001Okay, we're at 3:00. First, I want to welcome everybody to this special meeting. Um got a couple things. First, I apologize for my voice. Just struggling a little bit. We also had a bit of a tragedy. Um one of the guys that works is working on the new build, a painter, uh had a heart attack and passed away. Um guys like 2:00. So, >> [clears throat] >> yeah. Um he made it down the ladder and but pretty young, so that's probably a tough tough day for for his family, so we don't know him, but um I don't know, for a brief period of time he was part of our Walosi family, so. Sure. Yeah. I don't. I don't know, Zach. You guys mind if I break one? No. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this
002day. We just thank you for the opportunity to gather in your words and to be in my midst. But uh right now we're coming to you with heavy hearts, Lord. Um as Chad he stuck uh close to home with all of us, Lord, as this as uh a worker here that has been working with the inner corporation as uh has succumbed to a heart attack and so forth Lord we just pray uh blessings upon his family, Lord. We just pray that you'll just continue to look over his family and just be with that family as they continue to navigate this situation. Again, we just thank you and praise you, Lord. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you. So, um we we didn't have this on the agenda, but um just like any public
003meeting, we offer an opportunity for public comment prior to the meeting starting. So, we don't have a timer up or anything, but I wanted to make sure that we had that moment for public comment. There's a Okay. Well, then we'll just jump right in. Uh uh the way this format works is we have a set of questions. Um we're we just each decide who asks each question consistently for [clears throat] each person. Um just for consistency's sake. Um none of us has been through this process before, so we're going to try to make it um um as same and each candidate gets the exact same treatment as possible. So, anyway, our first candidate is Shane Booker. If you'll come up. Thank you for being here. Thank you. Okay, we'll just jump right in. What are
004What are the roles and responsibilities of a school board member? What are the roles? Roles and responsibility. The primary responsibility would be the overseeing the budget, the fiscal part of it. Um overseeing policy and procedure. Um And pretty much familiar with this is the hiring and firing of employees. They work the school board works directly with the school board I'm sorry I'm sorry the superintendent. And oversee pretty much they are the boss for the superintendent. That's their lane and that's their responsibility. Okay. Okay. Um in making decisions what should be considered by a board member? I'm sorry what what decisions should be made? >> you're making decisions, school board decisions um what would you think would be important to take into consideration by that board by a board member? I think in communications would probably
005be the primary responsibility for the board members to be able to communicate, relate our agenda, the goals of the decision that needs to be made and be able to present it to the public to the superintendent and then from there it have it be able to be relayed to the teachers and the staff going forward. So everybody's on the same mission um and have the same direction. Okay. Shane, with your line of work, you know this as well, but with the school there's a chain of command type per se. If you have a complaint, how would you handle that? What's your responsibility? A complaint as a school board member? Yes. Uh if you're a school board member, that goes directly to the superintendent. I mean it it was a chain of command works going up
006and it goes down. When you start jumping over the chain of command, going to different lines, that causes animosity. It causes friction and it doesn't show unity that needs to be in established. And it's in this respect, I mean if you want to build respect for the people down below, you need to be able to show it all the way through. And then you need to as a school board member, that's what is probably the most important position is to hire the superintendent to be able to express your mission, your goals as the people that's up here for our community. All right. Shane, um what do you feel the community wishes for the future of Wallace C. Schools? What is our community? Uh I think after we've seen over the last 9 months is transparency.
007I think the simple things is just be able to communicate. Show the direction. Um I've been very fortunate um being involved with the alliance. The Wallace C. Alliance is something that our past superintendent started up last fall. Um been in those meetings. Very passionate people really want to the better for our community. And to show that and that's where and I don't know how much of that was related to you guys, but it was something that is very seen that they just all they ask is they want to know what the mission statement is for. What is our goals? What are we trying to do to make our community better? Um for our kids to get the best education for the the time that they're here. And that's and I get to see that first
008hand and hear the hear that from the people. Um Don, I know you were were in our very first one and you seen how it was. I think it was a great opportunity for the public to be able to express. And I think the the one thing over the last 6 months, 8 months is I think I will give you guys credit. You've listened to them. Um sometimes the people here do agree, sometimes they don't. Um but you guys been open-minded and willing to listen. And you do you and you you listen to their complaints and you guys changed and that's what we needed. Um going forward we can always improve. And I think it's a growing it is as how we do we just evolve. But I think that is the biggest thing that
009we need to do going forward. Some of these invariably kind of get over the same material but that's okay. Uh what is the role of the of the school board financially? People need to understand I think it's sometimes hard I've been very fortunate. Um I've been involved in the government uh as in the Township Trustee or I'm sorry board member for Van Buren Township. I've have a strong idea of what government uh budgets look like. I've been involved in making those decisions. As being at the Sheriff's Department I was the chief deputy for 4 years. I helped oversee the budgets there. Government budget is a lot different than the corporate world and the personal budgets. You have to understand how money comes in. In the corporate world you can save money you can and you
010can do things to make your business succeed. When it comes to the government it's hard for us to understand but we have to spend everything in that budget. And to if you do not the state will come in or different government agencies will come in and they'll cut it. And I think that's a really tough for school I mean the public to understand the school board's responsibility is is hey we need to make sure we do the best that we can to be able to get the maximum out of our money. Otherwise, we're going to lose it. So Why do you want to be a school board member? And who do you feel you represent as a school you would represent as a school board member? Who would I represent? >> Yeah, who would you
011represent and why do you personally want to be a school >> I personally I'm invested in this community and I have three sons that go to Wawasee. I have a numerous nieces and nephews from high school all the way down to kindergarten. I had I had the I grew up here. I had that strong bond. I had that warrior pride. And I feel that we needed to have more people have that and then make this Wawasee grow. Um I'm sorry, what was the second part of your question? Who do you represent as a board member? Who would That's a pretty simple. We're going to represent this community, Wawasee community. I mean, the position that I am is going to be the Van Buren Township, Milford. Um I have strong ties there, connections. Most of the
012people that are sitting behind me are from Milford. I I know them personally. I grew up there. They have I have that bond. Um But I have strong ties through to Syracuse and Webster. I mean, I've been very fortunate um in my line of work to get to know a lot of different people. And and that's the where I realized we have to have strong leadership all the way through the school corporation. Be able to communicate. Um I go to church in North Webster. So I have ties to North Webster. I grew up in Milford. Um my closest friends are all live in Syracuse around the around Wawasee or in this community. So I I'm I'm invested in Wabash, IN. Shane, what experiences will help you be an effective board member? What experiences? Um I've
013been as a chief deputy of the sheriff's department in your guys' shoes. The scrutiny that comes with it, the pluses and minuses that the public can throw out at you that come to you through emails, phone calls, come to you at the meetings, and um being able to communicate with them and try to solve the problems that they have. That's the biggest thing. I've been also fortunate, like I said earlier, being in the township, I've worked with budgets. Um that's one of the most important roles. Um Other things being in that leadership position, I had to do the tough decisions in making hiring, firing. I I'm a true believer is that you you hire slow. You you you take the time, make sure you know what you're getting. I think it's really important, especially in
