By Andrew Hellpap
newseditor@themonroetimes.com
JUDA - The financial health of the Juda School District is on the minds of the candidates for Tuesday's school board election.
"Times are hard and a lot of districts are looking at consolidation, and Juda can survive for several years if it has the right guidance," candidate David Mansfield, said.
Voters in the roughly 300-student district will be selecting two candidates.
The board is comprised of seven members; Juda residents Mansfield and JoAnn Goecks will challenge incumbents Carolyn Bauman, president, and Dennis Pfingsten.
Both Goecks and Mansfield served on the board in the past. Goecks served three two-year terms in the 1990s, while Mansfield served from 1999 to 2002.
Pfingsten expressed concerns over the possibility that changes to a state law (Qualified Economic Offer, or QEO) that regulates the amount districts have to pay teachers could hurt the Juda district in future years.
Bauman also cited problems at the state government level as the Legislature and the governor continue to cut spending to reduce the budget deficit, which leaves fewer dollars for aid to the state's school districts.
"Since we are a public school system, of course school financing is the biggest headache," she said.
Goecks believes the district simply is in need of new leadership to ensure the school system stays viable. While every district in the state faces similar financial challenges - property tax revenue caps and referendums - having the right leaders is essential.
"(I) want to get the best for the dollar spent," she said.
newseditor@themonroetimes.com
JUDA - The financial health of the Juda School District is on the minds of the candidates for Tuesday's school board election.
"Times are hard and a lot of districts are looking at consolidation, and Juda can survive for several years if it has the right guidance," candidate David Mansfield, said.
Voters in the roughly 300-student district will be selecting two candidates.
The board is comprised of seven members; Juda residents Mansfield and JoAnn Goecks will challenge incumbents Carolyn Bauman, president, and Dennis Pfingsten.
Both Goecks and Mansfield served on the board in the past. Goecks served three two-year terms in the 1990s, while Mansfield served from 1999 to 2002.
Pfingsten expressed concerns over the possibility that changes to a state law (Qualified Economic Offer, or QEO) that regulates the amount districts have to pay teachers could hurt the Juda district in future years.
Bauman also cited problems at the state government level as the Legislature and the governor continue to cut spending to reduce the budget deficit, which leaves fewer dollars for aid to the state's school districts.
"Since we are a public school system, of course school financing is the biggest headache," she said.
Goecks believes the district simply is in need of new leadership to ensure the school system stays viable. While every district in the state faces similar financial challenges - property tax revenue caps and referendums - having the right leaders is essential.
"(I) want to get the best for the dollar spent," she said.