Incumbent Craig Ash
How long have you been a California resident?
I have been a resident of the California area all my life. I am a member of the 1991 graduating class of California High School. Currently I am finishing my third term on the school board.
What experience do you feel qualifies you as a school board member?
Over the past nine years our school system has faced many challenges. Most of these challenges revolve around limited funding from state and local government. We have worked very hard as a school board and administrative team to ensure the fiscal stability of our school district when many schools in this state have not been as successful with retaining fiscal stability. I feel that my time on the board of education as well as a strong construction background and mechanical/management degrees equip me to continue being a valuable resource to the school and the board of education.
Are there specific issues you would like the board to address?
I would like to see the board continue to make improvements in our educational process and continue to have a fiscally responsible school district.
Why are you running for this office?
I am passionate about the education of students in our community. I want the best education for every child in our school system. Our most important role as a school district should be providing the best education that we can to equip our children for a successful future. This is why I would appreciate the community's support to continue my serOVERSET FOLLOWS:vice on the board of education.
Challenger Kerri Tuttle
How long have you been a California resident?
I have lived in the California area for about 10 years. California is my husband Alex's hometown, and we moved here after meeting at Northwest Missouri State University, where we were both collegiate athletes (football and volleyball). I am originally from Auburn, Neb. and graduated from the Johnson-Brock High School.
Is this your first time seeking a seat on the Board of Education?
Yes.
What experience do you feel qualifies you as a school board member?
In Nebraska I was fortunate to grow up in a small town where I was involved in a wide variety of high school activities (athletics, music, theatre, art, academic clubs, etc.). This foundation inspired me to obtain bachelor and master's degrees, and various professional certifications. With more than 10 years' experience in the financial services industry (seven of which include teaching/training), I've gained a knowledge base that uniquely combines education and business. This background may enable me to bring some fresh, new perspective to the school board table.
Are there specific issues you would like the board to address?
As with any business, there are always a multitude of issues that must be prioritized, especially when it comes to budgeting. If elected it would be my goal to learn about the entire school district and all of its current issues in more detail before bringing up any of my own.
Why are you running for this office?
I'm running for office simply because it's an opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community. I've been blessed with many talents, and it's important to share those with others. California already has an excellent school district, and I look at this as a chance to help it be even better. A great school system is the reflection of a great community. Thank you for your consideration and support.
Challenger Andrew Korte
How long have you been a California resident?
I am a lifelong resident of California. This is my first time seeking a seat on the Board of Education.
What experience do you feel qualifies you as a school board member?
I am a parent and a taxpayer. I believe that any individual in the district who cares about the education and development of our youth is qualified to be School Board Member. Having been a member of this community my entire life, I feel I have a pretty good sense of what other members of our community expect from our school system. They expect the board to provide a safe, academically strong system that supports both learning within the classroom, and outside it through sports, arts, and community involvement programs. As a taxpayer of this community I also understand that the community expects the board to accept these challenges while also remaining fiscally responsible with the taxpayer's money.
Are there specific issues you would like the board to address?
Within our district there are not any "specific" issues that I feel need addressed. However with such topics as Common Core Standards and other "big government" programs being forced into our local schools by the state and federal government, I fear there may be some difficult decisions that will have to be made by all local school boards in the future. I am confidant though that with careful consideration our board will be able to make whatever decisions are necessary to do what is in the best interest of our children, and community.
Why are you running for this office?
We have, without question, an elite school district that is one of the best in the state. Contributing to the elite status are parents and taxpayers who value education, students eager to learn, and a passionate faculty. I am running for school board because I want to see that elite status maintained. I would like to be considered for the board because I know that I can provide positive input and direction. The only agenda I have is to provide our students with the best possible programs and educational opportunities there are.
Challenger Joe Kirby
How long have you been a California resident?
We have lived in California for 16 years. We were excited to have the opportunity to move to my wife's hometown and raise our children in a great community close to our family. Is this your first time seeking a seat on the Board of Education? This is my first entry into any type of elected position.
What experience do you feel qualifies you as a school board member?
During my 16 years with the Missouri Department of Conservation, I have gained experience in managing budgets and coordinating the priorities of my work as well as the work of my team. I have worked with a variety of constituents, contractors, and co-workers to ensure that our organization best meets the needs of Missouri residents. This experience will help me manage the diversity of work the school board is required to handle. In my own high school and college career, I was involved in athletics, music, and work with special needs individuals, while continually maintaining high academic standards. This helps give me insights into the needs of all aspects of student life. I have also had the privilege to work directly with California students and coaches in our track and cross country programs, which has given me insight into how our students have to manage academics and demanding athletic schedules.
Are there specific issues you would like the board to address?
This election also has a school bond issue on the ballot. I sincerely hope our community supports this issue which will be a great asset to our students and teachers. It will be important for the school board to provide effective oversight to ensure a timely completion of the multitude of projects in this proposal. A very important task for our school board will be to find and retain quality teachers. I also feel an important function of the board is to ensure our students have quality educational and extracurricular activities in order to give our students the best possible training for whatever their next steps after high school might be.
Why are you running for this office?
The California School District has given and continues to give so much to my family. I have a daughter that recently graduated from CHS and is currently achieving both academically and athletically in college. I also have a freshman and third grader who are involved in many aspects of school life. When the positions came open this year, I decided it was time for me to give back to the school and community. I hope my experiences can help continue the excellent tradition of the California Schools.
Challenger Philip Burer
How long have you been a California resident?
I am a lifelong resident of California. I graduated from CHS in 1982. I graduated from University of Missouri in 1986. My wife, Susan, is from Hannibal. We met in college and were married in 1988. We have three sons, two currently attending University of Missouri and one a junior in high school.
Is this the first time seeking a seat on the Board of Education?
Yes, this is the first time I have run for School Board.
What experience do you feel qualifies you as a school board member?
As a lifelong resident I've made a commitment to seeing California be a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I have served on numerous boards including Chamber of Commerce, CPI, Capital Region Medical Foundation, and Great Rivers Council (Boy Scouts) Executive Board. I also feel my experience at Burgers' Smokehouse is very important. I am familiar with financial statements and fiscal responsibility, as well as working with others to achieve mutually beneficial goals.
Are there specific issues you would like the board to address?
I have no specific issues and don't come to the board with any concerns. I think the current board, administration and teachers are doing a great job and hope I can further compliment these folks.
Why are you running for the office?
I feel our school and community need folks who are willing to guide and direct our destiny. While our school has many things in common with others in the area, it's uniquely ours. CHS means a lot to me and most of you in our community. I feel this pride and an obligation to make sure it continues. I think my work, as well as community service background will be an asset to the current board.