The Candidates Speak
In the next several editions of The Jal Record, we will be featuring questions
and answers from the candidates currently running for office in our local elections this November. Each
candidate will be asked the exact same questions, with incumbents being asked one additional question regarding what they are proud of accomplishing thus far in office. It is our hope that all candidates will want to share their heart and mind with the voters here. ~ Editor
Jenny Edwards Jal School Board
(Incumbent)
Q: (Incumbents) What are some of the accomplishments you are proud of in your time so far on the school board?
A: During my time as a school board member, I am most proud of the facilities that we have gotten built, still building, and those we have already approved to build in the next couple of years. Teachers, students, athletes, and the community have all and will all benefit from them. I am thankful for the voters that gave us the opportunity to do so.
Q: What strengths do you bring to the school board?
A: I am a college graduate and have 9-1/2 years of government accounting experience. I was raised in Jal. I attended Jal Public Schools from K-12th grade. I have a daughter that also attended K-12th grade in Jal and have a son that is in the 7th grade. The knowledge I have of this community and school system is probably the greatest strength that I bring to the school board. I have experienced changes in the school system and later been part of the changes.
Q: In your view, what is the job/responsibility of a school board member?
A: The job/responsibility of a school board member is to oversee the entire district. To ensure that administration, teachers, coaches, and staff have the facilities, tools, and equipment to do their jobs to the best of their abilities providing students the best opportunity to learn.
Q: Are there any things you would like to see changed or improved in the school district?
A: I would like to see our overall grade average improve. I believe that we are and have been in the process of making that happen. We have watched our athletic programs and extracurricular programs flourish and will be providing new programs/courses for options for new avenues for students.
Q: What do you think should be the top two or three priorities and/or goals for the school district over the next few years?
A: The top priority for the school district over the next few years should be the increase of our overall grade average. I would like to see all of our Seniors graduate with the opportunity to attend college, vocational school, or leave with a trade or skill to assist them in the workforce. I also would like to see some state championships and 1st place awards in all of our programs. I want our schools to be successful in all that we are a part of.
Jaime Lee Earp Jal School Board
(Incumbent)
Q: Incumbents: What are some accomplishments you are proud of in your time so far on the school board?
A: I’m proud to have been a part of getting the $47 million general obligation bond passed at the very beginning of my 1st term by speaking to various people promoting it in our community. Getting the bond passed has allowed me to be a part of numerous building programs we’ve been in for all these years. We have state-of-the-art facilities that we are all very proud of.
Q: Are there any things you would like to see changed or improved in the school district?
A: We’ve already seen so many wonderful changes in our district, and I’d like to continue moving forward. I would very much like to see our students having a proficient level of reading. I’d like to see more parents involved in their children’s education.
Q: In your view, what is the job/responsibility of a school board member?
A: Our job is to hire/fire/evaluate the Supt., approve the budget and set policy.
Q: What do you think should be the top three priorities and/or goals for the school district over the next few years?
A: With all of the new programs we have going on, I think quality assurance and maintaining those programs will be a big priority. A major goal I’d like to see reached is higher reading proficiency in elementary.
Q: What strengths would you bring to the school board?
A: I am first and foremost here for the kids. I will always do my best for them. I’m also a big supporter of our staff and I value their perspective on issues that are brought up. I want our teachers and staff to have their professional needs met so they in turn can properly meet the needs of our students. I’m not afraid to stand up for what I believe is right even when I may have to stand alone.
Larry Burns City Council
(At-large election)
Larry
Q: What are the strengths that you would bring to the school board?
I’m easy to access. I communicate well. I take whatever are the concerns of the public directly to the board. I have no problems with whatever they want. I’ll take it to the board. I can take those items. I see a lot of stuff. Been here thirty some-odd years. I’ve seen a lot of progress in the school. I feel like I can give them a lot of help up there.
Q: In your view, what is the job/responsibility of a school board member?
A: The job is mainly to give direction to the superintendent and help them get all the tools necessary to do what’s necessary for the school.
Q: Are there some things you’d like to see changed or improved within the school district?
A: I would like to see our grades, the kids’ grades coming up, to where we’re known for high grades, you know? It sounds like they’re trying to see that prospective, but I’d just like to see more of it, especially with the kids that don’t speak the best English, hopefully get them in with, under the parents’ understanding. There’s a lot of things for them that’s not just, you know, going to our school, but programs where we have a lot of tutoring and stuff going on.
Q: What do you think should be the top two or three priorities and/or goals for the district over the next few years?
A: Getting to where we are not known as a low-tier education, but the top of the line, the best school that you could ever think of wanting to send your kids to. We want to be academically up at the top.
