There will be one local race during next week’s primary election, the race for the USD 268 Cheney Board of Education.

There are 13 candidates in the race for four seats, which is the minimum needed to trigger a primary election. Voters can choose up to four candidates in the race, although they may vote for fewer than four people if they so choose.

According to the Sedgwick County Election Office, the top eight candidates will advance to the general election in November.

TSnews sent questionairres either by email or regular mail to the 13 candidates, asking them all the same set of questions. Following are the questions that were asked:

1. What is your background? Please tells us about yourself as a person.

2. What experience or skills have prepared you for office?

3. Why are you running for the board of education? If elected, what will be your priorities?

4. What do you see as the board of education’s roles and responsibilities?

5. Topics like banning classroom and library books, critical race theory and transgender students have been headlines for schools recently. How do you envision the board of education’s role in dealing with these issues?

6. Are you running with any organized slate of candidates? Have you received donations or endorsements from any group(s)? If so, which groups?

The responses from the candidates are listed in alphabetical order. They have been edited lightly for clarity and style, but otherwise have not been changed.

The election will be held on Tuesday. Polls in Sedgwick County will be open

Stacy DeVore

1. Hello, my name is Stacy DeVore, I am a life long resident of Cheney, with the exception of three years in the Haviland/Greensburg area. I was raised on a farm SW of Cheney and continue to farm & ranch with my family. I am married to Clint, we have three adult kids and now four grandkids. Education has always been a main focus in my life, I enjoy being a lifetime learner, definitely not afraid to try new things, love to help people and have a strong moral compass.

2. I have been a teacher and coach for 25+ years and have taught elementary through high school. I have taught math, social studies, PE, computer applications, keyboarding, remedial reading, MS STUCO advisor, HS Volleyball coach, MS boys basketball coach and agriculture education and FFA advisor. Throughout these different teaching assignments I had to adjust, be flexible, and learn new subject areas on the fly. I was always trying to do what was best for our school and students. Because of all these changes during my teaching years, I have worked with different administrators and staff and everyone of us can have an impact on our students, other staff members, and our community. It is important to be able to work with all kinds people, subject matters, remain level headed and to be a good listener.

3. Since I have been in education for most of my working career it is just something that I feel I would have a different perspective than someone that hasn’t been in education. There are a lot of things that are expected of our staff that maybe someone that has “been there, done that” could bridge that gap between the teachers, BOE, administrators and classified staff. We have a lot of good people in place, but I think communication between all of us needs to improve.

Some of my priorities would be CTE (Career & Technical Education) classes and lack of adequate facilities for these classes to thrive. I think it is very important to put the same value on students that are headed to college, VO-Tech school or joining the workforce. There are so many opportunities for careers that do not require a four year degree, with college so expensive, we owe it to our students to find as many avenues for them as possible.

4. We need to plan ahead for our district’s future and make sure we are ready for the growth that is not too far off. We need to make sure we are responsible with the taxpayers’ dollars and be transparent where the funds are allocated. We need to support the staff and make sure they have the tools and the time in their classrooms to be successful.

A good BOE member needs to be an awesome listener and to be present.

As the BOE makes decisions the focus needs to always be, what is best for our students and staff. If you keep that as your focus it is hard to go wrong.

5. The BOE needs to be very ready for these issues and to respond in a way that is a reflection of our community. I am a conservative, I value wholesome learning that is factual and clear. With that being said, I think it is important for students to know what these topics are about, so they can make informed decisions. The staff needs to be informed about these topics so adequate discussions can happen when the need arises. We need to make sure our schools are a safe place for all students. Being in education for so long there are always trends that come our way, but in the time period we live in now, we cannot let a political agenda rule how our staff engages with students. I believe it is important for BOE members to visit the classrooms/schools and watch our staff in action.

6. I have not received any money or teamed up with anyone to run as a school board member.

LaTanya Graf

1. My family moved to Cheney in 2018. We have 4 children (freshman, 6th grader, 3rd grader, and 4yr old pre-K). My background is in mental health and behaviors. I worked for children’s COMCARE for 5yrs, was a stay at home mom for 11yrs and have recently returned to work with primarily adults at COMCARE crisis.

