On Sunday evening the Kent County Lions Club provided a helpful public service— and a delicious meal—for community members interested in learning about candidates for the upcoming Jayton-Girard ISD school board election. A full house turned out for the first-ever such event at the Community Center, moderated by pastor, city council member, and Lions Club member Jake Edwards.
Six candidates—three incumbents and three challengers—are vying for three at-large trustee positions. All provided brief introductions then fielded questions that had been submitted in advance to the moderator.
Current board president Amanda McGee spoke from experience regarding the amount of time trustees can expect to devote to the volunteer position. “Sometimes we spend until midnight on meetings, on things behind the scenes. You have to be dedicated to do all that. If you can be at an event to encourage students, that’s good.”
Cole Carpenter, who is currently serving on the board, responded to the question about time: “How much time to do you want to spend with kids? That’s the real focus. You probably can’t spend enough time.”
Candidate Ron Redford’s quip “Well, guess it’s going to take a bit more time than I thought” got a few laughs. Redford later said, replying to a question about best ways to communicate with the public, “You come to me with your concerns and opinions, I’m going to listen to them; I have my own opinion as well. You have to be open-minded to what the community says.”
Views varied on whether all district teachers must be certified. While some candidates voiced an unequivocal yes, others said it would depend on the subject matter being taught, and Lance Spray cited Jayton’s designation as a District of Innovation, meaning that if a teacher is highly qualified in their certain field (excepting core fields), a teaching certificate is not strictly required. It was noted in the discussion that under the proposed HB3, more certified teachers might mean more state money for a district.
L’Rae Lee, a current board member, commented on teamwork and coordinating with authority. “Working as a team, you grow and find your groove. Your superintendent is the one who runs your school; the board puts the road map out there for them to follow.”
Cody Scott, citing his experience in his own professional field, said, “I’m a big proponent of brainstorming, setting achievable goals for the superintendent and the principal.”
Spray added that the board should “work together with superintendent, not individually.” Carpenter responded that “A board that always says yes isn’t a healthy board. We need to work together; excited about new adminsitrator, Mr. Sheets” (Lane Sheets from Dawson ISD, who had earlier in the week been named lone finalist for the JGISD superintendent’s position left vacant this spring by the departure of Trig Overbo).
Edwards closed with the question for all candidates, “What qualities and character traits should school board members exhibit?”
Spray felt that “In this community we are held to a higher standard for a reason” and any board member that sits on the JGISD board also needs to be held to a higher standard.
Redford said that a board member must be approachable, have a strong character, and set an example. Carpenter concurred with the “approachable” description, adding that board members must be willing to listen, dedicated; and have “a certain heart; to have the time to give to it and help kids succeed.”
McGee echoed that she considered a servant heart necessary, and that a school board trustee should be “a positive leader for administration, an encourager to the students, and approachable.”
Lee described a trustee’s traits as “honesty even when it’s hard; being willing to do the job; open-minded; being united as a team of seven, doing what’s best for the unity of the students.”
Scott: Being open-minded, admitting you can be wrong sometimes. Treating everyone with the same respect as you would want to be treated; giving them the time they need. Being courteous.”
Edwards closed the session with thanks and applause for participants, noting that likely about one-fifth of the town was present for the event. Lions Club members and candidates assisted in serving a brisket meal provided by the Kent County General Store and funded by suggested donations.
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