Candidates in contested recently were sent questionnaires about the upcoming election. Candidates in uncontested races are incumbent Mayor David Frese and incumbent USD 464 school board member Justin Sturgeon in Position 3.

The ballot question will determine whether the school board should change and be elected by position or districts or move to an all at-large board. Currently there is one board position that is at-large, meaning people aren’t required to live in specific districts to run.

Questionnaires were distributed to candidates in contested races.

Those races are incumbents Jacob Dale, Jennifer McCutchen and challenger Joshua Kleczka for two city council seats. Scott M. Elliott, Ryan Brune and Connie O’Brien for school board Position 2 and incumbent Stephanie Shupe and challenger Susan E. Stieben for Position 7.

Position 1 didn’t have any candidates file this year, so the top write-in candidate will get that seat. If there aren’t any successful write-in candidacies, the board will take applications and make a selection.

Here’s a look at candidates who responded to The Mirror’s questionnaires.

TONGANOXIE USD 464 SCHOOL BOARD

Position 2

Ryan Brune

Can you list your civic involvement? Are you on any community boards, volunteer, etc.?

* Tonganoxie Recreation Commission Board member since March 2020

* Tonganoxie United Methodist Church Trustees Committee and Tech Booth volunteer

* Tonganoxie Civic Club member

* Youth TRC volunteer coach for multiple sports several seasons

Do you have previous political experience? If so, please list those offices held and when held.

No, I do not have any political experience. I am a parent that wants our school and community to be the best it can be. Being honest, it is concerning for me to see political organizations getting involved in local education and school board elections. I am an independent thinker and feel strongly that education should be nonpartisan.

What do you see as strengths in the district?

* Quality teachers and administrators that work hard and care about our students

* Upgraded facilities. Our community has made some strategic investments that will help educate our students and attract/retain teachers.

* Maintained reasonable student to teacher ratios

* Lots of educational tracks and opportunities for students to participate and be involved, which helps prepare them to be successful in their next phase of life (college, vo-tech career, etc).

What are the challenges you view facing USD 464?

* Competition to hire/retain qualified teachers and staff is a challenge and likely will be in the future. This is a challenge across the state and nation and is not unique to USD 464.

* Lack of support for public education.

* Economic factors such as inflation and managing the costs of utilities, transportation, staffing, etc will continue to be a balance of resources.

* Growing community that will need to effectively plan for the future.

Do you have any concerns about curriculum or other areas of education in the district?

From conversations I’ve had with our kids and other parents, I do not have concerns with the curriculum. In my conversations with district administration on the topic of accessibility of curriculum, textbooks, and instructional materials, they said anyone could request to review them at any time. I am a proponent of parent participation and involvement, so providing opportunities where parents or guardians can seek out information online and make decisions for their particular student would be a direction I would want to consider.

What would you like to see implemented if on the school board?

I believe we have some positive momentum within the 464 district and would like to build on that by:

* Supporting our teachers and understanding the challenges they face. Looking at both financial and non-financial approaches to continue to attract and retain quality teachers. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have the reputation in the area to be known as ‘the place to work in education for teachers and staff’?!

* Focusing on academic engagement & achievement. In my professional career, we are always looking for individuals that can critically think, problem solve, communicate and collaborate with others. Regardless if a student is currently achieving at a low, medium, or high level – I would like to see expectations and engagement for all students at all levels. Providing a holistic and well-rounded educational experience for our students, so they are prepared and can be successful in life.

* Proactively maintaining our nice facilities to serve our community for many years to come.

* As well as being a parent of 3 school aged children, my professional career in auditing and financial services makes me an ideal board candidate to assist with budgeting, prioritizing, and balancing the needs of students and teachers, while being good stewards of our taxpayer resources

Connie O’Brien

Can you list your civic involvement? Are you on any community boards, volunteer, etc.?

I am currently Vice Chair of the GOP in Leavenworth County; serve as District director of the Kansas Federation Republican Women; volunteered for many years in 4-H as a Supervising Judge; I have worked as a clerk and supervising judge for local elections; former director of religious education at our church; and have been a substitute teacher.

Connie O’Brien

Do you have previous political experience? If so, please list those offices held and when held.

I served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 2008-16. I served as a Commissioner on the Kansas Real Estate Board from 2016-20. I have been a precinct committeewoman from 2006-present.

