Two people are leaving the North Callaway district's board of education, and three are seeking to replace them.
Candidates in Tuesday's election for this board are Katy Willis, Dustin Moore and David Isaacks.
The top-two vote getters will fill seats being vacated by board members Jenny O'Donley, a board member since 2010, and Dan McMurtry, a board member since 2007.
Katy Willis
As a North Callaway graduate, I am vested in the community and in serving the students and families to the best of my ability.
What qualifications do you bring
to the table?
I have actively volunteered in the public school system for more than 20 years. For 12 of those years, I served as PTA treasurer and vice president. I was the treasurer for the Heart of Missouri Girl Scout Council for six years and a troop leader for over 12 years. I've also taken an active role in fundraising for schools through the PTA organization. My hours volunteering for my community and helping others is not limited to those roles. I have a master's degree in business with an emphasis in human resources. In my 30 years of employment, I have worked in finances, budgeting, accounting, training, grant funding, talent acquisition and human resources in both an educational and medical setting.
What is the biggest issue facing your school district and what are your ideas for solving it?
Our students receiving a quality education is in my opinion by far the most important issue facing the district. Building strong, confident students is not only good for the families of Callaway County but our community as a whole. While it is not the job of the school board to dictate or micro-manage every daily task of the district, it is the board's foremost responsibility to ensure sound district administration is in place to support the district's mission and expectations
Second biggest issue:
Of course, the second most important issue will always be funding in order to provide the type of educators, programs and facilities that best serve our students.
Funding is tight. How can you bring money into the district?
Funding has always been an issue facing our district as it is with most rural districts. However, it should never be a restriction on how our students perform.
I was proud to be a Thunderbird and I know past and current Thunderbirds that are proud to represent the North Callaway School District.
David Isaacks
I am a son, brother, husband and father of four daughters. I served as a United States Marine for just over eight years and now serve veterans (American heroes) every day as an employee of the Truman VA Hospital. I enjoy the outdoors, gardening, hiking, camping, bee keeping, working on renovation projects and spending time with my wife.
What qualifications do you bring
to the table?
The complexity and interconnectivity of a school district are ripe for moving it from a "really good" organization to a "remarkable" organization, and that is why I am interested in being a member of the board. The board plays such a vital role and certainly my interest alone is not going to produce results; however, I believe that the following skills and abilities will.
Beginner's Mind: I thirst for knowledge and approach opportunity through learning so that I don't manage by past tradition or preconceived notions, but through innovation and excellence.
Idea Broker/Communicator: I work to position myself to balance learning and collaborating so that I can serve as a conduit for fresh ideas.
Firsthand Experiences: I have been accountable for the lives of others through my decision making and responsible for managing multi-billion-dollar budgets. I strive to observe and understand the nuances from the frontlines, which keep me in tune with what really matters with both internal and external stakeholders.
What is the biggest issue facing your school district and what are your ideas for solving it?
Increasing costs, which are in contrast with a decreasing or stagnant funding base. I would go to where the work is already being performed. Teachers and staff know what works and doesn't. Employees know where waste is and how to fix it. Meeting and talking with them are first steps to becoming more efficient. With a finite amount of resources, it's critical that we focus them on what matters the most. Secondly, I would be an outspoken advocate for the school district and dedicate time to identifying additional community stakeholders that would align themselves with supporting students and educators.
Second biggest issue:
Employee engagement and retention. We need to further empower teachers and educators, grow early learning opportunities, and infuse more technology into our elementary, middle and high school academic programs. I am also interested in providing teachers with more advanced technology, equipment, and training. My general thoughts on education is that we should teach students how to think and not just what to think.
Funding is tight. How can you bring money into the district?
School districts should look for more strategic partners within the community and surrounding areas. Getting students involved in real world experience while providing a benefit to a local industry could be rewarding both for the student as well as the school district.
Dustin Moore
I have lived in the district my entire life and I am a 1999 graduate of North Callaway High School. I am married with three boys: Carter, 12, and Levi, 9, who both attend Auxvasse Elementary School, and Jace, who is 4.
I am currently employed by Ameren at the Callaway Energy Center as an electrician. Before that, I worked for 15 years as a commercial and industrial electrician for IBEW local 257 out of Jefferson City. My wife and I run a small business and own a farm in which we raise cattle and row crop. My spare time is filled with our children's sports activities as a volunteer coach for wrestling, football and baseball. I also enjoy hunting and fishing.
What qualifications do you bring to the table?
My wife, Dawn, and I are both North Callaway graduates with three boys who attend or will attend North Callaway schools. I am a home, land and small business owner in the district. I have more than 20 years experience with construction and electrical contracts which will be helpful for any construction issues with the schools in the district.
What is the biggest issue facing your school district and what are your ideas for solving it?
Funding and budget cuts. I feel there needs to be an open line of communication with the school board and state representatives to help with our funding issues.
Second biggest issue:
Teacher retention. We need more competitive salaries for our teachers which ties back to funding.
Funding is tight. How can you bring money into the district?
Open communications, exploring ideas and possible solutions with the community, teachers, board members and administration. Also continuing the effort of exploring for possible grants.