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Seven Vying for Three Available Seats Editor's Note: There are seven candidates vying for three available seats on the Chillicothe R-2 School Board of Education and voters will determine the outcome of the heavily-contested election on April 8. In an effort to help readers familiarize themselves with those running for school board seats, the Constitution-Tribune has asked each candidate to submit a general candidate statement and answers to six questions formulated by the C-T's editorial staff. The candidates' unedited statements and answers will be published this week and next. Their statements are printed in the order in which the candidates filed for election. Michael Leamer I am proud to call Chillicothe home. Some of that pride comes from the tradition and reputation of the Chillicothe R-2 School system. Now, and in the coming years, the district will face many challenging issues regarding teacher retention, state funding and district buildings, just to name a few. As a board member and representative of the community, I am willing to commit my time and energy to address these issues. Our children's education is something that is very important to me. Let's work together to ensure our children get a quality education. Robbie Skipper I have the qualifications with supporting public service experience to represent our students, staff, and community on the board of education. I take great pride in being a role model and friend to many students in the district, and have a first hand understanding of some of the challenges our students and teachers endure in the classroom. If elected, I plan on utilizing knowledge with experience gained to make solid decisions that will represent the best interests of our students, staff and community. I want to encourage everyone to get out and cast their votes on Tuesday, April 8, and I appreciate your support with your vote. Eric Reeter I am currently finishing my first term on the Chillicothe R-2 school board, and currently serve as your school board president. I have learned a lot over the last three years and have really enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment I receive from serving. As a life long resident of Livingston County and a 1987 graduate of CHS I feel an obligation to serve and represent the patrons of Livingston County. We have had to make some very important decisions over the last three years such as hiring a new Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, as well as three other administrators. I try to make a decision on an issue by taking into consideration what would be best for the students of the district and their education, and secondly how you as a tax paying citizen would want me to vote. Unfortunately not everyone will be satisfied with every decision that is made, but we as a board try to make the best decision we can to benefit the students. We have in my opinion the best staff who have a passion for educating kids and you should be proud of everyone of them, they represent our district well. Thank You. David Williams My name is David Williams and I am a candidate running for re-election to the Chillicothe School Board. I live and work on our family farm which is located south of Chillicothe. My wife is Carla Williams, who is a preschool teacher at the United Methodist Church. We have been married for 25 years and have 3 children: Jennifer Anderson, Andrea Williams and Lance Williams. Lance is a junior at the Chillicothe High School. My wife and I are both graduates of Chillicothe and have lived in the community all our life. I have served on many boards such as Farm Bureau, Livingston County Fair Board, Soil & Water Board, FSA county Committee, MFA Advisory Board, and the Litton Agri Science Center Board. Since serving on the School Board for the past six years, I have an understanding of what it takes for a school to be successful. When I was elected six years ago the Chillicothe R-2 School District had a reserve that was less than 1% of our operating budget, which puts us on the financially stressed list, We now have a reserve that is 18% which is where a school of our size should try to maintain. My management skills and experience will help me in decision making on issues that will come before the board in the next few years. I have enjoyed serving on the school board and hope you will support me on my re-election campaign. Dean Souders (No candidate's statement submitted) Larry Hamrick Hello, my name is Larry Hamrick. I have lived in Chillicothe all of my life. I came from a family of five with two sisters. I graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1968 and grew up working with my father, Ted Hamrick, doing commercial refrigeration work until 1992. At that time I sold my refrigeration business and became a manufacturing engineer for Modine Manufacturing in Trenton, Missouri. This year I retired from Modine and started a new business called Integrated Manufacturing Systems, LLC in Chillicothe where we build and modify all types of manufacturing equipment. My wife, Janice, and I live in Livingston County on a small farm. My two children, Tiffany Anderson and Scot Hamrick both received their education at Chillicothe. I presently have six wonderful grandchildren ages from three to seventeen in the Chillicothe School District. My desire to be a Chillicothe School Board Member comes from a long and good relationship with our schools, faculty, and administration. I truly want to be a part of and help to insure that Chillicothe Schools continue to be safe and exemplary for our children and grandchildren. John C. Pelly My name is John Pelly and I have lived in Chillicothe for eight years with my wife, Bonnie, and I am currently employed at Roberts Tool and Die. I'm originally from Kentucky where I attended Eastern Kentucky University majoring in vocational education / welding and have taught for two years. I am seeking a position on the Chillicothe R-2 board because of my desire of having a positive input in the school system. Two areas of concern are maintaining and supporting the teaching staff in the schools and attracting new personnel and moving forward with the Proposed Early Childhood Center. |
