One
simple thing you can do to influence your community's future
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[March
26, 2007]
What are the key influences and
considerations affecting the quality of life and the growth of a
community? Jobs, housing, cost of living, schools and services would
probably top of the list for most people.
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From this short list there is one thing that might be credited as
having the most diverse impact on all these areas. It is revealed in
the often-heard question, "Is this a community where I want to raise
my family, and where my kids will want to stay or come back to when
they are grown?" More specifically, will the education our young
people receive prepare them for vocational training, college or in
some way prepare them to move forward in the world?
Education is a primary factor considered when industry and
businesses are looking to expand or relocate. The quality of
education does influence attracting and keeping a population.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/reference/ads/current/medicap%20bcard%20123006.png)
What can you do?
So, what can you do to ensure the future of education for our
young people? There is one thing that requires little effort that
you can do.
On the April 17 consolidated general election ballot, there will
be five names to choose from for the District 404 Board of
Education. There are only three seats open on this board that serves
the Lincoln Community High School.
It is important for citizens to know and understand the board's
purpose and its limitations and then to know the candidates'
priorities.
Questions
Questions that probably come to most people's minds:
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How do I know who
would serve best?
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What does the board
do?
-
What are the board's
responsibilities and limitations?
-
What are the choices
that lead to a good educational system?
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/reference/ads/current/culligan%20bca%20020507.png)
Answers
Last week the Lincoln Community High School Education Association
hosted a public forum to introduce school board candidates. Four of
five school board candidates participated in a round-robin style
forum at Lincoln Community High School. Candidates participating
were Rick Hobler, Marianne Krusz, Reatha Owen and David Welch.
Dennis Wilson was not able to attend due to an uncommon emergency at
his workplace.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/reference/ads/current/charrons%20bcard%20ad%20020207.png)
Seven questions were asked in a series, and then questions were
taken from the floor, after which the candidates were permitted
closing statements. During this question-and-answer period, the
candidates demonstrated their comprehension and beliefs on:
--how financial, academic
and extracurricular activities mesh.
--how they would make
financially sound decisions about buildings and grounds, offer a well-rounded
education that includes a diversity of extracurricular activities,
and look to students' social and emotional well-being.--how they would
prioritize technology, curriculum, student services and textbooks.
[to top of second column]
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/reference/ads/current/logan%20county%20hardware%20bca%20020207.png) |
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2007/Mar/26/images/ads/current/jake%20march%20lda%20032107.png) Lincoln Daily News invites all citizens to listen to this
informative forum.
The audio begins as moderator Joe Ryan is introducing the
candidates. They were seated in this order: Rick Hobler, Marianne
Krusz, Reatha Owen and David Welch.
There is a brief break of 44 seconds beginning at 53:11, and the
audio ends at one hour and 13 minutes. (Hear School District 404
candidate forum.)
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/reference/ads/current/tax%20prep%20bcard%20ad%20123006.png)
Questions posed by the Lincoln Community High School Education
Association to the candidates:
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Because many of the school board decisions concern school
finances, what do you consider to be the three most important
funding priorities within the district? Explain.
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Describe any specific goals you would like to accomplish in
the district in relation to the finances of the district; issues
relating to the staff, teachers and administration; and issues
relating to the building and grounds.
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Do you feel that Lincoln Community High School is currently
doing a good job of preparing our students for the future? Explain
what you view to be our strengths and our weaknesses.
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One of the areas identified by Lincoln Community High School's
strategic plan addresses the need to include teachers, students and
parents in making important decisions at the school. How do you plan
to address this need to include the opinions and input of teachers,
students and parents in making important decisions?
-
Do you have a social relationship with any of the school
personnel? If so, how do you feel you will be able to balance your
responsibilities to the school board with your loyalty to a personal
relationship? If you are faced with a situation in which you are in
disagreement with your friend concerning a school board issue, do
you feel that you will be able to voice your disagreement without
jeopardizing the relationship you have with this person or your
obligation to the school board? Please explain.
-
Explain what you feel to be the purpose of the school board.
What do you believe is your purpose as a school board member?
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Explain what type of relationship the school board should have
with each of the following groups: administrators, teachers, staff,
parents, students and community.
Other supporting information
[Jan
Youngquist]
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/reference/ads/current/sew%20personal%20business%20card%20ad%20020207.png)
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