What do you see as strengths in the district?

The school district 464 has great facilities, good athletics programs, and a good program to help students stay in school.

Do you have any concerns about curriculum or other areas of education in the district?

I would like to see phonics taught to help students improve their reading skills. Reading is the gateway to all other subjects such as science, math, history, and language arts.

What would you like to see implemented if on the school board?

I would like to see more support for trade schools, not every student needs to go to college. We must make sure teachers have all the support they need by listening to their needs. School boards can show support for parents by adopting a Parents Bill of Rights that clearly and concisely states that parents have a central role in directing their children’s education.

Scott M. Elliott

Can you list your civic involvement? Are you on any community boards, volunteer, etc.?

I regularly judge area speech and debate tournaments for both colleges and high schools. I have been involved in various environmental programs.

Do you have previous political experience? If so, please list those offices held and when held.

I do not have any previous political experience, but have a background in education and law.

I’m currently a professor at Kansas City Kansas Community College with more than 30 years of experience teaching college classes in communication theory, small group communication, argumentation and speech.

Five years teaching college level courses in area high schools (Basehor High School and Wyandotte High School). Worked for six years as an environmental, insurance and personal injury attorney in Texas.

I have a bachelor’s in Speech Communication from University of West Florida, master’s in rhetoric from Florida State University, juris doctorate from University of Texas in Austin and a PhD in communications in Theory and Research from Florida State University.

What do you see as strengths in the district?

Elliott provided a link to his campaign brochure for his questions. Some of those are listed beneath challenges facing the district.

What are the challenges you view facing USD 464?

* Quality faculty requires quality pay. In order for our children to receive the highest quality education, we have to secure high quality faculty. Frankly, Tonganoxie is losing the recruitment and retention game. School districts within a 20-mile radius are “outbidding” Tonganoxie for top teachers. Positions in hard to find fields such as science, math and special education, area school districts are paying between $3,000 and $12,000 more than USD 464. Few, if any stipends for these positions are available.

A review of school districts in the immediate area shows that Tonganoxie is at the bottom for teacher salaries. Support for Extracurricular Activities Education is more than simply teaching students how to fill in bubbles on a standardized test. With decades of experience as a competitive speech and debate coach comes the recognition of how powerful extracurricular activities are for creating more well-rounded students. Athletics, art, band, music, forensics, e-sports, and robotics competitions — all play a part in teaching students discipline, practical applications of knowledge, competition, and teamwork. For some students, these activities are a major motivation to remain in school. For others extracurricular activities provide them the opportunity to distinguish themselves; express their individuality; secure scholarships; and develop passions that they will pursue throughout their lives. School board members need to keep this in mind when facing tough decisions concerning budgets.

* Physical Safety of Campus Facilities. Our schools should have an external safety audit and to act in response to any deficiencies identified in such audits.

* Safety of our students. We need a stronger policy regarding bullying as well as teaching tolerance and mutual respect toward all students, faculty and staff. School wide positive behavior supports need to be fully implemented in order to increase student motivation.

* Reduce Administrative Overhead. The growth of administrators in school districts is growing unchecked. These positions necessarily trade off with faculty numbers and faculty pay. The school board has a responsibility to keep the administration in check.

* Better Coordination with area higher education and employers. USD 464 must make better efforts to coordinate with the area’s higher education providers. Tonganoxie has a unique location that places it within proximity to the University of Kansas, Kansas City Kansas Community College, University of Saint Mary and Johnson County Community College. For students choosing to continue their education through colleges and universities, the District needs to take advantage of Kansas and federal resources to provide as much “free” college credit as possible. This means coordinating with these institutions to have more college credit classes taught at THS.

A college education is not for everyone. The world needs stone masons, electricians, welders, mechanics, and heavy equipment operators more than it needs another post-modern literature graduate. Good paying jobs, a broader tax base, and a better community requires workers who have the best training to compete in the 21st Century. [As a single example: In De Soto, Panasonic is building a new EV battery plant that will employ 15,000 construction workers over the next few years.] USD 464 needs to coordinate with KCKCC, JCCC, local employers and these national employers to extend technical education, certification and training programs to THS students.

Position 7

Stephanie Shupe

Can you list your civic involvement? Are you on any community boards, volunteer, etc.?

