Argyle School Board
There are four seats up for election on the Argyle school board, which is expanding from five to seven seats. Running are incumbents Julie Ostby and Keith Ritschard, along with newcomers Carolyn Carter, Gregory Heath Isely, Peter Herman and Ismael Hinojosa.
Name: Keith Ritschard
Position sought: School board
Age: 48
City/town of residence: Argyle
Family: Married to Tina Ritschard for 23 years. Three children: Melissa, Liz, and Brent.
Education: I attended Carthage College where I studied art education. Throughout the years, I have taken several marketing and business classes.
Occupation: For the past 26 years, Tina and I have owned and operated RBS Activewear and Thunder Bridge here in Argyle. Currently, RBS Activewear employs 35 employees and serves schools in 48 states.
Previous elected positions held: I have served nine years as school board clerk for Argyle school district. I have also been a member of the Argyle Booster Club since its inception in 1989 and secretary since 1999. I am also the director of the Pec-Argyle youth football program.
What are the top issues facing this district/board and how would you work to resolve them?
In my eyes the top issue with all rural schools is declining enrollment. Throughout my lifetime, I have never seen schools have a "need" to recruit students to secure finances for their schools. Open enrollment has changed school finance drastically. In addition, recent changes in healthcare have made it challenging for school districts. Continuous efforts to seek competitive prices and affordable options are essential in order to meet budgetary obligations. I do fear that if teachers have their pay and benefits cut further that they may go into other professions. Argyle, like everywhere else, needs great teachers. Teachers truly do impact students' lives forever.
What are other key issues facing the district/board, and how would you work to resolve them?
A continuous challenge for Argyle school district is the decrease in state aid. Local taxpayers may be forced to pick up the tab. Recently, the state reported a financial surplus that will not be used on education and that only hurts our already strapped schools. I believe the state needs to make conscientious efforts to resolve the financial burdens public education is faced with today.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Boards need people like me because of my years of experience. I am a good leader who makes decisions that benefit everyone. I have several years of business experience which assists my judgment with personnel, finance and building management.
Position sought: School board
Age: 48
City/town of residence: Argyle
Family: Married to Tina Ritschard for 23 years. Three children: Melissa, Liz, and Brent.
Education: I attended Carthage College where I studied art education. Throughout the years, I have taken several marketing and business classes.
Occupation: For the past 26 years, Tina and I have owned and operated RBS Activewear and Thunder Bridge here in Argyle. Currently, RBS Activewear employs 35 employees and serves schools in 48 states.
Previous elected positions held: I have served nine years as school board clerk for Argyle school district. I have also been a member of the Argyle Booster Club since its inception in 1989 and secretary since 1999. I am also the director of the Pec-Argyle youth football program.
What are the top issues facing this district/board and how would you work to resolve them?
In my eyes the top issue with all rural schools is declining enrollment. Throughout my lifetime, I have never seen schools have a "need" to recruit students to secure finances for their schools. Open enrollment has changed school finance drastically. In addition, recent changes in healthcare have made it challenging for school districts. Continuous efforts to seek competitive prices and affordable options are essential in order to meet budgetary obligations. I do fear that if teachers have their pay and benefits cut further that they may go into other professions. Argyle, like everywhere else, needs great teachers. Teachers truly do impact students' lives forever.
What are other key issues facing the district/board, and how would you work to resolve them?
A continuous challenge for Argyle school district is the decrease in state aid. Local taxpayers may be forced to pick up the tab. Recently, the state reported a financial surplus that will not be used on education and that only hurts our already strapped schools. I believe the state needs to make conscientious efforts to resolve the financial burdens public education is faced with today.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Boards need people like me because of my years of experience. I am a good leader who makes decisions that benefit everyone. I have several years of business experience which assists my judgment with personnel, finance and building management.