Curt Vajnar
Age: 55
Occupation: Partnership in Hays K-Lawn and rancher/farmer
Community involvement: Hays Rec youth coach, Hays High FFA Alumni and Supporter Board, and Parish Council member for Our Lady, Help of Christians Catholic Church – Antonino
Do you or have you ever had children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Hays public schools?
489 is the only school district my 5 children have attended. Conrad just graduated from FHSU, Colton is a sophomore at KSU, Cyrus is a Jr. at HHS, Lizzy is an 8th grader at HMS, and Cannon is a 3rd grader at Wilson.
Did you support the USD 489 2016 and 2017 bond issues? Why or why not?
Yes, 489 facilities are old, need remodeled to fit today’s education methodologies and technology, and lots of safety issues.
Would you support a bond issue if it were put to a public vote in the next year?
Would like to – Maybe depends on what is in the bond and the length and cost of said bond.
We should promote the passing of a bond issue not DLR.
What do you think it should include?
Replacement of Lincoln Elementary, Improvements to all of the other schools – remodel and updates, turf and lights on HHS and HMS football/soccer fields, Softball field if reasonable. Hopefully, DLR brings a variety of things to the community for us to evaluate. Price tag and bond duration will be important. Will not support a bond like 2016 with 3 options.
How do you think the district should address facility needs and maintenance outside of a bond issue?
Capital Outlay.
USD 489 Foundation has been a wonderful asset. Don’t think it is their function to maintain school structures though.
What would you do to improve relations between the board and the community?
Transparency
All Regular BOE meetings, Work Study Session – which are now BOE meetings, and special meetings should be scheduled in the evenings so the community could attend. All of these need to be videoed and made available for the public.
Should have USD 489 happenings on Hays Post.
Should build and use are school display boards to tell our story better.
Better use of social media and websites. Websites should always be current.
Do you think board unity is important?
Yes
Would you be able to compromise with other board members who do not share your same views?
Yes
Do you think you would be able to work with the current board members who will remain on the board after the election?
Yes
What is your position on students wearing masks in schools as a COVID mitigation effort?
Last resort in order to keep students in schools.
Do you support the school district’s current COVID mitigation policy? If not, what would you put in its place?
I think it is pretty good. Appreciate the weekly text to parents on which phase we are in. Would like a number of new cases. I would like to see the 1 percent COVID infected number increase before mask mandate.
Have you received any funds or in-kind donations from a donor from outside of the school district or a PAC? Please explain.
No. Spent my own $400 for campaign signs and received a $50 from parents of a middle schooler.
What is the most positive and negative things about USD 489 currently? Positive
- Supportive parents
- Good students – know of countless students that changed schools to come to 489
- Incredible staff of dedicated professionals
- Career and Technical Education programs
- Concurrent credits
- NCK – programs for our students
- Special Education
- Early Childhood and Pre-School programs
- After school programs
- Variety of Extra-Curricular Activities and Clubs that students can participate in or belong to.
Negative
• Unacceptable facilities
• Board of Education
• It is not good when the superintendent states that a meeting was “embarrassing”
• Lack of Guiding Bylaws for operating a meeting. A knowledge of parliamentary procedure would helpful.
• Meetings need some professionalism and character.