Month: March 2015

Name and office sought
Desiree’ Fergus, Piper Board of Education, Unexpired Position.

Age: 36

Occupation: I have worked for the Board of Public Utilities for 11 years. I am a Field Service Representative in the Electric Operations Division.

Education: I graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1997 and graduated with my AGS Degree with a focus in Business and Utilities Management, in 2013 from KCKCC with Cum Laude and Phi Theta Kappa Honors.

Organizations, clubs, groups to which you belong
I am a member of Village Community Church. 11 year member of the Local 53, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and also serve as a Union Steward. And have previously served as a member of the BPU Employee Foundation. I am also a member of the NAACP.

Reasons for running
My husband and I chose to raise our family in the Piper community. We have amazing memories of our children attending elementary through high school years here. Piper Schools have provided our children with a strong academic base and a range of extracurricular opportunities. I want the same experiences for all Piper students. Having 5 children currently attending school in the district, I have spent time in the classrooms, and I have volunteered at countless extracurricular activities. I realize the need for people who are committed to the long-term success of all of our children. It is my intention that all students who attend Piper receive the best education possible and that taxpayers receive the greatest possible return on their investment. I don’t have a hidden agenda or platform. I only have a true willingness and desire to serve our children and community with the commitment they deserve.

What is your top campaign issue?
Quality Education is my top campaign issue. We have some of the most committed teachers I have ever met. At recent board meetings staff members were recognized for their years of service to our district and our children. Sixteen percent of the staff in Piper USD 203 have been serving here continuously for 15-30 years. Having spent time in the classroom volunteering with some of these teachers, I have seen their dedication first hand. Having seen them work under strained budgets and in overcrowded classes, I am amazed by what they do. However, I am concerned that with continual growth and classes busting at the seams, what long term effect is this going to have on the quality education that we all pride ourselves on here in USD 203.

There may be budget constraints facing local governments and
schools. If you had to make cuts, what would be at the top of the list to cut?
Serving as a member of School Board requires you to make tough decision regarding the budget and cuts. Making cuts should never be taken lightly, and I don’t think it would be fair to answer this question never having served as a member on the board. Making decisions on those cuts are a collaborative decisions and require in-depth knowledge on what our District’s needs are.

If you are an incumbent, list your top accomplishments in office.
If you are not an incumbent, what would you change?
My intentions are not necessarily to come in and make “Changes.” I would however, like to find a way to increase and promote parental and community member involvement in the lives of our students. This would include the academic aspect and extra curricular activities that students are involved in.

What is the difference, on the issues, between you and the other candidates running for this office?
It’s hard to say, from the Information I have gathered at this point, there is a general consensus on the challenges that our district is facing. With that being said I am looking forward to our upcoming candidate forum.

Have you run for elected office previously? When, results?
No, this is my first attempt to run for elected office.

Name: Ashley Biondi
Office Sought: USD 203 Board of Education

Age: 30

Occupation:
Stay-at-home Mom
Part-time substitute teacher, USD 500
Former first grade teacher at T.A. Edison Elementary in USD 500, 2008-2014

Education:
Piper High School, 2002
University of Kansas, 2007; B.S.E. in Elementary Education and B.A. in Spanish
University of Kansas, 2010; M.S.E in Curriculum and Instruction

Organizations, clubs, groups to which you belong:
Member of St. Patrick’s Parish

Reasons for running:
I am a vested patron. I have two young daughters who will be attending the Piper Schools. One of the reasons we moved to Piper is for the quality schools. I want to be a part of maintaining the excellent education our students are receiving.
I was a teacher. Having been in the classroom, I know the hours teachers spend on meeting the needs of every child. I want to help the hardworking teachers and staff we have in our buildings.
I believe having quality schools is vital for our community. Providing a quality education for our children sets them up for success in life and helps them become active citizens. Also, having excellent schools keeps patrons in our community.

What is your top campaign issue?
I want to be an advocate for our students and staff to provide the best education. I am aware that space, curriculum resources, technology and professional development are concerns. The current Administration and Board have plans in place in regards to these. I will continue their momentum and always strive to improve the current situation. Also, with the recent funding legislation I want to make sure funds are being used wisely.

There may be budget constraints facing local governments and schools. If you had to make cuts, what would be at the top of the list to cut?
I want to make sure we are using funds efficiently. One specific program should not be singled out. There may have to be small cuts across the board. Every staff member is vital to running our schools. Since I have been in the classroom, I know how each person affects the lives of students including bus drivers, secretaries, teachers, administrators, custodians, nurses, food service staff, etc. In my opinion, reducing the staff would be the last resort.

If you are an incumbent, list your top accomplishments in office.
If you are not an incumbent, what would you change?
I would like more patrons to attend Board meetings each month and become informed on the issues affecting our students and community.

What is the difference, on the issues, between you and the other candidates running for this office?
My passion for education and my teaching experience sets me apart from the other candidates. I taught first grade for six years and know the time a school’s staff puts in each and every day. This is a very unique time for public education and it is important to have someone who understands and relates to the issues.

Have you run for elected office previously? When, results?
This is my first time running for an elected office.

Name and office sought – Tom Beebe, Piper USD 203 Board of Education

Age – 51

Occupation – Director, Operations Administration at Empower Retirement, a division of Great West Financial.

Education – BS in Business Administration with majors in Accounting and Economics and a minor in Finance from Pittsburg State University

Organizations, clubs, groups to which you belong – Piper Optimist Club; Kaw Valley Youth Football; USA Football

Reasons for running – To help guide our district toward meeting the mission of providing each student with quality education and learning experience in a safe environment and allows them to reach their maximum personal potential.

What is your top campaign issue? Providing the proper facilities to house the growing population of students within our district, while balancing the on-going reduction of funding from the State level for educating the students of our district.

There may be budget constraints facing local governments and
schools. If you had to make cuts, what would be at the top of the list to cut? In the face of budget cuts or reduction in State funding, the first course would be to examine charging for current services being provided that our district is not compensated for through current educational funding. This would include transportation and full day kindergarten services which are not currently funded by the State.

If you are an incumbent, list your top accomplishments in office.
If you are not an incumbent, what would you change? As an incumbent of 8 years, I have been part of a Board that has pushed for increased academic rigor and we have experienced many results that have shown this success. With the increase in results across the board in testing of many different varieties, the achievements of our students have consistently ranked highly across the metro area as well as at the state level.

What is the difference, on the issues, between you and the other candidates running for this office? I have not learned of any of the ideas or thoughts of any of the new candidates running at this time as there have not been any opportunities to hear what motivated them to run. I have worked successfully and in harmony with the current incumbents who are seeking re-election and would gladly serve another 4 years with these competent individuals. I hope to learn more from the new candidates at the public Candidate Forum on March 30th at Piper High School

Have you run for elected office previously? When, results? Run and elected to the Piper U.S.D. 203 Board of Education in April 2007 and again in April 2011.