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Four seek seats on Bloomfield Board of Education
Four candidates are running for two seats on the Bloomfield R-XIV Board of Education, which will be decided Tuesday.
The candidates are Justin Bell, Randall McCollom, Brad Warner and Darin Davis.
Candidates were asked the same set of questions and their answers appear in ballot order. No responses were received by the press deadline from Bell or McCollom.
Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Warner
Age:49
Spouse: Lori Warner
Children: Lane (16), Laci (14)
Occupation: Sales
Education: Ag business economics
Current affiliations: President Bloomfield Board of Education, Dexter Municipal Airport Board of Directors
Why are you running for school board? This will be my third time seeking the position and I want to continue the path we have been on for the last six years — improving teacher salaries, building new facilities and improving the current facilities, which in turn makes a better learning environment for our students are priorities.
What characteristics would make you a good board member? I have owned my own business for over 20 years, and I know what it means to take accountability not only for myself but also the team that I work with. I will accept all calls with any concerns, and I have always provided an answer for those concerned. I promised to make a difference six years ago when I became a member of the board, and I will keep doing all I can to keep making that happen.
What do you hope to accomplish? I would like Bloomfield schools to keep growing and learning new and advanced ways to educate our students. Education these days is much different than it was 10-20 or even 30 years ago and adapting to challenges and making adjustments to the current environment, with our students as the beneficiaries is very important to me.
Are there any recent actions you agree or disagree with? It would be hard to say that there is one thing or another that I agree or disagree with. The current board we have now always have different opinions but as a group we have always agreed as a team after discussion and taking time to address situations.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the district and how would you address them? The biggest challenge to any school district is resources. Mainly, but not limited to finance, adequate staff and assistance for any student in need. I don’t have the perfect answer. Is it taxes? Is it grants from the state? (Which comes from taxes anyway.) I would like to try more vocational type programs. Such as involving our local businesses and community to help share their knowledge and experiences with our students and faculty.
Are there any needs you want to address? We need to do all we can to retain our staff and involve our community with the district. It’s their job to mold and shape these young minds that they work with every day and it’s our job as a district to support them.
Davis
Age: 42
Spouse: Holly Davis
Children: Kyleigh (20), Carter (12)
Occupation: Federal employee
Education: Bachelor’s degree in project management
Current affiliations: Advance Church of Christ, United States Army veteran
Why are you running for school board? Growing up in Bloomfield and going to its schools made me really care about our community and want our school to do well. I have learned a lot from being in the military and working in government, and I am excited to use what I know to help our school. Let us work together to keep our schools moving forward and make sure every student gets the help they need to do well in school and in life.
What characteristics would make you a good board member? In my bid to help Bloomfield school, my strong commitment to our community, leadership skills, teamwork approach and dedication to openness and responsibility show how much I care. Growing up here, I always think about what is best for our neighbors and students. I have learned a lot about leading and making tough choices from my time in the military and government, which will be useful on the school board.
What do you hope to accomplish? Setting goals will involve collaborating with everyone involved to establish objectives for student achievement, health, and overall district performance, crafted based on the wants and needs of our community. It is crucial to bring in teachers from diverse backgrounds and ensure they are doing a great job, creating a positive work environment to retain our top educators. Transparency is key.
Are there any recent actions you agree or disagree with? While acknowledging that people may have differing opinions on previous decisions, my focus remains on moving forward positively and addressing our community’s needs. Rather than solely discussing agreement or disagreement with specific choices, I prioritize listening to everyone’s perspectives.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the district and how would you address them? Firstly, budget constraints hinder quality education, but I am committed to wise spending, focusing on resources that help students, and seeking more funding through grants and partnerships. Secondly, keeping good teachers is vital, so I will push for fair pay, training, and supportive workplaces. Thirdly, we need to get technology into classrooms for student success.
Are there any needs you want to address? I am committed to working diligently to ensure our school has access to essential resources such as computers, books, and engaging activities. Moreover, students with special needs require additional support to thrive academically and socially. I will advocate for increased funding and resources for programs tailored to these students, ensuring that all classrooms are welcoming and accommodating for everyone. Mental well-being is fundamental to academic success, so I am committed to ensuring that students have access to essential mental health services, including counseling and support groups, to address stress and anxiety and promote overall well-being.