October 29, 2021

 

Cindi Inman

1. Why are you running for school board?

I was appointed to fill a vacated position in August of 2016.  When the term expired, I knew I had more to contribute to the board so I decided to run in the 2017 election.   I was honored to have been one of the three individuals selected for the next four years.  Here I am after six and half years later still feeling I have more to contribute to the staff and students of USD #344.  My father, Sherman Spence was a board member for over 17 years at USD #344, the advice he gave me when I first approached him about running for the vacated position is one, I hold dear to my heart.   My family has three generations of Pleasanton Alumni and has served the school in many volunteer capacities.   

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

I do not have a “personal” agenda if I am re-elected.  The school board is comprised of seven individuals with unique personalities and opinions who must come together to make the best decision possible for the students, teachers, principals, superintendent and even the community for the future, therefore I cannot make promises I know in my heart I would not be able to keep.  I want to make USD #344 an outstanding place to get an education that prepares our students for their future endeavors.

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

I graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor Degree in Business, majoring in accounting with a minor in economics.  I worked as an accountant at Diehl, Banwart, Bolton CPA for 10 years.  My job responsibilities included tax returns, auditing and monthly accounting for numerous Sonic Drive-Ins.  I then went to work for Ward/Kraft, Inc for 14 years in their corporate accounting department.  For the last seven years I have been at Cox Motor Company, Inc. as an accountant.  With my background, I am able to understand the yearly budget and financial statements along with the monthly expenditures. With this background I will do my best to keep our school district financially sound.

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

Every individual has a right to choose between wearing a mask or not.  Just because I choose not to wear a mask due to the fact, I get migraines does not mean I am going to look down at some who chooses to wear a mask.  I do not know their medical condition.  I feel the Covid-19 protocols we have in place at USD #344 was thought out thoroughly by a committee of competent teachers, administrators and the school nurse.  We as individuals have our own opinions concerning wearing mask and Covid-9 protocols but when it come down to it in the end, the board must take into the consideration what is the best interest of the students and faculty.  These students are the future.

 

My name is Kaye Hardy and I have lived in Pleasanton for the past 50 years and taught school at USD 344 for 38 years. I am married to Dennis and we have three children: Maggie Knox, Mary White, and Dennis, Jr. We also have two grandchildren, Kyla Green and Levi Hardy and two step-granddaughters, Kylie and Samara Knox. We also have two great-grandchildren, Emersyn and Mathieu Green.

1. Why are you running for school board?

I have been retired from teaching for five years. I taught elementary social studies and English; Junior High Math, Social Studies, English, Science and Health.  I have taught Civics, Freshmen English, FACS, Freshmen Literature, and had a credit recovery program that covered Consumer Math, Geometry, Algebra I and II and all four high school English levels. I taught college writing for Fort Scott Community College for three years but have spent most of my time at the Junior High level which was my passion.

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

I am running for the Board of Education to give back to the district that has been so good to me and my family. I want to see the district become even better for the students, faculty, and staff. Many children spend most of their time at school in class and in activities. I want to see that it is a safe, friendly environment where students enjoy being and can achieve their very best.

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

I have experience in a wide variety of teaching levels and subjects. I served in a vacated seat on the board to finish a term; spent over twenty years on the Six-Rivers Advisory Board for KNEA; was instrumental in writing the negotiated agreement between the teachers and the Board of Education; was the local Association president for several years; and served as chief negotiator between staff and the Board for several years. My advisory board position helped me gain knowledge of Kansas Law to be able to advise staff on what is and is not legal in the classroom and on trips.

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

I am satisfied with the current mask regulations in the district. There is so much controversial information about Covid and what the mask will do, it is difficult to really know what the best option is, but wearing masks inhibit learning for many - it is hard to understand others while wearing a mask and many children play with their mask rather than pay attention is class.

 

My name is Leslie Dumcum and I have resided in Pleasanton all of my 41 years. I am married to Samuel Davis and we have been foster/adoptive parents for over 8 years. I have two biological children, Aden (18) a 2021 PHS graduate, and Randen (16) a sophomore at PHS; two adopted children Kei-Mahni (13) 8th grader at PJH, and Kris'Sarria (9) a third grader at PES. We also have 3 bonus children that we plan to adopt. In our 8 years of fostering we have had over 40 children share our home. I graduated from PHS in 1998; received my Associates Degree from FSCC in 2000; and graduated from Ottawa University in 2012 with my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I currently co-own and operate The Blu Flamingo in Pleasanton with my mother, Robin Umphenour. Oh, and don't forget my 3 amazing dogs, Roxee, Lolli and Winky. 

1. Why are you running for school board?

I want to give the parents and children a larger voice. I also feel like when you see areas that need improvement you should be willing to step up and try to help with those improvements not just complain. 

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

To give parents more of a voice and a role in their children’s education. Knowing that we live in a rural community, with higher poverty levels and the amount children receiving special education services is above the national average, I want to be an advocate for the children and their families. 

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

I have a unique viewpoint from all sides. I have worked previously in the school systems for more than 7 years, I also have several children that attend PHS and I also am a foster parent and have spent numerous hours in trainings and real life experience with children of all ages and on all levels of educational needs. 

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

Masks should be left up to the parents, whatever they feel is best for their child or family. As far as protocols I feel like following advice of the health departments within reason. I think we have to watch when we start implementing rules and guidelines that start taking the parents choices away. Covid 19 is not going to go away so we have to learn to live with it and still give our children a normal life.  

 

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