Three people are vying for seats on the California Board of Education. Voters each will choose two candidates on the April 5 ballot, with the top two vote-getters being elected.
Name: Kyle Wirts
A Moniteau County resident for 48 years, Wirts has served on the California Board of Education for 12 years.
What experience do you feel qualifies you as a school board member?
"I have 12 years' board experience, the last nine as board treasurer. My wife and I are California graduates, as well as three of my four kids. My last daughter is a junior at California R-I. I have served on various boards through the years and have been employed by the city of California for 35 years."
Are there specific issues you would like the board to address?
"Continue to update the technology with the goal of being 1:1 with devices for students; continue to watch the finances; keep pay at a competitive level for our staff, while still giving our kids a quality education."
Why are you running for this office?
"I enjoy the experiences that we encounter as a board, and I enjoy kids."
Name: Rhonda (Kirchoff) Meyer
A Moniteau County resident for all of her life, Meyer has served on the California Board of Education for three years.
What experience do you feel qualifies you as a school board member?
"I have served on the school board for the past three years. I am honored to be a graduate of California High School and a member of this fantastic community. My parents are Betty Kirchoff and the late Ronald Kirchoff, both graduates of California High School. David and I both graduated from California High School in 1980. I grew up on our family farm outside of California and now live on a small farm east of California."
Are there specific issues you would like the board to address?
"Our school system is without a doubt the focal point of our community. This is where we come together to enjoy sporting events, plays/musicals and academic contests of all sorts. Our school serves as an educational beacon for past, present and future residents of the district. We are fortunate to live in such a supportive community and have a school district, campus and facilities that we can all be proud of. I've learned so much in the past three years about our school system. If re-elected, I will continue working with the board and administration to make this the best district in the state. I am honored to be a graduate of California High School and a member of this fantastic community."
Why are you running for this office?
"It has been an honor to serve on the school board for the past three years. I ask for your vote on April 5 so that I can continue to serve as a member of your school board and give back to a school and community that has been so important to me and my family. I am married to David Meyer, and we have two children, Caitlin and Cameron Meyer. Caitlin graduated from California High School in 2014. She is currently a sophomore at Mizzou pursuing a degree in pharmacy. Cameron is a junior at California High School. She is vice president of the National Honor Society; an FFA Officer; a member of the student council, Sounds of Joy, Women's Choir, Mixed Choir and Spanish Club; and she is on the varsity volleyball, basketball and track teams."
Name: Derek VanLoo
A California resident for 15 years, this is VanLoo's first time seeking a seat on the California Board of Education.
What experience do you feel qualifies you as a school board member?
"Two years ago I became interested in serving on the school board while serving as deputy treasurer during the school bond issue. That particular experience gave me an insight of what it was like to work with parents, teachers and board members in an effort to improve our school community. When moving to California 15 years ago, my family and I were quickly accepted into the California community. In those 15 years, my family has grown, and each of us are involved in church, school and local social organizations."
Are there specific issues you would like the board to address?
"I do not have an agenda in regard to running for school board election. Having three children in the California School District, I feel that I have a sense of commitment to the school and this community. I would like to continue to give back to the community that supports me and my family."
Why are you running for this office?
"During my 15 years in the California community, I have served and continue to serve on multiple booster clubs, have served on our church's parish council and local service organizations. I enjoy giving of my time and talents to work with these clubs and organizations to make the town of California a better place. I look forward to serving as a California School District board member to continue and build upon the great work that has already been accomplished."