Four candidates will vie for two positions on the Dolores School District 9E-4A Board of Education this election year.
Lori Raney, Heather Barritt, Jerry Whited and Casey McClellan are running. McClellan is running for reelection, and board member Kay Phelps will leave her position open in November.
Board members Maegan Crowley, Lenetta Shull and Clay Tallmadge have two years left in their terms.
The Journal asked candidates what their main objective would be and why they are passionate about taking on the role, as well as for a photo.
Responses were edited for grammar and style.
What would be your main objective?
First and foremost, my objective is to represent the students/parents and community to the best of my ability. Everything seems upside down in the world today, no matter what it is or where you look. This unfortunately ripples down to our students as well, but it doesn’t have to.
My objective would be to get back to a learning environment that was less distracting and more conducive to learning. COVID protocols should be approved that keep the students out of masks at all costs. The last I checked, COVID was 99.999995% survivable between the ages of 5 and 18. Our students are in the safest of all age groups and should not be trained to live in fear of unseen bugs and distracted by such things.
Critical race theory is damaging to our students’ futures and should be kept out of the schools. Most of us grew up believing we could do anything, become whatever we wanted, as in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Dream big, work hard, free will, it’s all up to you as an individual. CRT destroys that way of thinking through race wars, redistribution of wealth, concentration of power, attacks on individual freedoms.
However, these attacks are all contrary to our Constitution, which protects our individual rights. American government classes should be mandatory so that all students understand how great our Constitution is and what they potentially have to lose.
The human brain is not fully developed until 24 or 25 years of age. Until then, it is highly malleable, and as a result, gender-related study, at least as we know it today, should not be taught in elementary, middle or high school, where students are most likely to be captive audiences. At least in college, a student can make that class choice for themselves at an age when they are not as easily influenced.
I would like to be part of a board that hires a permanent superintendent that understands our local concerns, that knows countless students, parents, and members of the community, that does his or her best to minimize the distractions to a healthy learning environment, doesn’t bully administrators or staff, and doesn’t undermine the board.
In addition to the aforementioned, my objective is to do as I have done for the past four years: represent the students, parents and community as best as I can. I know the community well and listen to my constituents. I have been with the district long enough to have a good understanding of the budget. I will continue to push for sound financial decisions, whether it’s the purchase of a Suburban or the construction of a bus garage. I will continue to advocate for keeping the school in Dolores, where it is the heart of the community.
Why are you passionate about taking on this role?
I’m motivated to get involved in things where there is some injustice or unfairness. I still have a son in the school district, but my interest is not only for his benefit, but for all students. I think of my own childhood of growing up in Montezuma County, and it truly had the feel of Mayberry, a lot of freedom, little to nothing to worry about, no mask mandates. You didn’t fear for your life when you were vaccinated, marijuana was illegal, the planet was healthy (still is), gender was uncomplicated, and classes were all mainstream. That was everyone’s normal, and in rural America, it still can be. It truly comes down to having a board that believes this is possible and has no agenda other than giving our kids the best possible chance at a successful future.
What would be your main objective?
I have spent my career in the field of medicine and more specifically, behavioral health. I am interested in fostering a school environment as a place to support and enhance student psychological and physical well-being in addition to providing a rich learning environment. I believe all three are important aspects to consider for a well-functioning school district and am looking forward to lending my time and experience to help the district be a well-rounded institution for students, a trusted environment for parents and a fulfilling career for the faculty.
The past two academic years have been quite challenging for students, faculty and families, and it is time for us to pull together to bring this unsettling experience to a successful conclusion. This will take some vigilance by the school board members to assist and support in assessing the consequences to student academic success, faculty fatigue and burnout, and family frustration. I strongly believe this community and school district has the potential to come together and make our small-town academic institution stronger than ever as communities have throughout history when faced with hardship.
Why are you passionate about taking on this role?
My daughter graduated from Dolores High School, Class of 2016, and recently returned home from the University of Hawaii with her bachelor’s degree. Her academic experience throughout her years in the various Dolores schools helped prepare her for her academic endeavors, and I am now eager to give back to the school that helped her do so well.
I am also from a rural agricultural community and understand some of the unique challenges these communities often experience. I strongly believe that a healthy community and robust school environment, in addition to a healthy home situation, help to yield young adults who are ready to take on the challenges of work, further education, family responsibilities and other post-academic life choices. That I could help guide this process is very exciting to me personally, and I am eager to take on the challenge and responsibility inherent in fulfilling the role as a school board member.
What would be your main objective?
My main objective for running for Dolores School Board is to collaborate with fellow board members, school staff, parents, students, and the community to help set the tone for what type of culture the school shall operate. It must be a positive, energetic, safe, and transparent culture. I feel I understand what it takes to help our school moving forward and preparing our students to graduate and become good citizens and leaders for years to come.
Why are you passionate about taking on this role?
I am incredibly passionate about running for Dolores School Board because I believe it is healthy and important for parents to serve on the school board and offer their perspective. A parent has a unique connection to a school – teacher conferences, banquets, sports activities, music programs – and being at other school activities makes a parent an accessible school board member. Parents have the groundwork perspective of the school, students and staff. I believe it is time for a new generation of parents to step forward and serve our school.
What would be your main objective?
My main objective is to give a voice to those needing help understanding and working their way through the legal and administrative process, so that teachers, students and parents can be successful. My son Joey has been on an Individualized Educational Plan since he started Elementary School, so I understand the hurdles and what worked and did not work for him. There is currently no one on the school board who has that direct experience, and 60% of our students are on some sort of IEP. Since Joey's accident, I have been fighting for him to receive the support and resources he needs from the school system, and I have pretty good knowledge of the process, what the school's responsibility is, and what the parent's responsibilities are.
Why are you passionate about taking this role?
I have had parents reaching out to me for guidance, not knowing what to do. I've seen teachers frustrated and ready to leave. I've seen the school district turnover, the in-fighting, and the lack of vision. We need to find a way to keep our teachers, work with parents, and make the school a place that excels in learning.
