Only one Montezuma-Cortez Re-1 School Board post is contested in the upcoming election.
The two candidates running for the District C post are Sherri Wright and Bob Waggoner. A candidate questionnaire from the Cortez Journal was sent to each candidate last week to better inform voters on candidates’ stances. The candidates’ responses are published as they were received.
SHERRI WRIGHT, 60, RETIRED SCHOOL TEACHER WITH A MASTERS DEGREE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION
What are your top three priorities if elected?
My top three priorities if elected are: student achievement, fiscal responsibility and community communication.
Why are you seeking a post on the school board?
The reason I am running for the school board is because student achievement is on a downhill spiral. We need someone to look at the state standards and teach them at appropriate times and level.
What qualifications do you have that would improve the school district?
I am a retired teacher (20 years), was on the Cortez school board eight years and a director of Battle Rock Charter School two years. While on the Cortez school board I was also a CASB director for district 12.
What steps would you take to ensure all constituents have a voice?
I am already listening to the constituents. I am, and will continue to be, out in the public listening and taking back concerns and thoughts to the school board. I am willing to stand up for my constituents, even if I am the only one.
In your opinion, what has the school board done wrong in the past?
When you are not on the board you do not know what all the concerns and legalities are being discussed; therefore, it is hard to say what has been wrong in the past. We need to look at the future and move forward to the best of the school’s ability.
BOB WAGGONER, 69, PARTLY RETIRED BUSINESS OWNER WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN EDUCATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
What are your top three priorities if elected?
A) Find ways to do a better job for the kids in our schools who are not learning as much as they need to.
B) Encourage parents and community members to become active partners with our teachers and school staff in supporting the educational process.
C) Help assure that our new high school is the pride of our community.
Why are you seeking a post on the school board?
Because of my experience as a teacher and my life-long interest in education, I feel that I have something to offer.
What qualifications do you have that would improve the school district?
I have taught in a broad range of educational settings and have spent a good deal of time reflecting on the role and process of education.
What steps would you take to ensure all constituents have a voice?
The current “Twin Topics Series” is intended to do exactly that. I will continue to work to see the potential of this new venue realized.
In your opinion, what has the school board done wrong in the past?
Having served less than a year on the board, I am not familiar enough with the details of previous board actions to pass judgment.
Mail-in ballots for the election must be postmarked by Thursday, Nov. 5.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com