2. Throughout my journey in the career field I took pride in being available and willing to help when and where I could, whether that meant asking questions to create action, or standing on the sidelines supporting from afar. I believe with my credentials and experience, I can offer a valuable opinion to the Board of Education. I have learned through many years working in mental health how to listen effectively to concerned parents and validate their feelings along with explaining the situation in a way that calms concerns and makes them feel heard, even when the decision is not something they wanted. I am passionate about opening lines of communication with the public and discussing decisions and how they may effect all the students in the community. I do understand that for every person that may think and feel like me, there are many that feel completely opposite. I believe in working together as a board to listen to, validate, and communicate with the public. I will put my energy into helping make this school system the best it can be. I will show my due diligence to be an impactful member of the board by learning what is expected of me, showing up consistently, and making an honest effort to work as a team to make decisions to positively impact our local USD 268 school district.

3. I am running for the board of education because I am passionate about the education and future of our children. I would like to work with both the school and community to bring open lines of communication and transparency to advocate in the best interest of all our children and teachers as our community grows. For more details and information on this please join my Facebook group “LaTanya Graf for Cheney USD 268 Board of Education”.

4. The board of education’s role is to uphold the district’s overall vision by doing things like; making policies, setting the school calendar, approving an annual budget, approving curriculums, approving job offerings and resignations along with making decisions on school buildings and maintenance through listening to and advocating for what the teachers and community want and need.

5. The board of education’s role will be to take each issue head on and collectively collaborate as a team to resolve the issues through reasonable consideration and accommodation while providing the community with transparency.

6. No, I have not received any donations and I am not running with any organized slate of candidates.

Matthew Haukap No response.

Patrick Lynch

1. I am a Cheney native that has been married for 21 years with three sons in the Cheney school district. I have worked for the same company the last 24 years. In that time, I have learned how to better myself as a leader in my job and in our community.

2. My ability to listen and lead has created the opportunity to serve on many boards in our community. These boards include: City of Cheney Planning Commission, Wichita Area Builders Association Next Gen Committee, City of Cheney Pool Committee, Church Board of Directors (President-2 years), Church Board of Elders, Church Midweek Teacher, Church Youth Sunday School leader, Church Call Committee (Chair).

3. I am running for board of education to be a part of a team that works to find ways for Cheney’s school system to continue to grow by keeping up on our facilities, looking forward and planning proactively while staying on top of current needs, and to ensure USD 268 keeps core values.

4. Ensuring our district maintains high educational standards and the needs of every child is met by giving staff the tools they need, working with staff on curriculum, the designation of funds, listening to community patrons’ concerns, upkeep on our facilities and much more that I hope to learn. I believe one of the responsibilities of the board is being prepared for discussion outside of the school walls with the community when not everyone sees eye to eye and doing that with respectful dialogue.

5. Listening to the list of issues, then ensuring the board of education’s answers or guidelines matchup to USD 268’s core values and principles. I believe this is one reason the Cheney schools have continued to grow and more families choose to raise their children in this wonderful community.

6. No.

Troy Presley

1. My name is Troy Presley, current USD 268 school board member (Appointed). I’m married to Ashley Presley and we have three children ( Eli 10, Sara 7, Ty 3). We moved to Cheney almost 10 years ago. My wife and I both graduated from small western Kansas high schools. After high school I graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Ag Economics. My career has always been centered around agriculture. Currently, I work at Comark Equity Alliance as the Grain Division Manager. We market grain for 25 Cooperatives across KS, OK and TX. Born and raised in a strong conservative Christian family, we currently attend Cheney Baptist Church in Cheney.

2. Currently serving as Grain Div Manager for CEA, I forecast and work with a multimillion-dollar budget; ; managing capital needs at times well over $100 million, as well as managing a team that sells and ships over $1 billion in commodities. I serve on two different state ag committees for the grain industry as well as one national ag committee. Serving not only on those board(s) but being at a multitude of coop annual and monthly board meetings has given me the experience to understand not only what is required of a successful board member but also understand the working capital needs of various companies and the importance of good board leadership.

