The following is a Q&A from the Sabetha Herald to Doug Renyer.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a lifelong Nemaha County resident, growing up near the Fidelity church 7 mile south of Sabetha. Graduated Sabetha High in 1986. I work at Wenger Mfg., live in Granada between Fidelity and Wetmore, married to Brenda, each for over 30 years.
I will be a write-in candidate for this November 7th election.
Why are you running for a position on USD 113?
1) I am running as my Civic duty.
2) Land transfer proposals under way since WAC has closed.
3) Seeing reports of questionable educational materials across our country, we need to be parents defense to protect their child from questionable curriculum and education practices.
Whose interests should matter in the governance of a school district, and in what ways should they matter?
Students, parents, educators should have the most interest in school district matters. They are the first impacted by school leaders and board of education decisions. Additionally, everyone should have interest in their school district and all governance matters. When we sit back and assume elected men and women in our local, state and national positions are making decision with all our best interest in mind, we are mistaken. It is our duty as citizens to remind them this country is governed by, we the people (Constitutional Republic) and not by those who have the most monetary influences or loudest voice.
What are the factors on which you will base your decisions as a school board member?
I will be Constitutionally based and Christian minded on all my decisions.
What is the most important responsibility of a school board?
Keeping our schools within designated Mill Levy budgets.
Oversee proper education and learning.
Health and safety of the students and educators.
What are your thoughts on the current land transfer discussions and how will you approach future discussions?
The school board during spring of 2023 made a generous offer to relinquish property to Jackson Heights favoring most WAC families wanting to break away completely from USD 113. This was the first time any school board in Kansas offered to release property to another District. The offer was not accepted, instead demanding more property, encompassing families that always attended Sabetha. I and others in the Capioma, Granada and Woodlawn area wish to keep our property within current USD 113 boundaries.
Sabetha has educated numerous students from Fairview who are under USD 415, Hiawatha. This started when I was in school nearly 40 years ago. Sabetha has not requested property with these students. Hiawatha simply allowed Sabetha buses into Fairview to transport students to Sabetha.
I understand now, we are in land trade negotiation with Seneca. I can only ask, when does this land trade and grabbing stop?
I will vote to keep the current land as it is under USD113. No adding, removing or exchanging land.
What reassurance would you give to district patrons who are concerned about losing state funds through the land transfer process?
I cannot give any reassurances, since Wetmore Community Action Group has involved The State of Kansas over this matter. Our government was designed to govern local first then state then Federal. Too often we forget and think federal, and state are above our local concerns.
What do you believe are the three most important issues you would face if elected and what is your position on each?
I believe three most important issues will be:
1) Rumors of a new virus strains coming this fall and winter. I will be an advocate for mask and vaccine choice.
2) Questionable agendas are becoming the normal in many states. Not sure if small Kansas schools should anticipate these agendas, but we must push back and keep these perversions out of USD 113.
3) Dealing with land transfer discussion.
If elected, what are two things you would like to accomplish within the first year of your term?
1) District voting. USD 113 is one of two school districts in the State of Kansas that allows everyone in USD 113 to vote outside of their lived-in district. I would like this be position elections only.
2) I would like to bring teaching curriculum to USD 113 that removes agenda driven lessons. Primary educations should send graduated students into the life understanding personal finance, work and business building. I do service work for Wenger Mfg. more than 30 years all over the USA. The young kids on these job sites steadily lack basic skills to do basic work. We must focus on better education and remove indoctrination.
What makes you the best candidate for this position and why should voters vote for you?
I don’t know. I’m just a man willing to stand up for better education and health for USD 113 families, students, teachers and staff.
Tell us about yourself.
I live in the Sabetha community with my wife Jolynn (Whittaker), and two kids, Mya & Cole, who are Seniors at Sabetha High School.
Why are you running for a position on USD 113?
I believe it is important that people are active and involved in the local decisions that will affect the community, not only today but in the future. One of the most important investments we have is the education of our youth and I feel it is important we are focused on preparing our youth to be career ready when they graduate from High School.
Whose interests should matter in the governance of a school district, and in what ways should they matter?
It is important that members of the school board have the interest of the people whom they represent in the district, along with the administration, teachers and students’ interest at the center of every decision being made.
What are the factors on which you will base your decisions as a school board member?
It will be important that members of the school board take the interest of the people in their district into consideration as they make decisions. Board members should also take into consideration the advice of the school administration as they will have a better handle on the day to day needs of the students and teachers within the district.
What is the most important responsibility of a school board?
To serve in an advisor role to the administration of the school district along with providing representation for the district they are in.
