By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
This is the first in a series of stories on candidates for the USD 475 Board of Education and the Junction City Commission.
Mark Hatcher is seeking reelection to the USD 475 Board of Education. "It is such an honor and joy to give back to something and invest in something bigger than you, outside of yourself."
There has been discussion about the potential future closure of Milford and Grandview Elementary Schools. Hatcher said, "I'm just committed number one, to look at every conceivable option to keep those schools open for the good of those communities."Hatcher feels the impact of eliminating those schools would be tremendous.
Hatcher wants to restore faith in public education and to help remember why the schools exist, which is to give all children a chance to succeed. He encouraged school board members to work collaboratively with other board members, administration and support staff. Hatcher added he believes he has those good working relationships.
Hatcher noted a desire to work with fellow board members on the District's strategic plan, raising graduation rates to 95%, decreasing chronic absenteeism, increasing attendance and lowering discipline referrals. He said that they will also continue working on food service and transportation.
Other candidates for the USD 475 Board of Education include Dr. Beth Husdson, Zeek Torres, Kristian James and Thomas Wesoloski.
Junction City Commission candidates are Sam Yoskowitz, Terry Butler, Jim Germann, Joe Markley, Robert Laster and Kelly Niemczyk.
The election is Nov. 4.