014the position that you guys are in here the next few months, hiring the next superintendent because that's going to dictate the next 10 years of where this school corporation's going to go. Um If you have a strong leadership and and everybody's on the same page, things will go very smoothly and it will go solid. If there is scrutiny, there's issues, then unfortunately it could push us back. And the effects of it could be great. Um what else would you like the board to know about you? Anything that we haven't discussed yet? Um born and raised here out at Dorat Lake. I was very fortunate to be a Wabash grad, and I played baseball on our sectional baseball team uh in the '90s, early '90s. Great time. They gave me the life life lessons to make
015who I am. I owe a lot to I could sit there I was thinking about this earlier like Mr. Murphy in his business class. He taught me how to approach things and and and how he treated us and and he always came with a smile. Um baseball coaches and the different coaches and I had here gave us the work ethic. That was kind of the stuff that I really appreciate from here. Um went to college, came back. Uh worked on our family farm. Um became a volunteer fireman. Uh got really in in touch with our community. And then from there I got into law enforcement. And that's where it kind of changed my life. I mean I where I it you learn how to communicate with people and go from there. Which then also I
016was fortunate enough to meet my wife through being in law enforcement and got married and we have three young men are true warriors and and I'm very pleased and very proud of them. Um I was we got the news that during Christmas that uh uh my oldest is going to be a valedictorian. So, that's pretty cool. And then he actually won NLCs and sectionals in swim. So, it's been pretty cool. So, it's um very very for very grateful. It's a good senior year. Yes. Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Um I was Oh yeah, we this is a So, going through your application that you filled out, are you currently the president for Van Buren? Yes. >> Okay. And then you are you willing to step away from that position? Yes. I mean I have we
017had discussions on it and actually I reached out to the Republican Party um earlier I guess it was last week. Um we discussed everything. Um I really appreciate the 10 years that I had on or being on the township board. And I learned a lot and it I think it kind of prepped me for the opportunity for this position and what I need to be here, but I feel strong desire that I have more to offer to the community and help the growth of our young people in the Wabash City Corporation. Okay, these are some scenarios. Um we've got three of them. Scenario one is a an upset and a irate parent wants a school employee fired or reprimanded. They come to you with that. How do you handle it? Well, first thing you have
018to ask them is did they go to the school, I mean, the principal? Did they go through the That's the whole thing we spoke about earlier, the chain of command. And you need to say discuss that with them and see where that how that um conversation took place, what what happened there. Then also, you need to contact your superintendent. He oversees the principals. And then then I'll see you sit back and let him do his job or her, whoever you is in that position. And then then when however that is resolved, hopefully that they can give you a some kind of um conclusion what what took place. But it is not our place at the end of I mean, to step in there and and jump the chain of command. That is uh the principal's
019responsibility to oversee his his uh school. Okay, another scenario. Um >> [clears throat] >> Fellow board members or the fellow board members or the superintendent does not agree with recommendations. I I I'm going to interpret this all the way through as fellow board members do not agree with the superintendent's recommendations. It's a little vague on my question here, but so for the next two candidates, I'm going to phrase it that same way. So, board members are not in agreement with the superintendent's recommendations. How do you How would you go forward with that? I think that's where we need to have a a really I know and being in government, there's the reason why they have executive sessions and discussions that way. I think there's some things that I mean and I don't know and that
020and not to minimize your question is there so many different ways in which the problem could be. If it's personnel, and honestly that that's something that the the really the six people, the five board members, and that superintendent needs to be able to discuss openly and communicate and and you need to see and then we need to be objective on both ends. And hopefully that person that you put in that position can see your guys' point of view. And then vice versa is if he presents reasons why we need to be open-minded and understanding and say, "Okay, we trust him. He's in the He oversees the day-to-day operations. We don't That's not the position as a school board. We That's not the day-to-day operations." You have to have trust in the in the decision that
021you guys made in that position. And the same thing where you know, we'll even go a little farther with it is like even the community needs to understand, too, is they voted the people here, they need to trust the decisions that you guys make. I mean, all the way through, also. Shane, [clears throat] still following that scenario situation, um three school board members are in the same location. How would How would that get handled? How would you handle that? It rotation as in >> So, three like location. If like three school board members are in the same location at one time. You just can't discuss anything related to school. As simple as that. Um the the law is very clear. I mean, you can't have a quorum. I mean I think hopefully we can all
022be professional enough to handle our knowing our responsibilities and what what needs to take place. And what's what's right. I I try to hold myself uh in high integrity. And and I do not want to ruin that. I I built my whole life trying to do that do the right thing. I'm not saying I'm perfect. But you have to carry yourself with high integrity and do the right thing. And the right thing is you don't discuss business when it's not supposed to be discussed. Now, if there's two of you, I mean and which is it's allowed, you can have that discussion. But when it comes I mean we got to do what's right. Hold yourself to a higher standard because that's we are in a position here to educate and give the direction to these
023young minds. And we got to be leaders and uh all the way through. And if you can't lead it correctly up top, it's going to trickle down below and to the to the people down and the the little things will get us pushed a little farther and to try to to get away with stuff and we can't have that. We got to hold ourselves to that warrior pride to the to the best of our ability. That's all the questions. Um do you have any follow-ups or I think we've got it covered in number eight. Anything else that you'd like to like us to To but at the end here? Is there anything one thing I want to share is what I would really hope that we can whoever you choose and just for us as
024Wawasee. I was happy to go to the Warsaw basketball game this year when Wawasee played them. And it was a great ceremony at halftime. They represented our assistant principal Mr. Snyder there. And something that I will just stayed with me ever since then. He's gave a speech and he said, "You know what? I bleed black and orange." He goes, "But I have a special place in my heart for the green and gold." I really want us to I want our people to bleed green and gold. We need to have that mentality where we want our kids to come back here. We have that dedication to say, "You know what? This this place has meant something to me. We have um we have that warrior pride. And then I mean I think at times it is
025sometimes it goes in waves but we need to make sure that we I think everybody back here wants to do what's best for our community and these kids. Um they have that warrior pride. I think at times we all can I don't know. I've had discussions with you guys individually. We have not agreed to some of the decisions that you guys have made. I mean I I've I I've questioned at times. I shared my opinions but I support you guys. You guys made the You guys chose what you did. Um if if I happen to be chosen for this position, I'm going to be up front with you. I am going I'm not going to be a yes person. I'm a strong A personality. I'm going to say, "Hey, this is where I have my