In early 2023 I was appointed to fill a vacant spot at USD 268. Over the last year, that experience has given me great understanding to the needs of USD 268. Working through the hiring of the new superintendent as well as transitioning that role has further educated me on what USD 268 is challenged with as well as what the opportunities are for our school district.

3. I’m running for BOE to serve the community and students of USD 268 in a fiscally responsible way and also to ensure every kid has the best opportunity for success. Our school district faces numerous ever-changing challenges every year; including but not limited to fiscal, pandemic, labor shortages, infrastructure needs, etc. My objective would be to help lay out a responsible capital outlay program for the district that balances not only our crowding facilities, but also helps to update our transportation, curriculum and attempts to keep up with the ever-changing technology arena. All of this while “keeping Cheney, Cheney”. The “Keeping Cheney, Cheney” mantra was a consistent theme and was one of the main takeaways I read from all 200+ surveys the community was sent during our superintendent search. This overwhelming response was clear and relevant to me as I grew up in a small school. I want those same feels and opportunities for our children. This will be a challenge over the next decade as many people in urban Kansas want what we have here in Cheney. My priorities would also include keeping common sense Christian, rural America, policy at USD 268 as much as possible.

4. This is pretty simple. The BOE’s roles and responsibilities are to set policy and protect the students and assets of USD 268. The school board only oversees and manages one employee and that is the superintendent. The BOE is responsible to the taxpayer to ensure every dollar we spend gets the most value possible to enhance our children’s education.

5. The BOE role is to protect students and employees of USD 268. Unfortunately, some of the items listed above can clash from a moral and ethical perspective. As mentioned above I will handle these from a responsible Christian approach to ensure “Cheney stays Cheney”. As our world is very political and polarized these items become more delicate. A wise professor once told the class “policy is made between the 40-yard lines”. As the BOE we must balance keeping our funding from the state but also implementing the values and morals of our community and the ones we were raised with. I’m committed to stand up for those beliefs. “Going along to get along” is the path of least resistance, which can’t be tolerated when it comes to our children’s education.

6. No.

Taylor Robertson

1. Most people know me as ‘Woo’. I attended the Norwich School District K-12. Received my Associates Degree at Pratt Community College. I furthered my education at Kansas State University where I received my Electrical Engineering Degree. Currently I’m a Senior Project Engineer at McCownGordon Construction. My wife (Sarah) and kids (Lily, Chance, Brady) have lived in Cheney for 8 years.

2. I’m currently an active board member of the Pando Initiative (www.pando initiative.com). Our goal is to help remove obstacles that keep students from reaching their goals and being successful. We have dedicated team members in each of our schools (Derby, Maize, Wichita, Haysville) to help address both academic and non-academic impediments that prevent students’ learning. We measure success by improving attendance, behavior, and academic performance. My project management skills have allowed me to work closely with project specific board members, CEO’s, superintendents and other staff. While providing them with daily communication, I’m also able to manage multiple projects ranging from $3M – $12M. I’m also an Area Chairman and District Chair for Ducks Unlimited. Myself, along with our dedicated committee members, host fundraising events to help conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. And as part of my continuing education, I’m currently enrolled in the Wichita Business Journal Emerging Leaders program. This program brings together multiple young professionals, of varying backgrounds and industries, around the Wichita area to discuss opportunities that can help the City grow.

3. To be a better steward to the community. My objective is to collaborate with individuals who can assist USD 268 in preparing for growth, not just in terms of numbers but also in our capacity to enhance how we facilitate our student’s readiness for the future. Each student has a unique learning style; some may require more time while others thrive on challenges. It is our responsibility to demonstrate our belief in them and provide endless resources and opportunities to both our students and the community. These resources manifest in the form of exceptional teachers, staff, engaged parents, and an involved community. We must support and encourage teachers, staff, parents, and the community to wholeheartedly recognize the potential that each student possesses. Teachers and all staff members are our student’s most valuable assets. We must provide unwavering support and trust, knowing that they are fully committed to unlocking every student’s potential and nurturing it to the fullest. Likewise, teachers and staff members must place their trust in parents, believing in their dedication and involvement. By establishing mutual trust, we can foster lifelong loyalty and the possibilities for success are endless. I am here to lend an ear, to encourage open communication, and to take decisive action. My aim is to ensure that we concentrate on the crucial aspects for achieving success and empower the right individuals to enact change.

