the upcoming generations of students in the community.

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board?

My motivation to join the school board stems from a passion for education, a drive to give back to the community, and a dedication to enhancing the educational system.

Why should you be elected?

Vote for me as I have experience, expertise, dedication to education, commitment to the community, and your vision for improving the educational system.

Could you support a board decision you did not vote in favor of? Why or why not?

I value collaboration and believe that my fellow board members, despite our differing opinions, share a common goal of prioritizing children's education. We serve a greater purpose and are willing to set aside personal egos to make decisions that benefit the community.

What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?

Retention of good, qualified faculty.

What is a school board member's role and responsibility? How does that role differ from the role of the superintendent or administration?

Ensuring the overall education and well-being of students, as well as hiring staff who are committed to long-term tenure.

TRICIA LOVEC

Why are you running for school board? If elected, what will be your top priorities?

I have been interested for several years and feel like with my experience I can make a contribution. Also, the northeast end of the county could use some representation. My top priorities would be to bring my common sense approach to resolve issues, and my conservative nature to budget matters.

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board?

My motivation is just to see our school thrive, while doing the right thing for the children and taxpayers.

Why should you be elected?

I worked at the school for 28 years. I believe I have insight into many areas. After going through numerous administrators I have a grasp of what works and what doesn't. Including the children's, certified and classified staff needs. Additionally, I have some knowledge of the budget.

Could you support a board decision you did not vote in favor of? Why or why not?

Yes, regardless of my vote, when the majority have voted, it would be my duty to support the decision to have a unified board.

What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?

The budget, and declining enrollment.

What is a school board member's role and responsibility? How does that role differ from the role of the superintendent or administration?

The school board's role is to set policy and budget, with the community's priorities in mind. The Superintendent/Administration job is to manage the budget and staff, and to bring ideas to the board for consideration.

SARINA O'CONNOR

Why are you running for school board? If elected, what will be your top priorities?

I am running for school board not only because I have many children in the Carter County school system which will not end for quite a while. I believe it is good, to have active parents having a receptive ear and knowledgeable active voice on decisions being made for our children and staff.

My top priority would be to help understand our school's budget issues and see where we can make differences there. We need to find solutions to ensure our teachers have the materials and curriculum needed to help aid them in our children's education. We need to make sure that our wonderful teachers have support where and when needed.

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board?

What motivates me most about becoming a member of the school board is to add another positive yet, let's get stuff done philosophy for the children and staff to the board. It's easy to say what you would do from the outside, I would rather be able to contribute from the inside of the school board.

Why should you be elected?

I believe I should be elected to the school board as I have a good and well-rounded business background. I have a need to get things done attitude, I believe in old school morals and mostly I have a huge heart and love for the children and staff of our school.

Could you support a board decision you did not vote in favor of? Why or why not?

I can't speak to this honestly as it would 100 percent depend on the matter at hand. If I don't or do support something I would stand behind that for good reason.

What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?

I believe the budget seems to be a significant issue for our school district which causes teachers to not get materials and curriculum they need which is incredibly important to our children's future. I believe we need to work on finding a solution to not lose teachers so often and support the staff when issues arise.

What is a school board member's role and responsibility? How does that role differ from the role of the superintendent or administration?

I believe a school board member's roll is to help support the children and staff but also to listen to the community when working on decisions. Their opinion also should matter even if doesn't always get voiced it should be listened to, most have kids in this school also. I also believe that it is important to have a good board to help either support the superintendent in his decisions or make sure we have support in what we believe to be the best decisions if things are not being done correctly to help guide and find different solutions with the superintendent.

SAMANTHA WRIGHT

Why are you running for school board? If elected, what will be your top priorities?

I want to continue to be a part of making our schools a great place to learn, teach, and work along with advocating for the students and their education. I am passionate about what happens in our schools and the decisions being made.

My top priorities are to continue to improve our school district, by setting the district's budget, ensure policies and procedures are being followed, and advocating for new opportunities for our students, youth, staff, and teachers.

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board?

There is no particular issue that motivates me to re-run for the school board. I would like the opportunity to continue to carryout the district's strategic plan, creating policies and procedures, and be a part of improving the education for our students.

Why should you be elected?

I not only have experience of being on the school board, I also have experience in management, creating, following, and implementing policies and procedures. I care and want what's best for staff, students, teachers, and the community. I want to focus on improving the education, extracurricular opportunities, and the budget to run our schools. I strive to stand up for what is right. I am unbiased, level headed, and thoroughly think through decisions prior to making them, with having the best interest of the district in mind.

Could you support a board decision you did not vote in favor of? Why or why not?

Having respect for each other is key to working through this type of situation. All trustees have the right to vote how they see fit, and your fellow trustees may not always agree with every decision that is made.

If a decision is made that I don't agree with, I find the positive in the situation and focus on what the next steps are so we can continue to move forward.

What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?

The major issue that stands out to me is the district's budget, though running levies and/or bonds may help the district get through the year(s) when the budget is tight. Along with mindful spending and using the available resources.

What is a school board member's role and responsibility? How does that role differ from the role of the superintendent or administration?

The school board/trustee's role is to oversee the administration and district by creating and ensuring policies and procedures are being followed, along with setting the annual budget. The administrators role is to implement the policies and procedures set forth by the board, manage staff, improve the learning environment for students and to make day-to-day decisions.