October 29, 2021

Tracy Springer is a graduate of Jayhawk Linn, Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University, (Master of Biology). My husband, Eric Springer, is also JLHS graduate. We have three children Grace, Emma and Gabriel. Grace and Emma are both graduates of JLHS; Gabe is a freshman at JLHS. My current employment is instructor at Fort Scott Community College and I have been an educator for over 25 years. 

1) Why are you running for school board.

As a taxpayer in the district and a parent in the district; I feel that I should be involved in a way that represents both aspects. 

2) What do you hope to accomplish if elected to this position?

Find ways to help provide opportunities that will grow our children future. 

3) What skills and/or experience do you have that will aid you in this position?

I have been on the USD 346 School Board for the last four years, been in public school education since 1995. 

4) What is your position on the mask mandates and Covid-19 protocols?

My position does not matter, when mandates are passed down from state agencies, school districts have to follow. If protocols are suggested: As a Board member decisions have to be made that protect not just our students but the faculty and staff.  The most important thing is keeping our school open and our kids in school. 

My name is Daniel Earnest and I am running for USD 346 School Board.

1) Why are you running for school board.

Our community lacks people that we willing to step up and volunteer their time for the betterment of the children, this is apparent in the lack of participation in volunteers for youth sports as well as the lack of participants in this election. I am running for this position for the same reason I coach baseball, football, and wrestling, I may not be the best candidate for to fill any of these roles but in most cases I am the only one who stepped up to volunteer. I volunteer for these position because I want the children of USD 346 to receive every opportunity they can to chase whatever their future dreams may be. Sometimes all it takes is letting a kid know that you believe in them and all of a sudden they start believing in themselves.

2) What do you hope to accomplish if elected to this position?

Our community needs a culture shift when it comes to supporting our children, we have become ok with being mediocre and that culture trickles into the everyday lives of our students. When we go to a high school football game on a Friday night and the stands are at less then 25% capacity it speaks volumes to the community support we are providing for our children. I am not ok with being mediocre, I am not raising my kids to be ok with mediocre, and I do not want our community to be ok with being mediocre. I want to work with the school administration, the students, and the community to change our culture to one that holds us all to a higher standard when it comes to our children.  

3) What skills and/or experience do you have that will aid you in this position?

In my professional life I am the General Manager for an industrial construction company that does about 50 Million a year in revenue. In this role I am responsible for managing a diverse group of people from administrative, accounting, and operations. I believe in creating a culture of teamwork and accountability, egos have to be set to the side and decisions made based on goals for the greater good of the company. In my personal life I am married with 5 children ranging from 13 to 3, my wife works as the school nurse for USD 346, the exposure my family has to all aspects of the Jayhawk school district will certainly aid me making decisions that are in the best interest of the staff and children of USD 346.

4) What is your position on the mask mandates and Covid-19 protocols?

I 100 percent believe that masks and vaccinations should be a personal choice that is not dictated by the government.  

My name is Kitty Rhynerson and I currently reside in Blue Mound with my son Dawson Rhynerson who is a fourth grader at Jayhawk Elementary.  I am a 2000 graduate of Southern Arkansas University. I have a Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Sciences. I have been employed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as an Environmental Compliance/Regularly Specialist for 14 plus years. Being a co-leader of the Helping Hands 4-H Club, I enjoy staying active helping Dawson and other youth in 4-H. 

1) Why are you running for school board?

This is my way of serving my community. I enjoy being a part of the decision making process regarding how to best prepare our children for their adult lives.  Having a child in the district, I want our schools to be successful for him, his friends, and all of our students to prepare for their futures, whatever direction they choose to go. I want our parents to feel confident that our district is providing the best education and opportunities for their children.

2) What do you hope to accomplish if elected to this position?

 I want to continue to serve as an advocate on behalf of students and the school district.  I want to continue to collaborate with board members, faculty, staff, families, community organizations and other public and private agencies to benefit both the children and the community to do what is BEST for our school district moving in to the future.

3) What skills and/or experience do you have that will aid you in this position?

If re-elected this will be my third term serving as a school board member.  Over the past years I have learned many things and it has given me the experience that is needed to move forward as a leader and guide upcoming new members.  Working with the public on a daily basis in my current job with the state I deal with many different people on many different levels.  This also helps me as a member of the school board as well.  We all come from different walks of life and each one of us bring something different to offer as a member.

4) What is your position on the mask mandates and Covid-19 protocols?

I know there are many different opinions out there and everyone has their own.  In order to limit the spread of COVID-19 there are a variety of mitigation efforts that can be utilized, some of which are already in place.  I feel our school district is doing a great job trying to limit the spread, and following the plan that is currently in place.  I know it is hard on everyone, but we need to think about the bigger picture and what is best for all in the end.   

My name is Matt Higgins and I am running for the USD 346 School Board.

1) Why are you running for school board?

These are the responses received to our questions for this election.