Four candidates, including two incumbents, are competing for two openings on the Prairie Home R-V Board of Education.
Two candidates, Nathan Alpers and Tammy Brandes, did not respond to the Democrat with additional information regarding their campaigns. Both are incumbents seeking re-election. More information about the two were published in the Prairie Home news on page 7A (Neighbors) of the March 22 issue of the Democrat.
Klay Holliday
How long have you lived in the Prairie Home school district?
"I have lived in the Prairie Home school district for a total of 19 years."
What high school did you graduate from, and when?
"Prairie Home R-V, 2015."
What is your occupation?
"I farm with my father and two brothers at Holliday Farms."
What is your family like?
"Married to Mickayla Lee Holliday, we have a six month old son Sawyer."
What leadership experience do you have?
"Training employees on (a) five-axis milling machine and other similar machines while working at Honeywell in Kansas City. Involved in several FFA judging teams throughout high school."
What volunteer experience do you have?
"Work at the Prairie Home fair from upgrading concession stand and other facilities. Setup and cleanup for the fair."
Why are you running for a school board seat?
"To make sure the school is being ran without special agendas and has the interest of the students education as a top priority."
Why is public education important?
"Because they need to be given the opportunity to become productive members of society. I believe it is supposed to teach children how to come up with their own ideas instead of being told what to believe."
What skills or knowledge do you have that could be beneficial for the district?
"I went to State Technical College of Missouri and got an associates degree in machine tool technology. Worked in Kansas City for Honeywell FM&T for two years."
What are the district's strengths and weaknesses?
"Strengths: small town, agricultural district.
"Weaknesses: retaining good teachers because of the small size of district."
What issues are most important to you?
"Making sure the students are being taught necessary skills and knowledge needed to be productive and able to form their own opinions based on facts. To be ready to further their education after graduation if they see fit. Not special interest or biases from teachers or other staff. The school is for learning and not just a babysitter, if they have to be there they might as well be learning something."
What else should voters know about you?
"Ready to be more involved in the school and help make the district as good as we can, as there is always something that can be improved on."
Dennis Toalson
How long have you lived in the Prairie Home school district?
"5 years."
What high school did you graduate from, and when?
"Hickman High School in Columbia ... in 1967."
What is your occupation?
"I am retired from Southeast Community College in Beatrice, NE where I was an agribusiness instructor."
What is your family like?
"Been happily married to my wife for 53 years who taught English/speech/reading for 36 years; have two sons and a daughter who are grown; have six beautiful grandchildren ranging in age from 19 to 1½."
What leadership experience do you have?
"I have held offices in various community clubs and organizations including Optimist Club (president, vice president, secretary-treasurer), Nebraska FFA Alumni Board of Directors, Missouri Ag Teachers Association (various offices), Nebraska School Board Association (legislative lobbyist), University of Nebraska Parent Association (various offices), Oakland-Craig School Board (12 years; various offices)."
What volunteer experience do you have?
"4-H leader, 20 years; Sunday School teacher, 15 years; Youth Group leader, 15 years; Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year, Beatrice, NE; SCC Ag Club sponsor, 19 years; Mustard Seed Food Pantry, Prairie Home, 5 years."
Why are you running for a school board seat?
"I am running to continue providing educational opportunities to every student in our district for an outstanding opportunity to enter the work force or continue his/her education successfully at a higher level. This includes maintaining and developing an outstanding administration, faculty and staff."
Why is public education important?
"Every student, regardless of income, has the right to a good education so that they become good citizens and productive of their community and world."
What skills or knowledge do you have that could be beneficial for the district?
"I have a (bachelor's of science) in agriculture as well as a master's in vocational education from Mizzou, and countless life experiences managing and owning my own business. I have successfully taught at both the high school and college levels. At SCC in Beatrice, I was recognized as Teacher of the Year. Since returning to Missouri in 2018, I have continued my connection to students by substitute teaching in Prairie Home."
What are the district's strengths and weaknesses?
"True strengths in the district include a caring faculty and staff, an involved administrative team, a school board that keeps the school headed in the right direction such as the new building project that they supported, parental involvement in the school and its programs, community support and involvement in the school, a curriculum with outside support in both vocational areas and (information technology) courses offered. A weakness would include faculty turnover and a need for even more advanced courses."
What issues are most important to you?
"Student success in academics, activities, and athletics; maintaining financial soundness; strong faculty and staff."
What else should voters know about you?
"My wife and I love Prairie Home. I have been active in the community and want to see it continue to be a great place to live and raise well-educated, successful young people. The continued strength of our school is essential to this."