4. To provide continuous support to our educators and staff, ensuring they have the necessary resources for effectiveness and efficiency. Provide effective communication with parents, guardians, and the community. Keeping them informed about education, activities, and District updates. Working together diligently to build trust, loyalty and understanding among all stakeholders. Prioritize mutual accountability and set high expectations for everyone’s roles within the District. Help to recognize the uniqueness of each student and ensure we treat all fairly and impartially. Understanding a budget and its significant impact to the community and the District’s long-term sustainability.

5. We must focus on education first and foremost. If at any point we lose sight of this due to any outside agendas, each case must be dealt with at a high priority level and focused on with great attention in order to be the least disruptive until a decision is made.

6. No.

Dylan Rosenhagen

1. My name is Dylan Rosenhagen and I was born and raised in Cheney, KS. I am married and have three children ages 7, 4, and 2. I am a graduate of Wichita State University with my Business Administration degree and have been employed at Manufacturing Development Incorporated (MDI) located here in Cheney for the past 12 years. When I’m not working, you can find me cheering on the KSU Wildcats and enjoying my time with friends and family.

2. My role at MDI is contract review, scheduling, and customer service. Being one of the main points of contact from large companies with large contracts, I have found that my skills in the areas of communication, accountability, and bridging the gap between entities has truly become a strength of mine. I am more than capable of being the bridge between our school system and our community. I am able to build positive relationships with those around me while still being capable of having tough conversations and making hard decisions.

3. As a Cheney graduate myself, I have always had an immense love for this community and a sense of urgency to pour into the community that has done so much for me. After having three children of my own, two of which are now in Cheney schools, I want to be a part of continuing the path of success our school system has been on. If elected, my top priorities will be assuring that teachers have the necessary resources to effectively educate our children and lead in the classroom. I also want to assure the continued growth of extracurricular opportunities for all students. I believe that involved students have higher success rates once part of the “real world,” and Cheney has done a beautiful job in giving all students opportunities through multiple avenues including athletics, Robotics, theater, band, college coursework, etc. If elected, I would like to see this continuing to grow.

4. First and foremost, the board of education is expected to serve as the bridge between the school system and the community. The board of education is expected to listen to strengths, needs, and desires of our community and schools, and bring them together into one force. The board also plays a major role in assessing different policies being put into place and approving or denying these policies and assessing student achievement through school data.

All of this and more are reasons I am excited for the opportunity to be part of the board of education.

5. I will always be sure to have knowledge of the state guidelines per the state board of education in tough topics such as the ones listed above. The first thought that will always go through my mind is “what is best for our students and for our community?” As a board, it is our job to listen to what our community and school staff believes in and make a decision that aligns with community values.

6. I am not running with any organized slate of candidates, nor have I or will I receive donations from any groups.

Aaron Rust

1. My wife Glenda and I are from north-central Kansas and we both grew up in farming and cattle operation families. I have been a pastor, missionary to Africa, worked in state and denominational headquarters as an ordained minister as well as a former gun shop owner, car sales, medical transport, and currently the pastor of First Assembly of God in Cheney and full time Hospice Chaplain. I have two children that graduated from the Cheney School System and have two grandchildren currently attending Cheney Schools. My wife of 35 years is a special educator at the Cheney Elementary, however she is an employee of USD #265 Goddard. We have lived in many different locations in our service to the Church. She has taught nearly everything from special education preschool to 9th grade.

2. I have held ministry positions in four states and two countries (Namibia, Africa). My wife has taught nearly everywhere we have lived and I have seen highly effective schools and those that needed much improvement. We have garnered good ideas not only in the USA but in Africa as well. Conversely, we have seen what does not work that well. I have been the pastor of large and small churches, in the city, small towns and country side. I have dealt with large as well as anemic budgets.

3. I wish to give back to a community that has already given us so much in our nearly five years living here. I believe that the best quality schools that provide top quality education and that strong salaries for teachers, will continue to attract great families to our community. I believe that we should and can have our own special education department to service our own children in our own school. We can offer all the services that are found in competing school districts which in turn give us an even stronger community.