What are your thoughts on the current land transfer discussions and how will you approach future discussions?
This is an issue that is best addressed district to district. I support the individual proposal that USD 113 has provided to each individual district and would support continued communication with each individual district to address the needs that a potential land transfer would address.
What reassurance would you give to district patrons who are concerned about losing state funds through the land transfer process?
To my knowledge, a significant portion of our state funds come through our student enrollment in the district. We should focus on making USD 113 a preferred location that families want to send their children to.
What do you believe are the three most important issues you would face if elected and what is your position on each?
As a district, we need to continue to focus on preparing our students to be ready for their next step after graduation, whether that be college, trade schools, military service, or entering the work force. From there, we need to continue to look at ways of making USD 113 a preferred choice for families to send their children to. The board also needs to be looking towards the future and determining the capital needs of the district and developing plans to address those needs.
If elected, what are two things you would like to accomplish within the first year of your term?
If elected, my focus in the first year will be to develop an enhanced understanding of the needs of USD 113. Along with that will be to better understand how we support our students, teachers, and administration to ensure we are preparing our students for what will be ahead of them after graduation.
What makes you the best candidate for this position and why should voters vote you?
Having two students that have been brought up & educated in USD 113 from 4th grade to present as they complete their senior year provides me with insight into the needs of our students and staff. Along with that, I have a strong belief that our most important investment is to ensure a sustainable future for our community and country. By putting the focus on educating our kids, this helps to achieve the goal of having them ready for whatever they decide to do once they graduate from USD 113.
Why are you running for a position on USD 113?
I feel a responsibility to the students, parents, and patrons of USD 113 to fulfill the mission of our district which is to “prepare kids and shape the future.” I am committed to this district administration, the teachers, the parents and most definitely the students. Life offers choices and where our children attend school is an important choice. My goal is to assist in making our schools the best they can be and as a result, USD 113 is the choice parents make for their children. I pledge to be an available and trustworthy school board member.
Whose interests should matter in the governance of a school district, and in what ways should they matter?
The citizens’ interests should matter in the governance of a school district. Within this group are the parents, students, administrators, teachers, and all employees. As a board member, I should be aware of the concerns of these groups in the decision-making process. Mr. Evans is the only “hire” we make as a board and therefore trust in his decision-making skills, knowledge and leadership is of utmost importance. I will continue to vote for issues that support excellence in education and learning experiences for students and involving parents in all aspects of their education.
What are the factors on which you will base your decisions as a school board member?
My decisions are based on the advice from our superintendent and others in leadership roles. I pray that my decisions are God glorifying and supportive in the growth of children from pre-K through high schools. It is my belief that schools are learning grounds for the future so students should receive the teaching that solidifies skills in academics, hands on experiences, good decision-making skills, and a positive sense of self so they can move on to be productive members of a community.
What is the most important responsibility of a school board?
To uphold the Constitution of the United States, State of Kansas and to be available to the constituents who place their trust in me. It is important to look at all sides of the issues before me and make decisions that allow the district to hire the best teachers, offer the best classes and experiences, cause students to have positive educational experiences and thus be the school district of choice for many families. Schools are the lifeblood of a community, so I support the activities that go along with schools such as the arts, athletics, classes that go beyond the requirements for graduation, activities that allow students to experience life and community. I look forward to offering more opportunities that are presented to us as we are living in a time when it is very important to instill a work ethic, communication skills and interpersonal skills that are lacking today.
What are your thoughts on the current land transfer discussions and how will you approach future discussions?
During the process of discussing declining enrollment at WAC and potential closure, the board actively engaged in looking at how to best serve USD 335 because we knew there would be some students who would choose to attend schools closer to their homes. It was my understanding that Jackson Heights was interested in new students so we also looked at how we could help by transferring some south land to them. I can say honestly that I thought this was a win for them and I felt good knowing the WAC students had choices of very good schools to attend. I hoped that some would choose to come to Sabetha. Busing routes were an important part of the discussion, and I was in favor of some transfer of those funds in addition to base aid per pupil. The initial meeting between the two boards of education went south when we learned that the Jackson Heights School Board was in executive session prior to our meeting with the Wetmore Action Group. Statute 72-532 is clear. Meetings concerning land transfer must take place only between school boards. It was disappointing when this became apparent. I believed that good faith negotiations would begin that evening. The situation with the other two districts has been made more difficult because of the trust that was lost that evening. I plan to approach future negotiations in a professional and fair manner. My prayer is that neighboring districts can return to being just that, neighbors.
