Three in Marshall seeking two spots on School Board
7:05 PM 3/17/04
Sandy Cullen For the State Journal

Maximizing funding, planning for growth, expanding use of technology and meeting the challenges of the federal No Child Left Behind Act are key issues for Board of Education candidates in the Marshall School District. <

Wayne Kiefer, Mary Munson and Alan Tucker are running for two, four-year terms in the April 6 election. <

All three candidates said dealing with the uncertainties of state funding and making the best use of available resources are prime concerns in the district of 1,222 students. <

Kiefer, who worked in the district for 10 years as an industrial arts teacher and vocational coordinator, has run his own appliance business for 25 years and previously managed the Trek Bicycle plant in Waterloo. <

"Through my experience, I can make some good logical decisions on what has to be done with the school system," said Kiefer, who has two adult children. <

Kiefer also wants to address growing enrollment in the district, which will open a new elementary school this fall. Kiefer foresees a need for another new school in the next five to 10 years, and wants to focus on maintaining current facilities and planning for new construction. <

Munson has the experience of raising five children, ages 12 to 25, four of whom still attend school in the district. <

"I know what works and what doesn't," said Munson, who sees meeting the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act as one of the district's main challenges. <

"Testing all children in core subject areas is important," Munson said. "What we do with the results is even more important." <

Tucker gained experience in administration at Northern Kentucky University, where he was in charge of business and institutional services. Now employed at Amtelco, he sees great potential for expanding the district's use of technology to increase educational offerings despite limited funding. <

"We have to find some creative ways to make due with what we have," said Tucker, who has been an active volunteer in school programs since moving to the district in 1993 with two sons, one a high school sophomore, the other now in college. <

"Times have changed," Tucker said. "Students have interests and career aspirations that go far beyond the traditional offerings." <

Marshall School BoardThree candidates are seeking two seats on the Marshall School Board in the April 6 election. (I) denotes incumbent.