HALSTEAD—USD 440 Board of Education has four four-year and one two-year unexpired positions up for election in November. The positions are currently held by Gary Warner (Pos. 1), Jennifer Brantley (Pos. 2), Shawn Kohr (Pos. 3), Joel Flory (Pos. 7), and Bill Drake (Pos. 6 unexpired). Seven people—Chelsea Metoyer (Pos. 1), Steve Ratzlaff (Pos. 1), Tiffani Sneath (Pos. 1), Zachar Mabry (Pos. 2), Reba Lee (Pos. 3), Joel Flory (Pos. 7), and Bill Drake (Pos. 6 unexpired)—have registered to be on the ballot.
Harvey County Now reached out to all of the candidates with the same questionnaire. Below are the responses received.
Steve Ratzlaff
Occupation: Market Manager KS/OK for Buzzi Unicem USA
Why are you running?
I have two nieces and a grandchild currently attending the school system. I have spent the largest percentage of my adult life trying to improve opportunities for the youth of our communities. With this in mind, I have always chosen to get involved in areas of the community that I felt I could make a difference. I believe we are entering a critical time for public education. School choice is becoming a reality and we are at the beginning stages of a very competitive school environment. The performance of all aspects of your school system will be more important than they have ever been. I believe my experience and diverse background would be an asset during these changing times.
What qualifies you for this position?
I believe I have a work background and a history of involvement that lends itself well to serving on the Board of Education.
Have worked for both large (Koch Industries, Buzzi Unicem) and small (Idaho Timber, Continental Timber) companies in my career and have a very good understanding of system improvement processes, setting expectations, measurement principles, and other concepts that define successful organizations.
Served 12 years on the USD 440 Board of Education (1997 – 2009)
Served as President of DragonBackers Booster Club (2009 -2017)
Founded the Halstead Youth Football Club in 2000 and spent 21 years managing all operations and coaching within the club.
Current member of HHS Site Council
Currently, serve as the Chairman of the Harvey County Drug-Free Youth Coalition
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Create and implement a dynamic vision and culture for the education system that prepares students for career, college, or other post-secondary aspirations and propels them to be successful contributors to society.
What do you see as the biggest need for USD 440?
I believe it is difficult to accurately answer what the biggest needs might be without seeing data trends, visiting with staff, and talking with employers and colleges to see what skill sets are lacking. In general, I believe improvements in early childhood education are fundamental to overall school success. I believe staff recruitment and retention are critical. I believe student involvement in activities is fundamental to school success. I believe frequent benchmarking and using data analysis to identify and correct weaknesses are key building blocks for student success.
What do you think will be the biggest opportunity for USD 440 during your term, if elected?
The opportunity always exists to become the best. I still believe it is what should drive all of us daily. Advancements in technology will continue to create opportunities for improvement in many aspects of learning. With school choice, the opportunity for growth is very real as well.
Chelsea A. Metoyer
Occupation: Small Business Owner, Graphic Designer, Photographer
Why are you running?
I believe that USD 440 is the beating heart of our community, not only during the school year but during the summer months as well. As a mother with three children who participate in educational programs, athletic programs, after-school clubs, summer activities and so much more, my goal is to facilitate the continued growth and success of this district and all it provides to the community.
What qualifies you for this position?
There isn’t any single attribute that qualifies me, but perhaps several small things. My husband and I have three children currently enrolled in USD 440 schools, which means I have a vested interest to see it succeed, grow, and continue to provide the highest possible education to every student who walks through its doors. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design and have been practicing in that field for nearly 20 years. My creative, outside-the-box thinking will bring a unique point of view to the board. I’m a small business owner who provides services in and around the community of Halstead. As an entrepreneur, I am equipped with the knowledge and experience that comes with owning and operating your own business.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
We should ensure our teachers and staff have the equipment, training, and technologies they need to continue to provide the highest possible education to the next generation of students. We should provide our students with a learning environment that is safe, challenging, well-organized, structured, and stimulating. We should give prominence to programs and activities that focus on fostering such traits as leadership, independence, community service, teamwork, and positivity.
What do you see as the biggest need for USD 440?
Building maintenance, upkeep, and upgrades are a continued, never-ending commitment that must be continually evaluated. The board has a responsibility to be the mouthpiece of the community and make responsible decisions on the facilities that serve the whole community. There are solutions that are both fiscally responsible, but also that provide students with spaces that are safe, modernized, and adequately sized to handle future growth.
What do you think will be the biggest opportunity for USD 440 during your term, if elected?
We should prepare students for life after USD 440. And while typically our main focus is on post-secondary education, I think there is a real need to provide some students with chances to learn real-world skills and trades that don’t necessarily come with the high price tag of a traditional 4-year college education. We should look to partner with local businesses that will help with these types of initiatives, as they would greatly benefit from a trained, local replenishment to their workforce.
Reba Lee
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Why are you running?
I am running for the USD 440 school board because I am a parent, and a proactive member of the community that will help support and encourage the staff and students of the district. I love this community and I have a strong desire to help it be successful.
What qualifies you for this position?
I am a small business owner, so I have a wealth of knowledge on finances, managing employees, and working with customers. I sat on the Bentley City Council for 4 years and have gained a lot of knowledge and experience with that position. I also served as the Bentley Parks and Recreation director for many years. I have a strong understanding of the needs of the community, parents, and students alike.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I hope to continue to lead the district in the right direction to make it successfully grow while keeping the same small-town standards this community loves.
What do you see as the biggest need for USD 440?
I feel the biggest need for USD 440 is open communication in all avenues. Open communication between board members, parents, teachers, community members, and students. To be as transparent as allowed. To also be involved in the community and activities. Finally, be accessible to discuss the concerns of all the above-mentioned.
What do you think will be the biggest opportunity for USD 440 during your term, if elected?
To help continue to expand and approve the facilities within our district. I would like to guide our staff with curriculum support to help make them successful and, in return make our students successful and excel in all areas.
Zachary Mabry
Occupation: Vice President -Distillation Products (Koch Minerals and Trading)
Why are you running?
I have a vested interest in the success of the school and the community. As a graduate of the district and with 5 children that will attend schools, I would also like to give back and contribute to the success of every student going forward. I would also like to advocate on behalf of others to make sure they feel their voices are heard.
What qualifies you for this position?
I believe my life experiences, including multiple leadership and critical thinking positions, have prepared me to incorporate these qualities for positive contributions to the board and school district.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Develop, implement, and achieve a vision for the district that will put students in the best possible position to succeed and hopefully be better prepared for life after school.
What do you see as the biggest need for USD 440?
It is difficult for me to assess what the biggest need for USD 440 is now, with limited knowledge and details. I would like to understand a bit more from the community, teachers, and administrators what their thoughts are on the current state of the district and go from there.
What do you think will be the biggest opportunity for USD 440 during your term, if elected?
Ultimately, I believe the vision and goal for the district should be to strive at being the best in all endeavors. I think we can capture this opportunity by working together with everyone involved to continue improving and working towards being the best version of ourselves.