026concerns." And sometimes I might not agree with you. I hope you under- I mean, it's not a personal thing but it's what I feel is going to be best for this community and for the kids. I think that you guys are the same way. I mean, I got to know you guys a little bit personally. I Don I at least but I've coached baseball for 15 years the the way with you. I've known you guys quite a while too. I mean, you guys know who what you're getting with me. What kind of personality I am. And so, I'm a straight shooter. You okay, Andy? Yeah, sorry. I said I'd take over for him if you want to >> Yeah. Yeah. Um that's great. Appreciate it. Okay. I think we got it more than We'll just
027go through the process and then we'll we'll we'll vote at the end so Okay. Thank you. Well, thank you, Shane. Thank you, guys. >> [laughter] >> How are you guys doing? Good. Good. How are you? Good. All right, we can be ready, guys. Thanks for being here. Um Got a handful of questions, couple scenarios. Um we just kind of go through them. We rotate how we ask them and we kind of try to keep it standard for each person. So, we'll just jump right in. All right, here we go. What are the roles and responsibilities of a school board member? Uh roles and responsibilities of any school board member would be to uh serve its constituents, uh the teachers, the students of our corporation. Um you know, as a board there's a ton of responsibility
028that is placed on us to be transparent, open to feedback, uh be able to ask good questions, um and you know, empower our people that are in charge of our students, whether that be the teachers, the faculty staff, uh our administrators, uh you know, to give them the best possible tools and resources to do their job effectively. In making decisions As a board [clears throat] member? Yeah. Um what things do you think should be considered? In making decisions? >> In making decisions. What should a board member consider when they're deliberating? Yeah, I I think as a board we want to make sure that the vision that is set in place for Wallsee, you know, Community Schools, that our decisions uh are impacting those and and have impact for them. You know, as a uh when
029we set our vision, it's long-term. You know, we have the broader scope as a board to, you know, analyze those and, you know, any decision that we make and go about those, we got to look at that analytically. We got to have facts, we got to have data, we got to be able to forecast. Um you know, in the past year public schools has been hit heavily with limited resources, with funding. And those are one of those things where, you know, we have to be able to look at and forecast some of those decisions that have to be made. Um but again, what can we do to continue to empower our people and give them the resources that they need? When approached with complaints, what is your responsibility? Listen. Make sure that the people feel
030heard. Um when you take time to respectfully listen to any complaint, uh it is important that they feel seen and heard when sharing that. Uh it is not the responsibility of myself to solve that problem. Um I believe that again, uh day-to-day operations for us as board representatives is to make sure that the people that we have in place are empowered to handle those day-to-day situations. Um chain of command is very important. Uh you know, through the conversation uh receiving that complaint, I respectfully, you know, redirect that person to whether it be the teacher, coach, administrator, central office, wherever that issue may be. Um and then, you know, as far as follow-up, you know, having those conversations with, you know, superintendent, um just for bringing awareness of the conversation and and just again, transparency on
031you know, what I information I may have gathered and asking those good questions on for follow-up. What do you feel the community wishes best for the future of our schools? I would say that's a great question. I would want to ask you guys as well, honestly. Um what what is currently your guys's vision, if you don't mind me asking, since you guys have held this position? I know you guys are you're interviewing me, but at the same time I'd like to kind of hear what your thoughts might be, too. Well, I >> [clears throat] >> I guess I'm I'm willing to answer, but I guess I'd like for you to go first. Um and then I'll certainly chime in with mine as well. Yeah. I believe our community truly wants to be able to put
032faith and trust into our school board. And um and for us to be able to empower our leaders and teachers uh to do what's best for our students. Um there's a ton of conversations that obviously we have very passionate group of people in our community uh that both share publicly the good and the things that they have concerns with. And that's important because discourse provides growth. If there is no discourse, there's no room for growth. Um so I think all of that is healthy when done professionally and respectfully. Um so I think transparency is important for us uh as a community, uh direction, vision. Um obviously in the coming months, hiring a superintendent is paramount. And you know, the task before the board, that is a major one. Again, instilling installing a leader uh that
033represents the community is going to be vitally important. Okay, I said I would answer, so >> Um I'm I feel like I'm part of the community. Um and also long-time educator as well. Uh I kind of think of some things um that are more and not not necessarily more from what you said, but um some concrete or more tangible things I believe that often times get overlooked. Um number one would be um the safety of all of our students. That that's our that the the community certainly wishes that for the future of any school system. That that's what one of the main wishes should be is that we keep our students safe. We're entrusted with them from the minute they're getting on the bus or almost leaving their doorstep till they get home again at
034night and we're we're entrusted with that. So, the community I'm I I they want us to keep our keep their kids safe and I take that very seriously. Academic um success uh we're working on that. Um it's it's a difficult thing. It's not a thing that's going to turn over overnight with changing um academic uh results, test scores, whatever, but I believe that we're doing that. Our I read scores are climbing. Our um I learn scores are improving. Our SAT scores at the high school um we're [clears throat and snorts] we're turning out when I go to graduation every year I am just amazed when I shake the hands of our graduates coming off the stage and what I see in those kids coming off the stage, young men, young women, I believe is what
035our community also wishes. That we're turning out students that are like that. They are just so they carry themselves so well. They're proud that they've got their degree. They're respectful in shaking hands and in greeting Mr. Walmer and and Mr. Snyder when he was there if there. Um so, turning out well-rounded students that are going to be ready um for either college or ready for uh to move right into the workforce. We had uh a recognition at at the board meeting on Tuesday night with our Polywood Academy students doing exactly what I envision for our students, and that is uh as the CTE program, they were given a task uh to to figure out something for our benches for the pool. Polywood Academy, they knocked it out of the park. They were actually using a
036machine that was donated for money with the Don Wood Foundation. So, all of those things that are working toward keeping our students safe and then turning out academically able students, and students who are well-rounded, good citizens, in other words. Yeah, absolutely. I appreciate you sharing that. That's uh without a doubt, that's something that you see every day. And I get stories back from whether it's one of my two girls who currently go to school or my wife at the high school right now. Um they share those stories. You know, I I see it all the time about their experiences, how excited my uh daughter is to take a tour of the new elementary school in Milford. Uh she came in today talking about how big that gym was. And I asked her, "Well, how big
037is it?" And she said, "10 ft." And I was like, "Okay, we probably need to learn a little bit about uh what size looks like uh for a second grader right now, but that's okay. Uh that's okay. But, yeah, CTE programming >> you're probably 10 ft tall in her eyes, too. >> Yeah, probably, probably. But, you know, there's there's ton of great programs and experiences, and I was here last week and I saw the recognition that took place, and it's been incredible. Shared student experiences are important. And um again, uh it's one of the things that I've been able to do in my educational career for, you know, 15 years now, serve as a role as a teacher, coach, club sponsor, now into administration. Um you know, the the role that the board has in
038being able to provide the levels of support to make those things happen, to make sure that kids are safe. Um you know, you have quality people in charge of of our young people, which is important. Thank you. Okay. What Sorry. What >> [clears throat] >> What is the role of a school board school board member financially? Financially? Yeah. Uh well, uh be fiscally responsible with the money that are coming in from especially public funds. Um being able to forecast. Uh we have to set a long-term vision and and plan um when it comes to financials. Um our job is not to micromanage it. Our job is to empower the people that are in charge in proposing those budgets, uh approving those budgets, asking good questions. But again, you know, identifying what's the long-term vision of
