JAYTON-GIRARD ISD SCHOOL BOARD
JAYTON MAYOR
The Kent County Community Center and Library (across from the public square on Main Street) will host an opportunity to 'Meet the Candidates” for local city and school board elections during Senior Citizens’ lunch on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 (not Thursday as was reported in error in last week’s issue, apologies).
Hamburgers are on the menu for that day, and anyone interested in attending can order lunch before 10 a.m. that morning. The cost of the meal is $4 for anyone over 65, and $8 for anyone under 65 years old. On opening day of early voting, all of the local candidates running for school board and for mayor will be given time to share with the community about themselves and their aspirations for the position which they hope to be elected.
Election day is Saturday, May 3; early voting begins April 22.
JOSEPH BUERKLE Cityofresidence: Jayton Bio background: I graduated high school from Raton, N.M., in 2005 and attended college at the University of New Mexico. I soon met my wife, Chanel, and got married in 2009. I moved to Jayton in 2012 and started working as an electrician for oilfield work. In 2017, I started working for the city, where I worked at for 6 years until I got my current job at Jayton-Girard ISD in the maintenance department. While living in Jayton, my wife and I now have four daughters Ariel, Tabby, Amelia and Terra.
Key campaign message #1: Making sure the city is ready to handle any situation. I'd like to make sure the city is readily equipped for any water or wastewater issue.
Key message 2: Many streets in Jayton need repairs and new street signs. I know working with the City Council, we can accomplish improvements to many areas in our community.
Key message 3: Ultimately I want to make sure the city is being efficient and effective in all of its duties, whether it's assisting the workers or communicating with residents, I know many in Jayton can rely on me to be readily available.
CODY HALL
Cityofresidence: Jayton Education: Graduated high school from Jayton ISD. Bachelor of Science in University Studies with concentrations in Organizational Leadership, Personal Finance, and Agricultural Leadership from Texas Tech University.
Occupation: Director of Facilities and Internet Technology at Stonewall Memorial Hospital District Family: I’m proud to come from a close-knit, hardworking West Texas family that values integrity, service and community.
Interests: I enjoy working outdoors, improving infrastructure, boating, golfing, and serving my community. I’m also active in healthcare leadership and long-term care initiatives.
Key campaign message # 1: I will prioritize reliable water and sewer systems by ensuring infrastructure is well-maintained and upgraded when necessary.
Key message 2: I bring proven leadership in critical operations management, with a strong track record in overseeing facilities, budgets, and emergency planning.
Key message 3: I am committed to financial responsibility, transparency, and pursuing funding opportunities to reduce local tax burdens and improve services.
Public policy or community issues that matter most in this election: I care deeply about ensuring Jayton has dependable infrastructure, strong fiscal management, and a proactive city government that listens to residents. My focus will be on essential services, long-term planning, community engagement, and preserving Jayton as a great place to live and raise a family.
CANDIDATES 2025:
JAYTON-GIRARD ISD
SCHOOL BOARD
BAILEY CHISUM Cityofresidence: Jayton Education: I am a 2010 graduate of Jayton High School and a 2014 graduate of Lubbock Christian University (B.A., Youth and Family Ministry) Occupation: I farm and ranch in Kent and Stonewall Counties and preach at the Jayton Church of Christ Family: My wife, Mary Kate, teaches kindergarten at JGISD. We have three children, daughter Ivy and sons Kent and Jon.
Interests: My interests include agriculture, theology, spending time with my family, and chasing the Jaybirds and Lady Jays all
See KENT CANDIDATES page 9 over the state.
Key campaign message #1: I am here to listen, learn, and make the most informed and impartial decisions that I can.
Key message 2: It is the responsiblity of every school board to support its students, staff, administration, and community by setting and upholding good policy, confirming a reasonable schedule, and administering a balanced budget.
Key message 3: I have a wife and daughter in the Jayton school system and two sons who will join them in the coming years, as such, I have a vested interest in seeing the continued success and wellbeing of JGISD for my family and the future generations of my community.
Public policy or community issues that matter most in this election: Since moving my family back to Jayton in 2020, there have been three different fulltime superintendents and two interims. That turnover shows instability and disharmony within our school and community. What kind of atmosphere does this create for our students, much less the faculty and staff that must undergo constant management shifts? I would like to see more unity in our community and a superintendent who is allowed to stay long enough to integrate into our school and town.
City of residence: Girard
Hometown: Jayton Education: I graduated from Jayton High School in 1999. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Lubbock Christian University and my master’s degree in education from Texas Tech University.
Occupation: I serve as an account executive in an educational technology company. I work with school districts across Texas to craft solutions that aid in student learning.
Family: I have been married to Kevin for almost 25 years. We have three daughters, Daylee, Jace and Reid. Daylee is a JHS 2024 graduate, Jace is a junior and Reid is an 8th grader.
Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, which in the last few years has often been at school events. I also love reading, being outdoors, cooking, and traveling whenever I get the chance.
Key campaign message #1: As a former educator, I believe every decision should center on what’s best for our students and staff.
Key message 2: With experience working alongside school leaders statewide, I know the importance of making decisions that reflect the needs of our entire community and stakeholders.
Key message 3: My understanding of school policy and funding helps me advocate for responsible stewardship to ensure JGISD thrives for years to come.
Public policy or community issues that matter most in this election: As a former educator who works with school leaders across the state, I care deeply about education policy and making sure our school has the resources it needs to support students, staff, and families. I’m especially passionate about making decisions that keep our community’s needs front and center. I’m grateful for all this school and community have done for me, from my own education at JGISD to the support they’ve given my children, and I’d be honored to give back by serving on the school board.
STEVEN COLLINS
The Texas Spur did not receive a response after requesting information via email and phone.
ANDREW (ANDY) VARGAS,
JR.
City of residence: Girard, Texas Hometown: Jayton, Texas
Education: Graduate of Jayton-Girard ISD Occupation: Texas Department of Transportation
Family: Wife, Becky Vargas; six daughters, Samanta Quintanilla (Lubbock), Brianna Vargas (Lubbock), Azriel Vargas, Ivy Vargas, Violet Vargas (all enrolled in Jayton-Girard ISD); two sons, Lorenzo Vargas and X’Zavien Vargas (both enrolled in Jayton-Girard ISD) Interests: Love being and evangelist for God. Love to hunt and fish, following kids to all their school events, family time, community involvement Key campaign message #1: Focus on building strong partnership with our community Key message 2: Ensuring transparency in our decision-making Key message 3: Prioritizing the mental health and well-being of our students and the safety of our students Public policy or community issues that matter most in this election: Community engagement, promoting open communication between the school board and community members to address their concerns and involve them in decision-making if possible.
