The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Hays USD 489 school board.
Candidates on the ballot include David Clingan, James Feyerherm, Jayme Goetz, Lori Hertel, Craig Pallister, Allen Park, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson, Dennis Wilkie and Derek Yarmer.
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.
Lori Hertel
Age: 63
Occupation: Retired — Ph.D. Evaluation Therapist
Incumbent: I have been blessed to serve as a USD 489 school board member for the last four years. I am an incumbent.
Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Hays USD 489 schools?
I had two children who attended the USD 489 school district. Sadly, my daughter passed away during her junior year of high school and was unable to finish her education at USD 489.
Find more biographical information here.
If you had one thing you could change about the USD 489 school district, what would it be?
I would like more parent involvement with their students in the school district. The parents should act as a team member with their child’s teacher and any other resources the child may be participating in. That way they can work on the same basic areas at home and school. Most parents are eager to be involved in their child’s education and would be pleased with the opportunity to be a team member with their teacher.
What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?
The current school board consists of professional volunteers who have their unique opinions. All members mean well but should continue to work toward improved communication.
Absolutely, I believe strongly that I could compromise with the current incumbents who will remain on the board. I feel that all school board members should strive to prioritize their primary responsibility, which is a quality education for children in the district.
What is your opinion of the Hays USD 489 administration?
I believe we have an excellent administration that works hard to ensure that our students are given an excellent education and environment to learn from. They are very positive with students, teachers, and staff and provide an atmosphere that is the same. They are open to listening to suggestions and will make changes as needed.
What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?
I don’t believe it is the school board’s job to micromanage the day-to-day operations of the district. Instead, I believe the school board receives reports of the overall program activities, including those that the school board makes decisions to approve a project (etc.) or not. The board is also fiscally responsible for the district and should get reports allowing each member to review the finances and make approvals as needed.
What role do you think the board should have moving forward with the bond issue projects?
I believe that the school board is responsible for ensuring that the district remains within the constraints of the budget set up for the projects. It is the school board’s responsibility to see that they receive updates on the individual projects in a timely manner. The school board ensures that each project is on task and is going as well as expected. If problems should arise and additional costs incur, the school board approves or disapproves the additional income after hearing an explanation from the project manager. The school board ensures that transparency occurs with the public regarding costs and various status of various projects. The board works to ensure that costs are always low to manageable.
Have you received money or in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, groups or PACs outside of the school district?
No, I have not.