Valley School Board Candidates Discuss Issues At Forum
October 19, 2018 at 5:06 p.m.
Valley School Board Candidates Discuss Issues At Forum
By Carol Anders-
Moderators Tim Keffaber and Rita Price, posed five questions to each candidate, who had two minutes to respond.
The current board member representing District 5 is Todd Hoffman. During his time on the board, he has served as the secretary and president. District Five includes New Castle Township in Fulton County.
Hoffman graduated from TVHS in 1982 and is a farmer and business owner.
Hoffman said, “I am seeking a second term because I believe it is our responsibility to provide quality education.”
He responded to a question concerning the weaknesses of the TVSC by saying, “Our No. 1 priority is improving school security.”
Hoffman suggested collaboration with businesses and organizations. “They can inform kids on what skills are needed for a career path,” he said.
Also seeking the seat for District 5 is Craig Durkes. He is the chief operating officer of Insurance 1 Services Inc. in Akron. He said, “We have one of the best school systems around.”
He said there is a need to market TVSC to attract students from other areas. He further spoke to the idea of offering CAD certifications and the use of Skype.
In his closing remarks, Durkes said, “I’m going to be all in, head first and 100 percent.”
In District 4, Bryan Murphy decided not to seek another term.
Running for that seat is Tom Bauters. He is the assistant treasurer and tax director for Lippert Components Inc. Additionally, he is the owner of Tom Bauters CPA; Respite Rental Properties LLC; and owns an 88-acre farm, along with serving as an active reserves deputy for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department.
Bauters said, “ I am here to govern, not manage. ... All I want to do is help. All I want to do is give back.”
He indicated that his 30 years as a CPA would be beneficial. He said a challenge that the TVSC has is declining enrollment.
Also vying for the District 4 slot is Kristopher Fear. He is the owner of Fear Farms in Akron.
Fear said the main challenge is retaining good teachers, losing students to surrounding schools, and that there is a lot of emphasize on standardized testing. He pointed to the work of the school staff and community as a strength.
He said he would like to look at E-learning and a balanced calendar.
“Teaching should be from the heart. There is power in the human connection,” he said, speaking on technology concerns.
Lacey Wise has filed for a seat on the board from District 3, Kosciusko County’s Franklin Township. That seat is currently held by Stan Miller, who is not seeking re-election.
She is a school counselor at Manchester Jr.-Sr. High School. She has been involved in public education for 11 years.
Wise said she believes her work as a counselor, that requires she keep up to date with mental health issues as well as laws, will be beneficial. She spoke several times to the need for expanded foreign language classes.
Wise said, “I love that we are a small school.”
She also said, “Good technology can never replace a great teacher.”
Board members Aaron Zolman and Adam Heckaman will continue with their terms until Dec. 31,2020.
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Moderators Tim Keffaber and Rita Price, posed five questions to each candidate, who had two minutes to respond.
The current board member representing District 5 is Todd Hoffman. During his time on the board, he has served as the secretary and president. District Five includes New Castle Township in Fulton County.
Hoffman graduated from TVHS in 1982 and is a farmer and business owner.
Hoffman said, “I am seeking a second term because I believe it is our responsibility to provide quality education.”
He responded to a question concerning the weaknesses of the TVSC by saying, “Our No. 1 priority is improving school security.”
Hoffman suggested collaboration with businesses and organizations. “They can inform kids on what skills are needed for a career path,” he said.
Also seeking the seat for District 5 is Craig Durkes. He is the chief operating officer of Insurance 1 Services Inc. in Akron. He said, “We have one of the best school systems around.”
He said there is a need to market TVSC to attract students from other areas. He further spoke to the idea of offering CAD certifications and the use of Skype.
In his closing remarks, Durkes said, “I’m going to be all in, head first and 100 percent.”
In District 4, Bryan Murphy decided not to seek another term.
Running for that seat is Tom Bauters. He is the assistant treasurer and tax director for Lippert Components Inc. Additionally, he is the owner of Tom Bauters CPA; Respite Rental Properties LLC; and owns an 88-acre farm, along with serving as an active reserves deputy for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department.
Bauters said, “ I am here to govern, not manage. ... All I want to do is help. All I want to do is give back.”
He indicated that his 30 years as a CPA would be beneficial. He said a challenge that the TVSC has is declining enrollment.
Also vying for the District 4 slot is Kristopher Fear. He is the owner of Fear Farms in Akron.
Fear said the main challenge is retaining good teachers, losing students to surrounding schools, and that there is a lot of emphasize on standardized testing. He pointed to the work of the school staff and community as a strength.
He said he would like to look at E-learning and a balanced calendar.
“Teaching should be from the heart. There is power in the human connection,” he said, speaking on technology concerns.
Lacey Wise has filed for a seat on the board from District 3, Kosciusko County’s Franklin Township. That seat is currently held by Stan Miller, who is not seeking re-election.
She is a school counselor at Manchester Jr.-Sr. High School. She has been involved in public education for 11 years.
Wise said she believes her work as a counselor, that requires she keep up to date with mental health issues as well as laws, will be beneficial. She spoke several times to the need for expanded foreign language classes.
Wise said, “I love that we are a small school.”
She also said, “Good technology can never replace a great teacher.”
Board members Aaron Zolman and Adam Heckaman will continue with their terms until Dec. 31,2020.
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