039what our needs are and then what steps are going to go into making sure that happens. I'm next, but I was making a note. So, this kind of gets to the to the heart of it a little bit. Why do you want to be a school board member? And I've got a follow-up too. >> Sure. Yeah. Well, ironically enough, this isn't my first time running. I was uh a write-in when I was in high school, when I was 18, but they said it didn't count because I didn't own property. Uh but I was very passionate about politics when I was in high school, and um in this particular situation, it's just something I was called I felt called to do. Um you know, I spent 10 years teaching social studies, government, uh helping, you know,
040shape young minds on being educated in what decisions they make. And obviously, I'm invested in what Wawasee has, you know, for my family. Not just my wife, not just my own children, but my the friends of my children, the friends of my wife, the uh cousins that I have that are working in the school corporation. Uh I've heard a great deal about Wawasee Community Schools even before I arrived because of the relationships that I made, you know, in college. And moving into Milford in 2011, I I found out quickly on just how passionate and how caring people can be. I mean, Milford sign says it all, nice town, nice people. And that we're surrounded by that. So, I just feel called to uh have this opportunity to to serve. And again, full transparency, and I
041even put it on my application, this isn't something that I'm too looking to get elected for. I spoke with uh my school and superintendent, and and I told him what was on my heart, and he says, "Don't you get yelled at enough?" And I just said, "No, I just feel like it's very important that if the opportunity presented itself to just be able to serve my community and school corporation that, you know, I'm equally invested in to be able to do so through through this term." So, that's re- that's really the the root of it on why. So, you're not interested in You you would not be interested in in in serving long term? No, I in obviously, uh I hadn't heard who or might be interested in filling, and I knew that I saw
042the process for it online, and so I said, "Why not? There's no risk in coming in and meeting with you guys, getting live streamed live all over the world that I'm sure everyone's tuned in watching. There's no shame in that. So, yeah. So, and then also um if you're selected who do you represent? Everybody. I just represent student-centered focus, the teachers, our administrators, um this community. And that's important and me personally I'm faith and family first and you know, I I lead uh with vulnerability and transparency. Um that is something that is important to me and I feel that through my own past experiences and conversations that I've had both good and bad have kind of shaped um you know, who the type person I would want to see in that seat even if it
043was not me. Um so, yeah. So, with the some big decisions we have to make for the next 9 months, um what experiences will help you be effective? I know that you decided you don't want to rerun, but what experiences in these next 9 months feel that you could Yeah. >> really put towards helping us? Again, uh I've been in education since 2011. As soon as I graduated high school, I taught 1 year at a middle school in East Noble, which was my hometown. Um uh family's still there, but I probably never go back to East Noble. Love them to death, but uh since then I've been at Northwood, spent 10 years as a social studies educator. I was a student council sponsor. I was a coach on the basketball program, head baseball coach. Um
044was assistant AD, now AD for the last 2 years. Um and in all those roles and conversations as far as leading kids in the classroom, programs being a part of even our our teachers union in that capacity of just understanding all the stakeholders that are at play in order to benefit our students that are under our care. Those experiences and obviously as an administrator at my current school that my eyes can open up much wider than what it was when I was just a classroom teacher and even just as an administrator. I have a lot of conversations with my own board and attend those board meetings regularly where you know you you get the broader scope of the impact and the decisions that are being made and so all those experiences and the conversations that
045go into it um have led into this so Um what else would you like the board to know about you? Anything that hasn't been discussed? Oh man. Nothing in particular that really comes to mind. Um honestly, I just I appreciate the time that that you guys are going in and putting in towards this. It's important for our community. It's important for Milford. Um yeah, I just yeah, appreciate it man. Okay. Scenarios. Here we go. A rate parent wants a school employee fired or reprimanded. Go. That's just any scenario? Like am I at a am I at an athletic event? Cuz that's happened before. Is it You can craft I can craft one. Thanks. You you probably have one already. Yeah, I mean yeah, these these these have happened and again I I go back to
046my previous response of you got to be able to listen. Uh if they are so irate then 24-hour rule is in place. Uh that is a good one to go by whether I was a teacher or a coach or even an admin now, it's why don't we set up a time to discuss? You know, why don't why don't we take 24 hours or you know, if it's a Friday night why why don't you uh let's meet let's meet on Monday. Let's let's have a cup of coffee. Let's let's talk about it. And then let's hear it out and again respectfully listen. Um make them feel valued and heard and again take it through the appropriate channels. Okay, so a scenario of you and your fellow board members do not agree with the recommendation that the
047superintendent is is wanting to bring forward for board approval. How would you handle that? Well, first I would ask good questions. Um clarifying questions to get to that point whether or not I agree or disagree uh with it. I think it's important to understand uh where the recommendation's coming from uh whether it's references or what the history is. Um I think all the need to gather all the facts and information. And if a decision's made whether I disagree and uh the rest of the board agrees, uh I think the time of discussion when it's raised during that time after a vote, I think that's that's when you make that known, but once a decision becomes final then once you leave the room, you do everything you can to uh support the superintendent with that decision
048that was made. Um that goes for if I it was a decision that I did approve. Um once you once the vote is made and that decision has been come final, then you do everything you can to to support it publicly. So, the uh situation that three school board members are are together. Um how would you handle that situation? Smile and wave. It's I mean you can't really can't really uh get into uh many scenarios where everyone is all in one location. I think that is uh pretty important, so you don't really uh you you somewhat avoid those, I guess, for quorum reasons. You don't want to create a quorum of any kind. I've heard really good things about you from your school and community, but it does make my brain struggle to have you
049know a Northwood guy right here swallowing. Hey, you know, I was just thankful it was St. Patty's Day. I had an excuse to wear green at work today. >> You didn't want to get pinched, right? Well, the yes, I had several unified athletes over the last 2 weeks reminding me that today was going to be St. Patty's Day and they were going to pinch me if I didn't wear green. So, I made sure to wear green today. Good. It just worked out. Good. So, any last words? Anything you think of that you didn't think of on number eight? You didn't really have a lot about anything else you want the board to know about you, us? Um kind of last opportunity to let us know about you. >> I I just think that, you know,
050there this is a it it takes a very uh vulnerable person to be able to sit in your guys' seats. It's a thankless job. Um much like any job of leadership. Um there is always going to be decisions that people disagree with. Um I I think that as long as we are transparent and we are able to defend uh with facts and evidence on why those decisions are being made, um then it's okay that there's people that disagree. Um I will also, you know, in my time with with this, I I know both uh uh candidates, I guess, for lack of better word, that that are, you know, coming in here with, you know, for you guys today and and fighting for our students. Um again, transparently knowing that I'm not going to run if
