The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.
The candidates who will appear on the ballot include Janea Dinkel, Terry Dinkel, Haley Gagnon, Brenton Hoffman, Jacob Hunter, Douglas Kuh, Tammy Lichter, Matthew Orr, Morgan Pfeifer, Gregory Sander, Tammy Lee Schumacher.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To find your polling location, click here.
Gregory Sander
Age: 35
Profession: Parts and Accessories Associate/Technician at BOS Motorsports
Incumbent: No
Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Victoria schools?
I have two boys attending Victoria schools, along with several nephews and nieces.
Why are you running for school board?
I am running for a position on the school board with the hope that I can contribute to the schools and community with conservative ideals and a fresh perspective. I want to help the schools continue to be great for all students, staff and community members, and to work with all of these groups to achieve that goal.
If you had one thing you could change about the USD 432 school district, what would it be?
There is not much I can think of that would require change within the district. However, I will attempt to make teacher retention a priority. The faculty of USD 432 was great when I was a student, and many stayed long-term. I will work to create that sense of family and community again.
What is your opinion of the USD 432 administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward?
The administration of USD 432 is a hard-working and intelligent group. They care deeply for the children under their care and work to instill family-like values and atmosphere within the schools. I will be delighted and thankful to work with such an administration.
What is your opinion of the current school board?
The current school board spends numerous hours working behind the scenes so that the school can operate. It will be an honor to learn from and work with any incumbents returning to the board.
What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?
I believe the board's role in the day-to-day operations of the district should continue as it is currently. The board should oversee policy, help with funding choices, and assist in faculty and staff decisions.
What are your opinions of the school district’s discipline policies and how they have been applied?
I have not had much experience with the discipline policies of the district, so I really cannot comment on its implementation.
What do you think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance?
I feel that best way to improve student test scores in the district is to increase student involvement and engagement. The current administration has already instituted some new policies this year, and only time will tell, but they seem to be going down the right track. There are already marked improvements in several academic and social facets observed by the faculty, so hopefully the test scores will follow.