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.
David Clingan
Age: 54
Occupation: Economic Development
Incumbent: No
Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) Hays USD 489 schools?
My youngest daughter is a sophomore at Hays High, and my oldest daughter graduated from Hays High in 2022.
Read more biographical information here.
If you had one thing you could change about the USD 489 school district, what would it be?
Our school district has a lot of great programs in place that are good for our students, educators, staff, and facilities. I would support these programs, not take them for granted, and help them progress.
We have a wonderful community and school district and have current resources that are meant to keep the community involved. A more informed community builds trust and helps everyone to have a more educated opinion. I want to ensure we do not take the value of this communication lightly. We have to keep working on ways to grow the community’s trust by helping everyone understand the processes and staying ahead of possible confusion. At the same time, building trust means listening to the wins and opportunities that are voiced. This doesn’t mean everyone’s opinions should be followed, but they should be heard and respected.
What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?
Over the last several years, I have seen positive growth in the decision-making and vision of our school board. Their combined efforts and support led to a unanimous approval of our school bond in 2022. This year, the school board worked with administration, educators, and staff to increase pay levels to retain these valuable people and help recruit talent to this district.
As a prospective school board member, I would approach working with school board members with a spirit of collaboration, communication, and respect. The goal of a school board is to make decisions that serve the best interests of the students and the community. Finding common ground and working together to achieve these shared objectives is essential. While disagreements may arise, the focus should remain on what is best for our students, educators, and the district’s vision and mission. Effective governance often involves productive dialogue and consensus-building, leading to policies and decisions that benefit the entire school community.
What is your opinion of the Hays USD 489 administration?
Like other school districts, our USD 489 Administration has had many challenges, including COVID-19, staffing, and the passing of the school bond. We have a strong administration team that has worked hard to support the best interests of our school district. They realize that not all of their ideas will be popular, and in many situations, there are many choices, but one must be made to keep our programs moving forward. Demonstrating the courage to take on this responsibility through the good and bad times is much appreciated. Having the full support and guidance of the school board reflects that appreciation.
What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?
The school board's role in the day-to-day operations of a school district is not to directly manage the daily activities but to provide guidance, set policies, and ensure that the district runs smoothly. The board's primary job is to create and implement policies and rules that set the direction for the district, such as curriculum standards, budget allocation, and personnel practices. This includes ensuring that the district's actions align with its long-term goals and that resources are used wisely. Additionally, they hire and supervise the district superintendent, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the schools, ensuring that they follow the board's policies and achieve the district's goals.
Furthermore, the school board acts as a bridge between the community and the district, gathering input from parents, teachers, and constituents to make informed decisions.
They also oversee the budget to ensure that funds are used effectively and that legal and ethical standards are met. While the board doesn't run the schools day-to-day, their role is vital in setting the overall vision, policies, and direction of the district, while the superintendent and school administrators manage the daily operations.
What role do you think the board should have moving forward with the bond issue projects?
The school board's core responsibility is to oversee and govern school bond issue projects, ensuring alignment with the district's strategic objectives. This oversight encompasses financial accountability and transparency in project execution. The board stays updated on project budgets to keep them on course and within approved limits.
Additionally, they're entrusted with guaranteeing that bond funds are utilized as intended and managed accordingly. The board requires accountability and transparency from the project management team, with regular updates on project advancement, expenditures, and outcomes. The school board is the custodian of financial and strategic integrity, safeguarding the district's long-term goals and the responsible use of bond proceeds.
Have you received money or in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, groups or PACs outside of the school district?
No