051I will say I know Beth Beer, who is out there right now, she has my full vote of confidence. I will I will share that. She did a wonderful job of helping lead Wawasee Community Schools in her capacity as a teacher and leader over there in our corporation. Um I have no agenda. I think it's important that someone filling this role doesn't have an agenda. I know she doesn't. She has nothing to gain or lose by this, but I know that for everything she did for the many years over there is that she will fight hard for our kids. Um and I I feel it on my heart to be able to say that at this time since you allowed me to, and I appreciate it. Appreciate you guys' time. Thank you as well. >>
052Thank you. Thank you guys. >> Thank you. Give me a second. Quick break. 10-minute break. Yeah. Just kind of Yeah. Okay. Nice meeting you. Nice meeting you. No. no, I got my Thank you. Thank you. I went live. Yeah, good. Yeah, that's great. They're doing really good. Yeah, you know, they always get more That's that's That's the second That's the second So, you So, you know, we're going to They're coming in about what they were last year at this time. Okay, so like it's It's good. Of course It's 90 or something. You know, like that. First round the second Yeah. We'll get them in. So, we'll get them in. How many How many attractions did she get? I don't know if she said that too. Yeah. I figured she did. I would guess her. Yeah,
053I would say probably. It really depends on what you're So, are you counting public schools, private schools, and those charter schools? Yeah. If you're just doing public schools, it's probably about Do it. Public, city, and charter, and private schools. have higher because they are So, that's what it What does that look like the second time around? Um it's pretty good. I mean, like it goes up You got a lot of kids Oh, a lot bigger than that. Bigger than that? Oh my god, yes. I'm coming to your house for the NCAA. 13 in the entire section. Adding a whole section of 30 kids. Oh! And that's just for one school. Oh! So, so yeah, I mean, like like there are Third graders and second graders do it. Yeah, so that Yeah, I know. Yeah. Um
054This year you know I don't No. No. My time That was Um It's We're the plan. It's pretty good. So, like So, they have that pool. So, they're And then and then and then established in their fourth grade. So, you can going to have to do the class back and forth and then I'll tell you what the change Yeah. No, no. to know. Oh, they It's all the We'll see how It's just a It's a struggle. Yeah. You do the Oh, yeah. Yeah, it's it's a struggle time. So, you do the scaffolding, too, right? What we do we do right? It's all of it. Yeah. But, that's No. So, he's got the Yeah. And they're all in all They use And it goes down across the So, we're starting with scaffolding because That's the Although
055our kids They should be doing the checkpoints. Yeah. So, this is Yeah. Yeah. So, we're we're Yeah, we No, I see you. We'll adjust the Oh, yeah. Yeah. come back [clears throat] and and get down to >> Mhm. >> Thanks for being here. Ready to jump right in? Sure. We have two pages of questions. Okay. Um okay, here we go. What are the roles and responsibilities of a school board member? >> [snorts] >> Well, a school board member is to um support what is happening in a school corporation, um to listen to their constituents, what they would like for to happen for their kids, to listen to the um superintendent and what initiatives are being brought forth. And um basically, it's meant to um advocate for kids in the community and then all of those
056that are responsible to carry out the things that need to happen within the corporation. In making decisions as a board member, what things should you consider? What what things should you keep in mind when you're making a decision as a board member? So, I think you have to keep in mind, first of all, like what are the policies? Like that's one thing that um you're to uphold as a school board member. So, I feel like um the policies are huge. Um you need to consider uh the constituents that you're representing, what it is that they're wanting, um what you've been told. You're also um just to be that positive neutral liaison between the school board and the constituents and the leadership that's been hired in place. As a school board member, when you're approached with
057a complaint, what is your responsibility? Well, I think the first thing you need to ask is have they talked to the person they're complaining about? Like you know, what has happened? Um because really the school board should kind of be the last in the stops. So, you know, I would hope that they would try to work it out with the person. And if not, then there's a very clear way that it should happen. So, let's say it was a parent upset with the teacher, they should go to the teacher first, then it should go to the building administrator with the teacher involved. And if we still can't get rec you know, get it reconciled at that level, then you should go with whoever the problem who would be the overseeing um leadership at the central
058office. So, definitely there's a chain of command. Um what do you feel the community wishes for the future of Walnut City schools. Well, what I think that the community wants is they want transparency. Um I think they're concerned about the morale of teachers within the district. Um I think another thing is they're very concerned about what some people perceive as um financial oversight when enrollment is going down. So, I think they're looking at all of those things and just kind of wondering, you know, what is the long-term plan? Um because it ultimately affects their community, their taxes. I think, you know, what's really hard when you are a teacher or working in education, um one of the things that I have learned is really they're your they're your customers. They pay your salary. Um they
059you're there to serve them. So, I think that's just a really, you know, it's kind of a fine line because uh schools are driven by policies at the state level and we have to do a lot of things that, you know, a lot of people don't understand like what the policies are and what what needs to happen. And so, I think that means that the school board always has to be um having some professional development, listening to what um is changing at our state level so that we can help um our community understand how that affects what happens for the schools. Sorry. Okay. You kind of addressed this, but um what is the What is the role of the school board financially? What is our role financially? Yes, school board. Um So, you have to
060stay within budget. I mean, that's huge. Um I've negotiated um several contracts as a teacher. I've been the lead on it. And so, you know, the school board has to kind of look at all their employees um cuz it's not just about teachers and in negotiating that contract. They have to look at all their employees and and know what funds are available, know what grants are out there, know what way things can be paid for. So, it's a lot. You have to be fiscally responsible for the community. And sometimes that means saying no to things that the community wants. Unfortunately. So, this is a two-part I'll give you one part. They're not Okay. not really connected, so I'll just give you one and then I'll follow up with the other. >> Okay. Um why do
061you want to be a school board member? Well, >> [clears throat] >> in my journey, um what has happened in my own journey was I didn't think I was going to get to retirement and this is how my retirement would be. I lost my husband to um a brain tumor 3 years ago. And so it's the end of my career and um I'm just my whole career has been about public education. And um I'm an advocate for kids and I'm an advocate for teachers and I'm an advocate for um a community. I feel that my 41 years of service in Wanette really um that's what could be said about me. I mean, I don't have to be liked. I just have to be respected and um it's important to me to do things the right
062way, to know to reach out to the associations that can um give us our resources and ideas um to make a corporation the best it can be. And so um a year ago I decided I'm going to retire because I absolutely love teaching. So I decided I wanted to retire when I loved it and nobody really wanted me to go yet. Um because I wanted to have all those great memories of kids and um all my colleagues and just the really great situation I had. And so then I decided what am I going to do this year? So this year what I've been doing is um I decided in retirement I would continue working with Bethel University as adjunct. And so I've been out supervising student teachers and it's just been a really awesome experience
063because I'm seeing what so many so much good out there that can happen for any school. And now and the other thing I decided to do is take a vacation every month with either a family member or friend. So, um that's what I did with my money that Wani gives when you um retire after a lot of years. There's a little stipend, so that's what I'm doing with that. And so now I'm considering what am I doing next and I just know I want to do something with public education. It's tough. Um being on school board is thankless. Lots of teachers feel like they're in thankless situations, but yet it's so important for our kids because so many people out there are still choosing public education. And so I just want to be an advocate.
