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.
Derek Yarmer
Age: 39
Profession: emergency medicine doctor
Incumbent: No
Children or grandchildren who attend Hays public schools: Yes. three children
Please give a brief bio on yourself in 100 words or less.
I am originally from Albert, Kan., and attended Otis-Bison where I met my wife Emily. After high school, I went to Fort Hays State University, graduating with a degree in chemistry and then went on to the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City. Following residency at UMKC, Emily and I were fortunate to get the opportunity to move back to Hays in 2015. Emily and I have three children who will all be attending school within the district this year.
Please explain why you are running for school board in 500 words or less.
I initially became interested in running for the school board during the COVID pandemic. I saw how the decisions made by the board had significant and lasting effects on the education of my children and all the students in the district. In addition to interrupting the classroom learning, it also put a strain on working families. Since the pandemic has ended, there have continued to be a lot of changes within the district that are having significant effects on the citizens of Hays. For instance, with the passing of the school bond, everyone’s property taxes have increased. I want to be an advocate for the students' interests, as well as be fiscally responsible by making sure that the money entrusted to USD 489 through the school bond is spent responsibly.
Another reason I am running for the school board is to help guide the education of my children and the other students within the district. I believe extra-curricular activities are important in making students well-rounded, but the main responsibility of the school is to teach the core subjects. I want to maximize the classroom time with direct contact between students and teachers. My goal would be to work with the teachers and administration to help make sure the curriculum focuses on teaching math, science, reading and critical thinking skills so that each student graduates with the skills to become life-long learners and excel after high school.
At the end of the day, my goal is to join the school board in hopes of having a positive effect on the lives and education of the students of USD 489 and the community. I believe my experience in academia and the health care field gives me a different perspective to bring to the school board. I hope the voters of USD 489 will give me the chance to represent them and their children next year.