4. To provide a good quality education, preparing adolescents to become great citizens and a love for our community. We must seek the best staff and employees to make this happen.

5. I believe that we can be sensitive to all that call our little town home. However, profane materials that are inappropriate for children should never be available in our educational system. I believe that there is one race, the human race. Education should not be dealing with theories that make distinctions of people based on the amount of melanin in the epidermis. Our education must be about preparing all students including those that would disagree with me that there are two genders, male and female.

6. Although I am a declared Republican, I by no means am a party line person. I have not sought endorsement of any group. I do hold to a strong view of the 2nd Admendment, very limited abortion and a high view of morality.

Mike Saterlee

1. I grew up in a small town in Kansas from Kindergarten through 12th grade. I played three sports, was a member of NHS, band and FFA. So small town values are important to me. After high school I graduated from Kansas State University and have been a public servant since. I have been a Police Officer for the Riley County Police Department, I worked at Cheney State Park as a Park Ranger and was promoted to Park Manager. I currently work for Kansas University at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Yoder, Kansas as a Senior Police Instructor. I also currently work for the Cheney Police Department as a Police Officer part-time.

I am married to my wife Shayla and we have two children in the Cheney School District. We have lived here since 2008. We have been members at St. Rose Catholic Church at Mount Vernon since 2014. As a family we enjoy taking vacations to either the mountains or the beach and enjoy being outside. Time this summer was spent mostly on a golf course somewhere.

2. At Cheney State Park I was responsible for working within an annual budget as well as responsible for many major improvements to the park that had project budgets to work within. Also, while at the park, I was involved in many state-wide initiatives that consisted of working within committees to work toward a shared goal. Some of those dealt with training of officers, getting people to the parks to enjoy the outdoors, etc. I now work for an educational institution educating adults. I have firsthand experience in classroom technology and instructional techniques. A large part of my career has been spent working on teams to get to a singular goal. Managing disputes and differences between personalities is one of the single most important aspects of working as a team. I see the Board of Education position as being the same. Different people coming together having the kids and their education our priority.

3. I feel it is very important to get involved in your community. Our future lies in the hands of our children. What could be more important than being a part of a team that has a chance to ensure our children grow and learn and are ready for the future after their time in the Cheney School District? If elected for this position, my priorities will be the safety of our children and ensuring an environment where they feel safe to grow and learn. It will also be my priority to continue a relationship between parents and teachers to give each child what they need to be successful.

4. I see the role of the Board of Education as being a voice for the parents that have children in this district. Building a working relationship between those parents and the teachers is very important. I think as a member of the Board of Education I can help with achieve that. I also see one of the major roles as ensuring the safety of our students while they are in our care. Another role of the Board is being fiscally responsible. The Board has a duty to ensure the District’s money is being used responsibly and goes toward making all the students successful.

5. These topics are obviously hot topics or at least “hot buttons” around the country. However, creating a safe environment for our kids, preparing them for tomorrow and ensuring their success is the top role for the Board of Education. I think the topics the children are taught is everchanging. Just like the topics I teach Police Officers every day, the topics taught to our children should probably change as the time changes. When these issues come up, it will be important for us to remember our role of creating a safe environment, ensuring success, preparing the kids for the future and working with both parents and teachers to build and create relationships is what will be important.

6. I am not running with any organized slate of candidates nor have I received any donations or endorsements from any groups.

Willie Swartz No response.

Matt Voth

1. My name is Matt Voth. I am married to Alyson Voth. We both attended USD 268 K-12. We have four children, three currently enrolled at 268, and one recent graduate, now attending KU. I am an Ob/Gyn physician, employed by Ascension Medical Group in Wichita, KS since 2008 and a volunteer physician at an underserved clinic in Wichita the past 13 years. I am an assistant youth FB coach, and enjoy spending time with family at Table Rock Lake, snow skiing, fishing, and attend Trinity United Christian Church. I have served as a USD 268 board member for the past 12 years.

2. Having served on the Board of Education the past 12 years, I have been a part of many curriculum changes, numerous state funding challenges, three superintendents, and a $15 million bond project that successfully passed 3:1 in favor. I believe these experiences have allowed me to acquire the skills necessary to continue as school board member for USD 268. I have also served as Chair for the Department of Surgery St. Teresa Hospital (2009) and have been Chairperson, Department of Ob/Gyn, Ascension Medical Group (2010-present).