064I want to be an advocate for kids. I want to be an advocate for teaching, my profession, because there's a lot of good people in the profession that have servant hearts and really want to do what's right for their community and kids. Um as a board member, who do you represent? Um people that voted me in. >> [laughter] >> The people that voted me in, the constituents. So, that's first, but then you represent your corporation and whatever um their mission statement is. So, like for the last 41 years, I knew my mission statements was tradition of excellence. So, I knew that's what in anything I was asked to do that I was representing. So, as a school board member, whatever, what WUSD has, which um I believe that it's that you're going to partner with
065parents and everyone for a great experience where kids can be their best. So, that's what it would be. So, Beth, we've tried to answer all the or ask all the same questions. Um you've answered this kind of, but I'm going to make you think outside of the box >> little bit. All right. Um cuz you've had a great career and you've been in it for a long time, but so what other experiences, minus what you've already told us, would make you a great candidate for a school board member? Outside of being a teacher? Yeah. Cuz you I mean, you've had a great career and you've already, you know, hit hit on all those notes. Maybe something that outside the box that that you haven't said already. Um Okay, Kyle, let me think about that for
066a second here. I think I'd be a good school board um member because in anything that I've done in life, I guess, if I I like my actions and words to match. And so, if I am going to help build transparency and I'm going to help build um trust, then I'm not just going to be saying that. I'll be scheduling and being able to give time to meet with people, like for round table discussions. I'm really good at that type of a thing. So, some of the things that my career wasn't just teaching. Um I started as a teacher, but I ended up being um the literacy coach in our building, and then I ended up being an instructional coach, and then that kind of led to a college asking me, would I come on
067and do adjunct, teach, supervise student teachers um as a teacher. Um I know this can be controversial to some people, but I was the um association president with two different superintendents. And I think that I'm really good at staying calm and listening and being able to take all of that and help people find a way forward where um everybody can be respected and feel like they're winning. And I don't have any kids in the corporation. My kids are grown. They live The closest one lives in Fishers. Um so actually, I'm just doing this because I believe as a retired person and as a Christian, that part of life is giving back and tithing back and using the gifts that you're given. And so I'm just trying to figure out if this is it for me.
068If this would be a good place for me to use those kinds of gifts and that's where I'm at. What else would you like the board to know about you? Anything? I mean, I know we You discussed your career and anything personally. Did your kids go to school here? Do Um yes. Well, yeah, sure. So, I was born in Gary, Indiana. And I went to Hobart Community Schools till um fourth grade. And I remember desegregation. I was part of it. So, I remember when my school um got split in half and half the had to go somewhere else. I had to stay, so that was kind of an interesting um thing to have lived. Then my parents moved to this area was when I was in fourth grade. I went to Milford. I thought they'd
069move me to the end of the earth cuz there was no McDonald's. The closest McDonald's I think was Elkhart. I didn't know where my parents had moved me to, but anyway, what happened um I graduated from Wawasee High School. And I didn't think I would want to live in this area, but I met Keith Beer and married him. And he wasn't leaving Milford because he loves Milford. He loved Milford. So um So then he was a graduate from Wawasee also. Um put my way through college. Got my master's. We had three boys. They are 39, 36, and 34. They're all graduates from Wawasee. Um they had good experiences with Wawasee. Each of them can tell you a teacher and a coach cuz my kids were involved in extracurricular. Um that really had a positive influence
070on their life and they've maintained their friendships in this community even though their jobs have taken them outside of this community. Um they all went have degrees from Purdue. So I don't know if you're an IU fan, that might >> [laughter] >> affect things a little bit, >> [gasps] >> but they all have degrees from Purdue and yeah, lived at the same spot. Um My in-laws built on our farmland and then we downsized to it, so I'm I'm here. Um so I smirked a little bit when you said it was 1970. Oh, yeah. Yeah, it's a different it's different than here. Definitely, but yeah. So, my boys now um I have getting having my eighth grandchild in May and I'll have eight under eight. So, tells you a little bit about them. Uh six boys,
071two girls. Uh my faith is important to me. This has been a really cool year because I've been able to um go to North Webster for a women's Bible study where there are lots of teachers, retired teachers, um with my mom and my aunt. So, that's an experience I haven't been able to have that retirement is affording me. So, yeah. Sure. You had mentioned in here that uh the people who vote you in. So, this spot is we're going to pick if if this wouldn't have came open, would this have been something that you would have Well, yeah. So, I have actually been thinking a lot about that because as like my closest circles of friends, I mean, they know that, you know, I'm trying to just decide what's my retirement going to look like.
