Kane County School Board candidate profiles
Listed by Seat, in alphabetical order by last name.
Marc Grow, School Board Seat 4
What are the biggest challenges we face at our schools?
Our biggest issue in my opinion is that our kids are not well prepared to deal with the real world. I would like to help kids learn more life skills such as how to effectively communicate, budget time and money and goal setting. For kids that are more inclined to go into a trade business, we should have these kids go and shadow actual businesses and learn more in depth from the owners what makes a good employee and how to run a business.
What role does public education play in addressing student mental health issues?
Public education I believe can be a make or break for addressing mental health for the majority of mental health issues. If we can teach our kids how to confront problems in school they become more confident in themselves. The more obstacles kids can overcome the stronger mentally they will become. I think a lot of mental illness comes from a lack of positive experiences. Our kids need to build strength which in my experience usually comes from adversity but, whether it’s praising kids for doing well or teaching them how to overcome adversity both of these things can be shown in school with our great teachers, staff and coaches.
What is your view of the use of technology in education?
As much as I am opposed to technology there is a great need for it in schools for the fact that our kids need to understand how to use it regardless of what career choice they make. I think the bigger problem is teaching kids how to have discipline while using technology. This goes back to teaching kids time management. It is too easy to go to a computer or phone with the intent to work on a project and quickly find yourself playing a game or another way to waste time.
Do you feel public education in Utah spends too much or not enough on extracurricular activities vs academics?
When it comes to the money spent on academics and extracurriculars I feel that we spend a good amount on academics but we should spend more on extracurriculars. I was the type of student in high school that if it were not for sports I would not have graduated. I understood that I was a student athlete, meaning that I had to pass my classes first before I played sports. Extracurriculars are a huge part where kids can have positive experiences, learn invaluable life lessons, and maybe even get them into college.
How can you as a school board member ensure that our district stays financially sound and fiscally responsible?
I am not familiar with our current financial and fiscal numbers but as the owner of three businesses I understand how to run a budget and keep numbers within our means. Balancing money and evaluating what is worth our money for the sake of our kids is a challenge I know I am capable of doing. I am an avid advocate of running a budget and never having debt but if there is money to be spent I am willing to use it if there is an opportunity to help our kids.
LoRal Linton, School Board Seat 4
What are the biggest challenges we face at our schools?
Our biggest long-term challenge is being able to maintain local control in our schools. Overcoming federal beliefs and mandates that may not align with parent’s beliefs and welfare of their children. These are being pushed into schools across the country. Kane District listens to parents and guardians in these important beliefs as far as health, welfare, safety and values. Kane district was the first school to allow parents to opt their children out of mask wearing. I will continue to listen and fight for Parents’ Rights. Another challenge is being able to keep and retain excellent teachers this is due to smaller college graduates going into education and the number of teachers retiring. Desiring to attract and retain the best teachers we have over the past several years increased the pay scale at a higher living wage. I want our children to have the very best teachers. Kane district teacher pay is eighth highest out of the 41 school districts. Students’ school safety is always a challenge whether that is from another student (bullying) or from an outside intruder in our crazy world, we have remodeled all of our schools to restrict access and installed many more security cameras, worked hand in hand with law enforcement, with security plans and have a resource officer’s presence in every school. A quality and safe education is a constant priority.
What role does public education play in addressing student mental health issues?
Public education happens to be the place where most children in the community gather. Because of this by default public schools become the obvious place to deal with issues of mental health. Kane School District was one of the first districts in the state to be proactive with the hiring of competent medical professionals to work with students and parents. The parent’s consent is required in the aspect of mental health treatment. These mental health issues seem to be growing in our community every year. I find that mental health is of utmost importance in our student population. Students who are mentally healthy are far better equipped to deal with the increasingly complex society they find themselves in. The intervention in mental health issues have saved student’s lives in our district. The state Board of Education has also come on board with funding for counseling. If only one life is saved the decision for school involvement in mental health was well worth it.
What is your view of the use of technology in education?
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to work with and navigate the advancements in technology, while striving to safeguard our students from the potential dangers associated with internet usage is a necessary challenge. As a school district, Kane County was one of the first Districts to put technology in play at the school level, starting with access, under my direction our District was one of the first to put Chromebook computers into the hands of every student. Technology advancement continues to be a priority for the School Board. We have equipped buses with WiFi to help students who engage in extracurricular activities to complete homework and other assignments while traveling. Recently Mr. Austin Walker created an after-school group (E-Sports Club) to work specifically with students interested in technology, teaching Online Social Fundamentals, Online Etiquette and ESportsmanship. We now transport students two days a week to Southwest Tech in Cedar City, where they are enrolled in Software Development and Robotics classes. With the growing job market involving technology, I will continue to to explore new technologies, assess student needs and explore additional funding for the student population in that job pathway.
Do you feel public education in Utah spends too much or not enough on extracurricular activities vs academics?
There needs to be a certain balance between the two. There is no argument that extra-curricular activities play a very important role in most students’ education. Academics, we have to remember, is the fundamental reason that public education was established. A strong knowledge in the basics - Math, Reading, Writing, Science and History - are essential to the success of every student whether that student is on a college/university, vocational or straight into the job market. The State of Utah does not allocate funds for extra-curricular activities. Those funds are locally funded by the District. Over the past five years, Kane County School District under the direction of the Board has spent millions of dollars on extra-duty pay, coaches, transportation - new buses, Suburbans and Expeditions, summer weight program, football uniforms, bathroom/concession buildings, new band room, utility costs for football and baseball fields and gym lighting , custodial expenses, weight room, Big Water playground, new bleachers for the KHS gym, Volleyball Equipment folding basketball backboards, to improve the playing area for volleyball, full size basketball gymnasium in the new elementary school that can be used by the sports programs and the community, etc. Everyone has to remember there is only one pot of money so the balance has to be closely regulated to not tip that balance.
How can you as a school board member ensure that our district stays financially sound and fiscally responsible?
Provide total financial transparency and accountability to the public. Require absolute integrity in all school business operations. Be responsible to the Local Taxpayers when budgeting (Kane District is currently the fourth lowest local school tax rate in the State). Planning and Saving in advance has been my priority so the board is able to plan for future projects. Monthly the school board reviews and approves all current expenditures, Including payroll and accounts payable. Each month, the board reviews current year to date budget reports, containing budgeted revenue and expenditures and actual revenue and expenditures. Each year, the school board meets with external auditors (private State approved Accounting firm) and carefully reviews the annual audit report on school district financial operations. At the beginning of each year, the board approves detailed budgets containing projected revenues and expenditures. Later in the year, the board approves any changes to the budget. Each year, the board carefully analyzes and prioritizes any needed capital improvements to our buildings and grounds and approves all projects. Prior to the start of each school year, the board analyzes financial data in the process of deciding the cost of living that can be given to employees.