I was raised to be civic-minded and to always contribute in areas where I can most benefit my community. I served two terms on the Leavenworth County Extension Board where I also held the office of Vice President. I have been the Community Leader of the Happy Helpers 4-H Club for the past 12 years. I have been part of the state 4-H dog project action team where I have volunteered in many different capacities. I have also volunteered at Kansas Youth Leadership Forum and in many different 4-H project areas.

Additionally, I have volunteered as a coach for the Tonganoxie Tidal Waves since its inception, and this past year I served as one of the head coaches. I am very passionate about the importance of people learning how to swim, so that is why I dedicate my time to teaching youth swimming.

Do you have previous political experience? If so, please list those offices held and when held.

I have been a member of the USD 464 School Board for almost 6 years.

What do you see as strengths in the district?

There are numerous strengths in the district. One of the greatest strengths is that USD 464 is filled with people who care about the students personally and academically. That is so often publicly demonstrated when THS seniors are given the opportunity to thank a district employee who has made an impact on their lives. The comments from the seniors are always about how the staff member they selected cared about them personally and pushed them academically.

Another strength is that we have a community who supports the school district. Businesses and individuals alike are always willing to help make USD 464 educational endeavors possible. As a Tonganoxie alum, I benefited from community support, and I continue to see that same support for Tonganoxie students today.

What are the challenges you view facing USD 464?

As a classroom teacher, I know first-hand the challenges of district staff and students.

The past few years have been difficult for everyone. One area that I have encouraged district administration to focus on is the overall academic success of all students.

Regardless of a student’s educational path, each student should be encouraged and challenged to reach their fullest potential. Providing more individualized instruction and opportunities can be challenging for a district, and it is something that USD 464 should increase their focus on.

Also, USD 464 has a dedicated, outstanding staff which we must retain. Our pay schedules have to be competitive, as we maintain a fiscally responsible budget.

Do you have any concerns about curriculum or other areas of education in the district?

I would like to see increased rigor for all of our students. Students of tomorrow will be living in an ever-changing world of technological advancements. It can be difficult to keep up with the changing demands of our future workforce. Any future curriculum that USD 464 considers needs to prepare our youth to be productive workforce members.

Employers in all fields are looking for employees who are problem solvers, can work in teams, have good communication skills, a strong work ethic, and can be a leader. Any curriculum chosen needs to take this into account.

What would you like to see implemented if on the school board?

I would like to see increased community communication and more community awareness. I am always surprised at the misconceptions residents have regarding the school district. I believe that those misconceptions could be eliminated or reduced if the district enhanced its communication to its constituents.

Susan Stieben

Can you list your civic involvement? Are you on any community boards, volunteer, etc.?

I have been an active church member for over 40 years, serving in children’s ministry and community outreach.

I am the parent of a special needs child and have supported Special Olympics and have become familiar with the various agencies and services available to our special neighbors.

I currently work in cancer research and have volunteered at the Light the Night event. In my current role, I am actively engaged in seeking opportunities for patients living in rural communities to have access to cutting edge research that is typically only available in urban cancer research centers.

Do you have previous political experience? If so, please list those offices held and when held.

This is my first candidacy for political office. Previously, I have worked for candidates in their campaigns and engaged legislators on issues in support of the disabled. Education policy is driven by local and state statute making it very important to collaborate with officials at all levels of government to promote policy that will benefit our local students.

What do you see as strengths in the district?

Over the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure of meeting Tonganoxie residents at community events, group meetings, forums and on door steps. I have found strong support for the children of the community, even from those whose children are no longer of school age. District patrons appreciate that the school district is an important cornerstone for a strong Tonganoxie. The new facilities position the district to support future growth.

What are the challenges you view facing USD 464?

The district is hindered by high turnover in classroom teachers and critical support staff. We must carefully assess the reasons for staff departures and perform an objective assessment of the feedback that we receive. A thorough market analysis of teacher and staff salaries must be done to assure that our district employees are receiving the most competitive compensation possible.

Do you have any concerns about curriculum or other areas of education in the district?

