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.
Ruth A. Ruder
Age: 53
Profession: vice-president Golden Plains Credit Union
Are you an incumbent? If so, years served? No-N/A
Do you have children or grandchildren who attend Hays public school? One daughter at Hays High School
Please give a brief bio on yourself in 100 words or less.
I was born in Hays and attended USD 489 schools graduating from Hays High School in 1988. I have been married to Vernon Ruder Jr. for 34 years, and we have three children. (Mason, wife Tori and daughters Ryleigh and Isabelle; Blake, wife Rachel; and our daughter Erin, sophomore at HHS and an Indian cheerleader.)
I have been employed with Golden Plains Credit Union for 30 years and have been the VP of the Hays branch for over 15 years.
I serve on the board of directors and as the vice-chairwoman of the Wonder Women League. I am also on the Wild West Fest Committee and serve as a Chamber ambassador with the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.
Please explain why you are running for school board in 500 words or less.
I am running for USD 489 school board because I believe in the potential that this school district has for this community. My first obligation, if elected, will be to the children in our district by providing them through the staff, the resources necessary to allow them to obtain quality educational opportunities. Alongside the administration, I want to focus on educational priorities to ensure our children are proficient in their curriculum to help move them forward in their careers and lives as stewards of our community.
All employees of USD 489 are equally important, and I will encourage open conversation and will highlight the importance of communication to continue to serve our children and families as best we can.
I will do my best at representing the taxpayer in being fiscally responsible in the district but also identifying smart growth in our school system that allows our city and county to grow and prosper. As you view a city or town to live in, one of the first things you research is the schools that are there. I believe USD 489 can be the highlight of our community, and with the development and growth in building and revitalizing the district that was passed by the voters, Hays will be seen as one of the best districts in the state of Kansas. However, it is not just the buildings that provide a better education. It takes the students, the parents, the teachers, the administrators, the staff, the board and the entire community to ensure our children grow into well-rounded individuals.
If elected, I will work for all students by keeping them as my main focus for USD 489.
I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 7!