072So, I had already um checked into all the changes that were going to be happening because um a lot of changes are happening with how school boards are going to run and how they're going to be elected per our Indiana government. Um so, yeah. So, I was already thinking about it. So, really this timing is a little in my mind what I was thinking is that I was going to um start to put my name out there closer to May 19th. That's when you have to you can start applying. And just kind of start talking to some people to see, you know, if this might be something I'd like to try. So, yes, I was already thinking about it. So, then when it came open, I just decided, you know, wasn't my plan, but lots
073of things aren't. So, I'm going to go ahead and apply and I'm just going to see where it leads and see what happens next. You know, life's a journey. Okay. Got some scenarios. Okay. I'm sure you >> [laughter] >> In in your years, I'm sure you've dealt with them. Irate parent wants to hold wants a school employee either fired or reprimanded. Mhm. Broad, but Oh, it happens. Um So, they've come to me is that what am I going to do? As a board member? As a board member? Well, first I'm going to say, have you talked to the person? And um I am going to encourage first a conversation with the person. If they're fearful of talking to the person, one-on-one I feel like that happens a lot. People express that they're fearful of doing
074something like that. Then I'm going to say is there someone at the school that could sit in with you? Is there a prince you know, I'm going to try to help people go through the chain of command. There's very clear processes and chains of commands and I think things just get really mucky when we don't try to follow those. Um they're meant to protect us and they're meant to help. Now, I suppose if it was something that was harmful, then I would be saying you need to call child protective services. That's all of our responsibility to do. And you know, unfortunately, those things can happen. But a lot of times it's just misunderstandings. And so, I just think anytime that you can meet and talk it out. That's where you should always try to start.
075Okay. Another scenario would be um >> [clears throat] >> fellow board members do not agree with a recommendation that the superintendent has put forth for approval to the board. How would you deal with that? What would be your procedure resolve that issue? Um So, the school superintendent is doing something that none of us agree with. Well, they're bringing um let's just say it's a recommendation for it's going to come to the school board for approval and if you or other board members do not agree with that recommendation. How do you deal with that? Um, I guess it depends what it is, but I'm not afraid to vote no. If I don't agree with something. Um I know that's not typically what happens with school boards. They like those unanimous votes cuz it kind of shows
076that everybody's behind it. Um, hopefully you've got that worked out before it comes to a vote, but um if not like again you have to vote for what you believe is right. So, that's hard sometimes. It's hard to stand alone. But, sometimes you just have to do it because of your own personal beliefs. And I can tell you that in my years at Wylie, like there were times that the board brought in like an um and the superintendent brought in like um outside um resources to like survey the community, see what they want, and prop- give a proposal. And I have been in I can think of three times very specifically where the the community wanted something, the proposal suggested something, the superintendent was behind it, and the school board voted no because they didn't
077think that was That's hard when that happens. But, you have it's the final say. So, if they do vote no, then you just have to come back to the drawing board, and you have to say, "Okay, this was a no vote. Um so, what can we do next? What's the next way we can go about this and help?" All right. Well, in this scenario where you're at a location and three school board members are together, how do you handle that? I'm at a location and And there's three school board members present. I'd say hi. >> [laughter] >> I'd say, "What are you doing here?" I I what So, I would probably be saying, "What are you doing?" >> [laughter] >> That's That's a example. Broad question. It is a broad question. So, there's Right. governing
078that. Um, and it's not saying that it can't happen, but just kind of looking at broad like, do you know what the laws stand behind of saying this? >> Well, here's what I know. I know that there's a in the NSBA, and the first thing I'd do would be a member be a member of the associations because that's where you find your policies, that's where you find your procedures. Um, and so, I'm assuming are all of you members of it? And and that's where you get your training and your support. So, I think anytime um, you're new to anything, there's that period where you have to learn like, what are my procedures? What do I need to do here? I mean, I have not ever been a school board member just because it took all
079my energy to do my job well, to be a wife, to raise three kids, to do the volunteering at the church that we did, that type of thing. But, I will tell you that I am very good at knowing where to go for resources, getting support, listening to people. I think um, I have a lot of people I can just I could call if I didn't know what to do or if I was in question of something just because of um, my interactions with people through the years. So, I don't know. If I saw three of you, I'd be like, what are you doing? >> [laughter and gasps] >> I guess it depends what you were doing. Cool. If it was a Christmas party or something, I'd be okay with that. No, you didn't follow
080up. Well, yeah, I was just I was I mean, didn't you say you said that? Like, I guess I was just going to ask every candidate at the end if there's any last words that you want us to know about you, anything. Yeah, I just want you to know that I'm authentic. I'm I try to make my words and actions match. Um, I'm pretty level-headed. I think that was something that I was really able um, to bring to the teachers association when I worked with it in Wanniassa schools. I don't typically respond to something when I hear it. If I I kind of like to try triangulate my data. So, like, if I hear something from three, um, sources that are unrelated, I tend to think there's probably something to it. But, if I'm just
081hearing it from one source and I'm not hearing it from anyone else, I tend to think a person's venting or they just need to get something off their chest or they need to be heard. Um, I don't I know one of the people that, um, I know AJ. Like, he's a fantastic person. Um, worked with him over in Wanniassa schools. Um, you have some good people to choose from. I don't know Shane as far as personally, but I know that his work is in the area of service and so, any time you are a police officer, teacher, or, you know, those are servant hearts. So, I am sure that people have good motivation for wanting to help their um constituents. Question that's totally not related to anything. You said you were from Hobart. Mhm. My
082freshman year at Ball State, next door person was Bob Bowman, state cross country champ. Does that name ring a bell at all? No, I left in fourth grade. So, Yeah. Right behind me in fourth grade, >> [laughter] >> but yeah, no. No, he didn't. I guess I do have a question for you guys. Like, what do you see that that the community is wanting from the school board? I mean, there's just been a lot of maybe difficult meetings. So, it seems this past year. So, I just kind of wonder what do you think they want and how could a person support that? I think all three today have spoke about transparency. And that I think over the last 9 months that we as board have taken some heat on the transparency part of it. Um
083I think as a community, I'm a community member just as much as we sit up in this position. >> Right. Um but to be able to have someone in the community be able to listen and communicate that part of what our direction is. I think that's the direction that the community is asking for when they when we pick our next school board member and or our superintendent. Right. And we you really can't over communicate. Right. I think the integrity or something It should be people know that they can expect me to have integrity as a board member and that when I vote for something I'm voting because I believe I'm doing what's best for Wallace C. students and Wallace C. community. Right. A thought, Mr. Pike? Mr. Abbott thought and stuff like that. I agree
084with you. So you're letting the guys do it for you. Yeah. No, I I just I mean, we've had great candidates. Your answers are I'm really impressed. It's awesome. We need a bigger board. Um Yeah. I just we need to I think the community is I I don't think that they expect I don't think anybody's naive enough to believe that every decision is going to be universally agreed with. Right. Um and you know, I struggle with the the accusation on transparency because it was never intentional to be perceived that way cuz there's nothing I've ever done that I I wouldn't tell you the decision process. >> Right. Don't necessarily mean doesn't necessarily mean that you would agree with where I landed, but I I have nothing to hide with, you know, how we got there.
