Hays Post
The Hays Post will be publishing a series of profiles introducing the community to the 10 candidates who are running for Hays USD 489 school board.
Those candidates are David Clingan, James Feyerherm, Jayme Goetz, Lori Hertel, Craig Pallister, Allen Park, Ruth Ruder, Duff Watson, Dennis Wilkie and Derek Yarmer.
The Hays Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information and why they chose to run for school board.
Not enough candidates filed for the school board to require a primary. The general election will be Nov. 7. The voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 17.
Craig Pallister
Age: 70
Profession: Experience — 38 years teacher, principal USD 443, USD 489 (retired)
Are you an incumbent? If so, years served? USD 489 Board of Education incumbent – vice president two terms, president one term
Do you have children or grandchildren who attend Hays public school?
Children – Kaylea, Lauren (attended/graduated USD 489)
Grandchild — Reagan (attends USD 489)
Please give a brief bio on yourself in 100 words or less.
Education — bachelor of science degree in psychology, master of science degree in education administration at Fort Hays State University
Married — 42 years Sue Pallister – teacher, librarian USD 457, USD 443, USD 489 (retired)
Retired in 2018 as principal of Hays Middle School — 21 years, assistant principal at HMS for four years
Hays resident — 31 years
Please explain why you are running for school board in 500 words or less.
I am running for the USD 489 Board of Education because I believe I have the experience and knowledge to support public education for the students, teachers, staff and the Hays community.
I supported the bond issue to improve the much-needed facilities of USD 489. The new schools, additions and renovations will meet the needs of our schools for generations and continue to make USD 489 a leader in Kansas K-12 education.
The financial health of the district is an ongoing need to lobby for in the Kansas Legislature as well as the governor and the public to adequately fund K-12 education in Kansas for our students.
The board of education needs to listen to and respect the teachers, staff and administrators as well as continue to build trust during the decision processes that affect our schools.
I support the district’s one-on-one technology plan. The use of technology allows the district’s teachers at all levels to meet the student needs and meet the expectations of Kansas schools.
The district is involved with KESA, the state accreditation plan, and the teachers, staff and administrators need the support of the board financially as well as the “time” to plan and implement the programs to improve student learning.
The USD 489 Board of Education needs to continue to make teacher, administrator and staff retention and recruitment a priority to ensure the Hays schools have the best people teaching our students. They are the ones that make a positive difference every day in every classroom for your student in USD 489.
I want to publicly thank all the patrons, parents, and grandparents of USD 489 and the Hays Commission for their support for USD 489 during the past four years. The schools are very important to our current students and the future generations that will proudly call Hays home. I am asking for your vote for USD 489 Board of Education in November to build on the accomplishments started over the last four years. We need a BOE that has a united positive focus on students, staff, teachers, administrators and educational growth for all students. Grow Hays – Good to Great!