3. I am running for this position because I care about and value education as a top priority. Having a mother who taught in this district for 39 years, and my grandmother before her, instilled in me, a tremendous respect for teachers, administrators, and the challenges they face. My career choice required I was enrolled in formal education/ training until I was 31 years old, and I feel I understand and appreciate the process. I also feel it is my obligation, to serve the school and community that provided me an outstanding foundation to build upon.

4. I believe the role of the Board of Education is to act as a source of checks and balances and broad oversight. I do not favor micro-management. I have zero training or experience in classroom teaching, curriculum development, bus driving,orfacilitymaintenance. I believe the role of any school board is to ensure every student is given a fair opportunity at success, and every teacher, administrator, and classified staff member is compensated at the highest level the district can afford. I also believe the board should place safety as a top priority for all who enter our buildings. I feel as a board member, my job is to ask the following questions at every meeting: Are we being fiscally responsible? Are we non-discriminatory, fair and impartial to every student, employee, and visitor that enters the district? How do we compare to other districts, particularly schools similar to ours, in test scores, facilities, teacher pay, safe and secure buildings, etc..? Are we up to date with technology? Are we preparing students for alternative career paths other than college?

I believe the board should let teachers and administrators do their job. The board should want every employee, student, and community member to see the BOE as an approachable entity, willing to listen to any concern or request.

5. I believe the Board of Education should be ready for and open to any suggestion from any community member, parent, or focus group. We must be equally prepared to defend our policies, as well as prepared to admit we need to change. Every concern warrants thoughtful discussion. Although we do suffer from a lack of diversity many other schools and communities offer in terms of religion, socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, etc…it is the school board’s responsibility to be aware of and prepared for all topics involving education and public school systems as we are sending our graduates into a world much different than Cheney. Our policies should reflect our desire to provide equal opportunity to each and every student, regardless of background.

6. I have not received any endorsements or donations.

Deanna Williams

1. I grew up in Peabody, Kansas, where I had an idyllic childhood with the many benefits of being raised in “Small Town, USA”. I was involved in many activities including basketball, swimming, BPA, FFA, Band (pep, marching, and jazz), and STUCO. I graduated from Peabody as homecoming queen, class president, an honor roll member, and KSHSAA Citizenship Award recipient. During college, I worked as a Pharmacy Technician, gaining experience working with the public and invaluable medical knowledge. I graduated Cum Laude from Wichita State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of General Studies with emphasis in Chemistry & Biology. Also in 2007, I married my husband, Greg Williams, of Cheney. After college, I worked in Purchasing for Cessna Aircraft Company. After being affected by the mass layoffs of 2008, I took a job at Flint Hills Resources of Koch Industries, where I worked as a Chemical Procurement Analyst, managing supplier relationships and securing chemical supply and contracts for oil refineries and chemical plants. Although I enjoyed my work, I always felt a tug at my heart to be at home with my children. So, when our second son was born, Greg and I made the decision for me to be a stay-at-home mom; and shortly after, we decided to move to Cheney. Greg wanted to be “back home”, and we both craved small-town life for our children. At that time, I wondered if Cheney would ever feel like home, but now I cannot imagine living anywhere else; I’m so thankful and proud to call Cheney my home. We now have 4 sons: Brian (14), Max (10), John (7), and Owen (4), all of whom attend Cheney schools, and we are members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

2. While I’ve been out of the business arena for the last few years caring for my children, my work experience afforded me skills in managing budgets, meeting deadlines, and a professional profile with strong business acumen. I also have great attention to detail and the ability to quicky assimilate information. I am a kind, approachable person, and I am considerate of people’s opinions. I excel at collaborating with peers toward common goals. I am currently a member of the Cheney City Planning Commission and the Life Team at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. I also strive to display the core values of USD 268, P.R.I.D.E., in my everyday life, which are: P-perseverance, R-respect, I-integrity, D-dependability, E-empathy.