085But Um I really appreciate the stuff you're saying because I think this this position and all our positions, but we have to continue to put people in place that um the community can start to believe. I think intentions matter. I I do think the way and the reason why you're doing something matters. Um even if even if you don't necessarily agree with every decision. So, I'll use the word transparency. Um I'll use the word just trust. Uh Somehow we lost it. I don't know if we I don't know I don't know if this is a 15-20 year old problem. I I I don't know. Right. >> But it doesn't really matter. It's It's It's It's It needs to be improved. Um I think the community needs to be able to trust us. We need to
086be able to trust each other, you know. We got to We got to believe that the If we can't at least believe that we're all rowing or at least have the same intent, right? That the that that this is It's about helping kids get ready to go. Right. And hopefully making it so cool that some of them want to come back, you know. If we can all start to agree with that that's our starting point, then maybe, you know, but but we got to do a better job of um earning that trust, you know. But anyway, yeah, those are That's what I think the community wants. Um Yeah. It's all But great candidates. I mean, wow. Really really impressed. I'm super appreciative of your time. So, um the process we we we're not going to
087deliberate. Well, if we deliberate, it's in front of everybody, but um just kind of look at our notes. Sure. >> Take a break, and then we'll we'll come back here in I don't know what you guys want, 5-10 minutes? 10:15. 10:20. Okay. Well, but we can't we can't chat. All right. No. Got to make sure we don't do that. So, okay. Thank you for your time. If you've got anything >> Thank No, I just wanted to say you thank you um for taking the time to interview me, and um if you land on me, I'll do my best to be a great representative between the school board and the community. Thank you. Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Can you just kind of give us some guidance for us and how we do this? >> Thank you.
088So, I think at this point it would be appropriate for someone to make a motion of someone they would like to to nominate for the seat. And then if there's a second, you could have discussion and then you would take a vote. If for some reason that doesn't pass, you can take a few moments, so look back at your notes, have further discussion. Like you said earlier, Mr. Kraby, it has to be public discussion and then you could have a new nomination or a new motion for a different nomination and kind of continue the process until you get to a majority vote. It has to be a 3-1 in this case. So. Do I have to call for that? Yeah, you would do that. >> [clears throat] >> I'm sorry. Uh well, do do I
089have a a motion? I I'd like to make a motion. Okay. I'd like to say that uh I think over the last 9 months our uh the community trust and transparency has been a huge conversation. Um and I think that all three candidates were very good. They had very good different answers. They all bring something different to the board. Um I just feel that being um representing the community um is not only my only decision to make and to appoint one person that may be a better candidate because I'm friends with them or because we I don't know other examples, but um so I'm making a motion to uh nominate Beth Okay. as our candidate. Do I have a second? I second that. And then we go to a vote, right? You have discussion and
090then you vote. And then you vote, yeah. Well, does anybody Is there any other discussion on that? The the motion has been presented. I I I would just say Go ahead. No. I was just going to say I think all three candidates were good. And just like Neil said, they all bring their own background to it. They all bring their own niche to it. Um >> [snorts] >> and I don't know Beth personally. I don't know AJ personally. Um I do know Shane. I work with Shane. Um and I'm going to be honest, part of the I I like Shane. Part of the optics is I think it would be cuz we work together. Um me, Neil, and Shane all work together. And the public is preaching transparency, and I think if we throw that
091optic in there that all three of us work in the same office together, they are not going to believe that we don't talk about school board stuff. And I think it's going to be an issue down the road. Just building that trust back with the community. Now if if Shane runs and gets elected by the people, perfect, awesome. I just think for now the best choice for us we put a woman on there. She's knows the school, she's been a teacher. I just think that's our best choice at this That's my opinion. Yeah, I was going to say a couple things um her and um AJ both AJ was a little bit more with that I'm only doing this to fill in and then I'm done. Um and Beth's take on it was more that
092I was thinking about doing this and now this is a perfect opportunity. Timing is everything, a perfect opportunity and she turned it around this way that for me not not just for the public to see if I'm such a right fit but for me as Beth that this is a right fit for me during this trial period. I think she kind of said that. And then the other thing that struck me was um uh the fact that uh a couple of the candidates almost endorsed each other and um AJ really endorsing Beth at the end I think had had swayed with me that um uh cuz I don't I didn't I don't know any of them really and so my impression was what I got today and we couldn't we we really couldn't go wrong
093with whoever we picked today. Three outstanding candidates and um so that's my two cents worth. Okay. Uh before we go to the vote I don't know if they'll get to see this, but >> [clears throat] >> I was really impressed. I mean, their community would would be proud of or should be, I would think, of any of them. Cuz I have complete trust and I'd be honored to say that I was board member with any of them. Um I'll be honest, I had a The question we had on what do you do when there's three of you in the same spot? We're We're creating that scenario in your office. Um I'll be honest, I was really leaning um towards Shane. I I do have a personal relationship. I just know his integrity. We coached I
094watched him how he coaches kids. That's means a lot to me cuz he was hard on them, but loved them and And And And by no means am I saying Shane is not qualified. Like I get along great with Shane and it's I just I think if the public votes him in, then I think I agree. I just hadn't thought about that. All three of you guys, that's that's probably a thing. So. Okay. Uh just call for the vote then. All right. So, all in favor of Beth Beer, signify your approval by saying I. I. Opposed? Motion carries. So, we got a new board member. It's Beth Beer. Um Oh. Before we adjourn, when you guys run into any of those folks, would you let them know sincerely I I think you would agree I
095want them to know that they were really I'm really super appreciative. I mean, they put their They stepped in the ring. Just them putting their name as a candidate. I mean, especially with the heat that the board members have been getting lately. Just them wanting to do their civic duty. It's pretty good. >> I think speaks a lot about themselves. Anyway, I appreciate you guys being here as well. Sure. >> [applause] >> I do think. Sure. Mhm. No I get it. Thanks. Thank you. Thank you. And I'm You guys have taught about it. I appreciate it. Cuz it didn't really connect. Okay. Thank you. Wait. Motion to adjourn? I make a motion. Second. All signify by saying I. I. Opposed? Motion carries. We're adjourned. Thank you everybody. Thank you.