2 minute read
ELECTION FOR EDUCATION
from March 15, 2023
by North Star
Get to know the new candidates for the Board of Education election on April 4 (Photos submitted by candidates)
by Gavin Swart gswart370@g.fhsdschools.org
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On April 4, three of the Board members’ terms are ending: Patrick Lane, Mary Lange and Doug Ziegemeier. Now there are seven new candidates who are vying for the three positions. Any students over 18, teachers, parents and faculty who live in the district will be able to have their opinion heard in the upcoming election.
WHO ARE YOU VOTING FOR?
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Doug Ziegemeier is already on the Board of Education and is now running for re-election.
Ziegemeier says he addresses problems from the point of view of the students and not from the ideas of partisan politics.
“I believe it’s important to be honest in the approach that we handle our school board. Unfortunately, over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a lot of partisan politics seeping into the school board and I don’t think that does anybody any good.”
Amy Easterling to help fight for teachers rights and to do what the teachers need done. Easterling is focused on improving inclusivity in the curriculum by instituting more courses that represent all people.
“The role of public school is to help our kids become strategic thinkers and great citizens of this country. As a board member, number one my objective is to lead with kindness and really try to understand the diverse needs within our district.”
Andrew Flett is focused on tackling the issue of mental health and improving communication between the Board and students in the district. He wants to bring new ideas of oneon-one help with disciplinary issues into the school district.
“There’s a lot of things happening in this election that polarizes the politics and I’ve chosen to take on focusing on the kids and focusing on the teachers and developing strategies that help out you guys.”
Jane Puszkar wants to improve transparency in the district with how money is spent and what is being taught. Puszkar is seeking to improve parents rights over education and manage the curriculum to fit what parents think is best.
“Another thing that caught my attention was the discussion about parents’ rights, about possibly mandating [more] vaccines, and wearing masks and the quarantine issue. I wasn’t quite sure that was good for the children’s learning.”
Mark Ponder wants to help get teachers the funding they need and seeks to improve collaboration with the student body. He wants to improve the transparency of the district’s finances and cut out frivolous spending.
“One of the things that I’ve always learned is to really listen and then think about what they said before you actually answer the question. Because if you just start blurting things out you may use the wrong tone, you may give the wrong impression.”
Ron Harmon wants to help students achieve the most they can in the school system through advanced programs. Harmon wants to help improve the district’s finances by applying his background as an engineer to improve the budget.
“I want the schools to function simply and without the stress of having to worry year to year about budget. I want the community to trust more in that the school board is making good financial decisions with their money.”
Harry Harris aims to keep a balanced board and to fit the schools to the individuals. Harris wants to improve diversity and equitability within the district through teaching the history of the country.
“I want to make sure that our district is moving in the right direction, moving forward, and that we’re looking at the needs of all of our students and their families. Everybody’s different, and I want to make sure that we have the room to adjust for each of those needs.”
