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USD 263 Mulvane School Board District 2 Position 5

Candidates for Mulvane board of education
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  • John F. Heinrichs

     
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    Tom Ingalls

    Consultant to Boeing
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  • Jennifer M. Keys

    5th Grade Teacher USD 259 (Lincoln Elementary)

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Comparison
  1. Biographical Information
  2. The Legislature may cut millions in education funding in the next two years to address state budget shortfalls. How should Mulvane schools scale back spending?
  3. Mulvane has started reviewing its facilities needs with a consulting firm. Do you believe the school district needs a bond issue to improve facilities or build new schools? Why or why not?
  4. Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, all students are expected to meet proficiency standards by 2014. How would you ensure student achievement in the Mulvane district?
  5. If elected to the board of education, what would be your top priority?
John F. Heinrichs: Candidate response is not yet available.
John F. Heinrichs: Candidate response is not yet available.
John F. Heinrichs: Candidate response is not yet available.
John F. Heinrichs: Candidate response is not yet available.
 
Tom Ingalls: Where to scale back spending in our school system depends on where and how deep the legislative funding cuts are. Any scale back or cuts must not impact instruction to the students. The administration and faculty have been proactive and investigated potential savings for the remainder of this year and in the future. The school board’s responsibility is to analyze the proposals of the professionals then if approved assist in the implementation of the any proposal to help our schools.
Tom Ingalls: I have participated in the facilities steering committee over the past several months. The need for additional facilities is primarily due to Federal and State Mandates in thirteen (13) areas of special education. Maintenance needs because of the age of some facilities require additional attention. The primary consideration of a bond issue would be whether the state continues financial support. The timing of a bond issue in current economic condition is also a major consideration.
Tom Ingalls: The district tests students to determine whether our students are meeting the standards. As reported in a recent board meeting, primary school students are progressing at or above the standards. As a board member, I would continue to monitor the progress and ensure that any budget cuts would not impact instruction in the core subjects.
Tom Ingalls: My goal is to ensure a quality education for our students while being a good steward of the taxpayer’s money.

To accomplish the goal I would rely on my 25 years experience as an educator- both in public schools and as adjunct faculty at Cowley County Community College-together with my 25+ years experience in the business environment dealing with budgets. The only agenda I have is my goal. I want to help the schools through some potential trying budget times.
Age: 61
Education/Degrees: BSE, Emporia State University, MS, Fort Hays State University
Community Involvement: Current: USD 263 Facility Steering Committee, St. Michael Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Previous: Knights of Columbus Faithful Navigator, St. Michael Catholic Church President Pastoral Council, St. Michael Pre-School Board, Lions Club, Boy Scouts, Youth Sports Coach
Political experience: Initial Public Office
How long lived in district: 22 years, Graduate Mulvane High School, Four (4) Children Mulvane High School Graduates, Two (2) Grandchildren currently attending Mulvane Public Schools
Campaign Phone: 316-777-0066
E-mail: pingalls@cox.net
Jennifer M. Keys: In looking at any spending cuts it will be imperative that we start as far away from the students as possible. As a Board and as a community we must work together to find creative ways to maximize our funding, minimize unnecessary expenses, and ensure that all USD 263 students have the opportunity to realize their full potential.
Jennifer M. Keys: Before making any decision regarding facilities improvement or construction I would want to see the recommendations of the consulting firm. There are obvious facilities needs within the district, but in these uncertain economic times we will need to weigh the available options and determine the course of action that will enable all of our students to succeed.
Jennifer M. Keys: It will be interesting to see how the requirements of NCLB will be interpreted under the new administration. Previously the mentality has seemed to be one of test and punish; my sense is that we are moving toward a system in which more students will have the opportunity to reach appropriate proficiency standards. The Mulvane school district does many things very well and needs to continue to assess individual students' needs and provide differentiation to make sure those needs are met.
Jennifer M. Keys: If I am elected to the USD 263 Board of Education, my top priority will be the retention of our outstanding teachers and the recruitment of experienced teachers to fill vacancies created by natural attrition. Studies consistently show that the classroom teacher is the single most important factor in student success, and we need to do everything in our power to stop the flow of quality teachers from Mulvane.
Education/Degrees: Jennifer Keys Candidate, USD 263 Board of Education Bachelor of Arts (History), Dickinson College (PA) Master of Sport Management, University of Richmond (VA)
Political experience: Parade Coordinator Betts for Congress '08
How long lived in district: 5 years
Campaign Phone: 316-461-1772
E-mail: boardjenn@yahoo.com

The Wichita Eagle invited candidates in some contested races in Sedgwick, Butler and Sumner counties to respond to questions about key issues. You can compare the candidates and their responses side by side, and create your own printable or e-mailable ballot. The responses are largely unedited and presented as the candidates sent them to us.