The assessment scores reported over the past years suggest that our students are not learning those skills needed to be successful. As a board member, I will actively engage with curriculum selection and seek input from classroom teachers on their experience with the curriculum they are asked to use. Topical materials selected to support curriculum must be age appropriate and foster an honest and balanced view of the selected topic, which will encourage students to develop the critical thinking skills needed to navigate the world of adulthood. Parents must feel welcomed into the classroom and have the opportunity to be informed of student lessons and have an effective mechanism to express any concerns regarding lesson content.

What would you like to see implemented if on the school board?

I would like the board agenda to include a monthly reporting of performance indicators for the district. This activity will be the basis for proactive and positive process improvement to focus board efforts and district resources on activities that support student achievement. These indicators may include: open district positions, staff turnover rates, student disciplinary referrals, the annual building needs assessment.

TONGANOXIE CITY COUNCIL

At-Large

Jacob Dale

Can you list your civic involvement? Are you on any community boards, volunteer, etc.?

In regard to civic involvement, in addition to City Council for the last 4 years, I also currently serve on the Tonganoxie United Methodist Church’s 304 Ministry, overseeing the operations of Grounded Coffeehouse and 304 Venue event space. I also participate on the USD 464 District Site Council. In the past, I’ve served on the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, the Tonganoxie Public Library Board, the Rec Commission’s “Families Actively Strengthening Tonganoxie (FAST) program, and more.

Do you have previous political experience? If so, please list those offices held and when held.

My previous political experience, from an elected perspective, consists of serving on the Tonganoxie City Council over the last years, beginning in January, 2020. From an appointed-position standpoint, serving on Planning & Zoning and the Library Board afforded me the opportunity to develop a foundational understanding of governmental budgeting, financial management, and compliance with ordinances, as well as helping to develop relationships with members of the community and various governmental agencies.

What do you see as the city’s biggest strengths?

I believe Tonganoxie is a great place to live for all. It’s a great place to raise a family. We are blessed with great amenities many communities of our size don’t have, such as a top notch swimming pool, park system and trail, a Rec Commission that offers a wide array of programs for all ages and a Public Activity Center, a wonderful, modern library, and more. Our school district is full of tremendous educators, who, through hard work, now have the facilities and tools to provide our children with the knowledge necessary for success.

We have an active VFW chapter providing events and services. Seniors enjoy everything from master gardening to computer courses at the library, or walking outside on the park trails when the weather is nice or in the Activity Center when the weather isn’t. We’ve been successful in attracting jobs and businesses to town, including Hill’s Pet Nutrition, DSM, and the many small businesses that have now filled up the Urban Hess Business Park.

We enjoy locally owned retail and dining options throughout the day. And for what we don’t have, we’re well located to larger communities that do. And finally, with all of that said, our people are our greatest strength. Tonganoxians are stubborn and opinionated, but fiercely loyal and caring. We’re very willing to share grievances with everything from mustard to taxes, but we’re also generally willing to listen to solutions. No matter who they are, I feel confident when I’m in Kansas City, Lawrence or elsewhere, and I see someone wearing some Tonganoxie gear, I’ll get a friendly head nod.

What are three biggest challenges facing the city?

One of our biggest challenges currently is maintaining the budget in light of rising costs, infrastructure needs, and a desire to reduce taxes. It’s no secret that property taxes have risen the last several years as a result of higher property values. While the City has nothing to do with determining property values, we’ve certainly benefitted from higher tax revenues.

That’s allowed the City to address needs like road conditions throughout town, salaries for Police, Fire and Public Works, bridge replacement projects, and more. We’ve also been able to reduce the mill levy for 2024 by 4 mills.

Even with that reduction, property taxes will go up, due to property value increases. But I don’t believe that will always be the case. I believe that property values will begin to drop. And with that, the City will have less funds to use. Costs to repair streets will continue to go up, City employees will continue to deserve raises, bridges will still need to be replaced, and we will need to expand our Wastewater Treatment Plant.

So, it’s critical for City Council to prioritize balancing the needs of the community with the desire to pay less taxes.

Are there any new initiatives you’d like to see implemented through city government?

My desired priorities for the City include continuing our smart and strategic growth, including possibly constructing 14th St. Additionally, as two entities that rely on tax revenues paid by our patrons, I’d like the City and USD 464 to work as partners during their budget sessions. Finally, I’d like to find ways to enhance our retirement offerings for our Police, Fire and Public Works employees.

All of this while continuing to provide the services and quality of small town life we’ve all come to enjoy and expect!