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.
Lori Hertel
Age: 62
Profession: Newly retired in October 2022. Prior to that worked as an evaluation therapist for many years.
Are you an incumbent? Yes If so, years served? Four Years
Do you have children or grandchildren who attend Hays public school?
I am blessed to have had two children that attended USD 489 schools. My daughter had a physical disability and participated in the special education program as well as the regular classroom. Unfortunately, my daughter, Ana, passed away at the age of 17 and never got the chance to finish her education.
Please give a brief bio on yourself in one hundred words or less.
For the most part, I grew up in Garden City, Kan., completing my high school education at Goodland, where my father took a job as a police chief. I recall that my sister and I were very close, and I often refer to my father as my hero. My husband and I were married in 1991 and we were blessed to have three children. Sadly, two of our children are now deceased.
My education includes a doctor of philosophy, with a major in health psychology. My career has included working as a court service officer, director of two court programs, prevention specialist and evaluation therapist.
Please explain why you are running for school board in 500 words or less.
My first and foremost reason for running for a second term for the school board is that I want strongly to make a difference for the students at USD 489. Throughout my career, I have either worked directly with children and youth or have been called upon to do so. I have not only enjoyed doing so but felt that I was making a difference at the same time. I like being involved in the administrative part of the school system for the purpose of checks and balances as well as sharing ideas that in the daily routine of activities, school officials may not have thought of/or considered. My experience brings ideas to the schools that could benefit not only students but also staff. Most importantly, I also fully enjoy being a member of the school board.
I had the wonderful opportunity to serve on the USD 489 school board when the school bond was passed, and the school district was able to benefit from that bond. I love being a part of approving numerous designs and technical/mechanical recommendations for future opportunities for students and staff. It has been an honor to be a part of the future of the Hays school district. I have great hopes for how the new buildings will positively affect the overall environment of the school, which in turn will brighten the students' learning experiences. The remodeling of the current buildings is spectacular and should have the same effect on students and staff. The whole planning process was completed by experts who are well experienced and know what is needed to make a positive environment for USD 489. I have loved being a part of that process and would like to continue to witness and be an active part of the overall results of a plan well fit for our school district. I would like to be re-elected to the USD 489 school board to continue to be a part of this historical event in our district.
I believe I can continue to be a benefit to the school board. With my education and experience, I believe I can offer the school district and community expertise that is helpful when assessing the needs of students and community members. I believe strongly that when making decisions as a board member it is essential that the needs of students are the No. 1 consideration. It is essential that the board always consider the needs of USD 489 staff members and the community that trusts the board to make decisions that are not only competent but also are efficient and effective, made with extensive knowledge. I believe I am that person who is well-prepared when entering a board meeting and understands the importance of the decisions made during those meetings. Lastly, I believe my passion as well as my educational and occupational experiences, prepare me to continue serving as a competent member of the school board.