3. I’ve always felt a strong desire to give back to my community and serving on the board of education is a way to perform my civic duty. The board vacancies were brought to my attention by several people who approached me about running for an open seat. Because my four children range in age from a freshman in high school all the way to preschool and each of them will be attending school in this district, I have a vested interest in the success of our schools and thought it an appropriate time to run. If elected, I hope to help the board assist the schools with effectively relaying information to parents and encourage better overall communication with parents. Organizations that are managed by board members are best served when a variety of skillsets, backgrounds and experiences are represented. I feel that I can make a positive difference and serve the community by listening to the concerns of fellow parents and providing the board with a mother’s perspective. I look forward to engaging the community in district initiatives and growing connections in the community.

4. The school board is responsible for selecting district leadership, managing the district’s fiscal operations, approving curriculum materials, and managing district policies. When reviewing spending and budgets it is important that we consider the impact these financial decisions have on students and taxpayers while strategically planning for future growth and development. The school board should consult with parents, teachers and the superintendent when modifying curriculum requirements and materials. Our number one priority should be advocating for the success of our students.

5. There is a lot to unpack in this question – more than I can effectively address in this medium. Discussing these topics without clear examples and tangible definitions could lead to assumptions and confusion. I encourage anyone that has specific questions or concerns on these or other topics important to them to call me.

6. I am not running with an organized slate of candidates, nor have I received any donations or specific endorsements at this time.

Cherielle Young

1. I was raised on a dairy farm in SE KS where I spent my summers in the crop fields & hay fields. I played all sports and participated in most activities before graduating HS in 1996. I then went on to K-State earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness with a minor in Business in 2000. While at KSU, I lived at Clovia, the 4-H scholarship house, all 4 years of college where I held the office of Marshall. I met my husband, Kris, while at KSU. We moved to SW KS for 2 years after college for our first jobs – mine as a banker and Kris’ as an agronomist. We then moved to the Cheney area in 2002 where I sold insurance and then became a “stay-at-home” mom when Nash was born in 2005. Up until April of 2022, we lived outside of the district, but chose to become involved here, rather than our home district, due to our connection at church here first. Then as the boys got older, we knew we wanted them to attend this district where our amazing community feels like family. I chose to become a substitute teacher when my youngest was in school full time. Nash will be a Senior, Stratton a Freshman, and McKoy a 6th grader this school year. We now spend most of our time attending all the boys’ activities while continuing the family tradition of caring for and showing livestock in 4-H.

2. Being a 12 year 4-H member, I held my first officer position in an organization at age 7. I have held an office almost every year of my life since and am now a 4-H club leader and serve on our church’s Pastor Parish committee. While working at the First National Bank in Liberal as the Jr. Credit Analyst and Ag Loan Officer right out of college, I was a member of our loan committee where we had to discuss all loans over a certain dollar amount every week and vote on how to proceed. So in addition to my financial background, my ability to look at things from a logical, common sense aspect, is how I intend to serve our school and community as a BOE member who will make this position a top priority. I feel that the knowledge I’ve gained by being a substitute teacher in all 3 buildings has given me invaluable insight into most aspects of our classrooms and school district as well.

3. I chose to run for the BOE because our children’s education and experiences while they are students here will help mold the adults they become. I want to help ensure that every student here has the necessary skills to become a productive member of society whether that be by continuing their education at college, a trade or vo-tech school, enlisting in the service, or entering the workforce.

My priorities will include upholding the “P.R.I.D.E.” acronym, because having Perseverance, being Respectful, showing Integrity, being Dependable, and showing Empathy are truly important in everyday life. However, I’d like to add an “A” for Accountability – Accountability to and from each of us – students, teachers, parents, administrators, the BOE. I truly believe that if every one of us knew we were going to be held accountable to each other for our actions (or lack thereof), we’d strive for excellence in everything we do. We truly are a team working together for the betterment of our school and community.

4. I see our role as the BOE as the governing body of the district where our focus should be on providing a safe and secure environment where all students are able to reach their full potential. To achieve this, we have to be able to communicate well.

5. As with any issue, open lines of communication is a must. The BOE will have to be willing to listen to all sides of an issue, ask questions, seek guidance of those knowledgeable on a certain topic and then make a decision based on the most good that can be done for the most involved.

6. No.