What reassurance would you give to district patrons who are concerned about losing state funds through the land transfer process?
Our district, like all school districts, is primarily funded through enrollment. This was the deciding factor when we had to make the very difficult decision to close the WAC. When a school has less than 5 students in one class, the financials just don’t work. I can assure patrons that our board will do our very best to preserve the land area, but what we must do is provide the best educational opportunity for students. Base State Aid is what matters in the large picture and that comes from how many students attend our schools.
What do you believe are the three most important issues you would face if elected and what is your position on each?
1. I will be vigilant in maintaining local control. An example of this happened in October of 2021. Ann Shaughnessy made a motion to follow the Marshall County Health Department Covid-19 Quarantine Protocol. Had this motion passed it would have forced the Axtell students to be under guidelines that very likely would have resulted in the Axtell football team not being able to vie for, and win, the state football championship. The motion failed 3-4. I am proud to have stood firm against the motion that did not serve USD 113 students equally.
2. Hiring the best administrators and staff is very important. USD 113 is fortunate to have teachers who come here, return here to teach, and they stay. Longevity is important and says a lot about our students and communities. I will work to encourage giving needed raises to USD employees.
3. I pledge to advocate for parental rights and involve parents in educating their children. The conservative values of the people we serve are important to preserve. I vow to support the Axtell school as they work to increase enrollment and maintain their vibrant community. Finding ways to join our two like-minded communities together is also important.
If elected, what are two things you would like to accomplish within the first year of your term?
1. In the next four years I will do my part in helping to heal from a very difficult decision that resulted in conflict beyond what was expected. It is sad that neighbors and people who work together, farm side by side and attend church together allow a decision to cause such division. The closure of a school is painful but I am sad it was used as a dividing wedge between people who are much more alike than different. It is truly my prayer that most people realize that our board and superintendent truly never had self-serving motives or money grabbing intentions.
2. We as a board are obligated to always look at the financial situation of today and project into the future. Most people do not want to serve on the board of education because of the hard decisions that have to be made. This has not helped raise future leaders for our district. So, the government teacher in me would like to visit with people about the importance of serving in areas of community leadership. Civic responsibility is a duty that more people need to not only believe in, but practice.
What makes you the best candidate for this position and why should voters vote you?
First, I am willing to serve and advocate for education at a local level. This position has caused me to learn about details of education I never knew as a teacher. I believe the experience I have gained is the reason I can ask for your vote. I will listen to concerns or suggestions. As a former teacher, I bring a perspective that is important. This district has been my home for 46 years and my four children were educated here. Seven of my grandchildren attend or have attended Sabetha schools. I pledge that I will make prayer-based decisions.
“As a former educator and grandmother to 7 grandchildren who attend USD 113 schools, I made the decision to serve on the school board. I taught under the leadership of Mr. Evans at SHS and wanted to support him and our schools by serving as a board member. Teaching the importance of public service and civic engagement was an integral part of my American Government classes. Running for the Kansas State House of Representatives and school board helped to fulfill my commitment to public service.
I feel a responsibility to the students, parents, and patrons of USD 113 to fulfill the mission of our district which is to prepare kids and shape the future. I am committed to this district administration, the teachers, the parents and most definitely the students. Life offers choices and where our children attend school is an important choice. My goal is to assist in making our schools the best they can be and as a result, parents will choose USD 113 for their children. I pledge to be an available and trustworthy school board member.”
* 46-year resident of Sabetha
* 7 years as substitute teacher in USD 441 and surrounding districts
* Education: Public School in McPherson, KS; BS at KSU 1977, MS at KSU 1990
* 28 years as educator in USD 441 and USD 113
-Social Studies Sabetha Middle School
- American Government, Psychology, Sociology, Current Events Sabetha High School
- Adjunct Professor HCC, Psychology, Human Growth & Development
* Ran for Kansas House of Representatives District 62 in 2012
* Married to Gary Scoby, 4 children and 14 grandchildren
* 7 grandchildren have attended or attend USD 113 schools
* Executive Director of STEP Foundation for 3 years
* In 2015 helped to initiate the Greater Sabetha Community Foundation for the Sabetha area which today upholds 105 Sabetha area nonprofits, scholarships and donor advised funds with a total asset base of more than $13 million
* Helped to initiate and now helps manage Community Foundations in Hiawatha, Doniphan County, Jackson County, South Brown County, Valley Falls, and Atchison. Provides support as well to Marysville CF and Frankfort CF’s
* Elected to USD 113 Board of Education in 2014 and reelected in 2018
* Elected to serve as USD Board of Education President in 2022
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