Day and Kayser run for West Central School Board
Sara Stadem | Editor
You asked and they answered. With the West Central School Board elections around the corner, community members wanted to get to know the candidates they would be placing their votes for in next week’s election.
This election is for a one (1) three-year term for school board members residing anywhere in the district.
The West Central School Board Elections will take place Tuesday, May 11, with the polls being open from 7 am to 7 pm. If the election cannot take place in the event of bad weather, the election would be postponed one week.
The following are the polling places in each precinct:
Hartford Precinct (West Central Administration Office, 705 E 2nd St, Hartford)
Humboldt Precinct (Humboldt Elementary School, 600 S Main St, Humboldt)
Wall Lake Precinct (Wall Lake Township Hall, 26452 463rd Ave, Hartford)
Let’s meet the candidates:
James Day
My name is Dr. James Day and I have been in education for over 15 years. I currently teach at Augustana University where I am the Program Director for the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program. I have a bachelors degree from Eastern Washington University, a master of education degree from the University of Virginia and received my doctorate of education degree from the University of South Dakota. I am also a licensed athletic trainer providing sports medicine healthcare. My wife and I have two kids who both attend West Central. We enjoy going on walks, playing in the park and spending time with our dog Blitz.
Why are you seeking election to the school board?
I am running for the school board so that I can help share the benefits of education with today’s youth. The benefits of education are often discussed in terms of the economic and social benefits to the individual student. However, the value of education is even greater than the individual student with those same economic and social benefits of education being for society at large. I have devoted my professional life to these benefits and would like to help West Central in whatever way I can. This past year that help was is the form of being a substitute teacher where I subbed in each school in the district as both a teacher and an educational assistant. Going forward I would like to use my training in curriculum and assessment as well as educational theory to be a resource on the school board.
What are your qualifications for serving on the board?
Besides my experience and training in education and healthcare, I will bring a history of successful problem solving and listening as a school board member. As the director of a post-graduate healthcare program, I work directly with professors, university administrators, and students to solve problems. As a healthcare provider, I also worked with my patient’s parents. Problem solving is ultimately about listening to the stakeholders and investigating possible solutions. In healthcare this is called evidence-based medicine whereas in education this is simply daily practice. I have had substantial continuing education training in the areas of leadership, problem solving and reflective listening that will help me serve as a board member. In addition, I want to serve as a resource for the students and the district with regards to preparing students for higher education. Although I completely agree that college is not a prerequisite for success in life and therefore is not the right path for all students, I can use my substantial experience in higher education to help make sure graduates of West Central are prepared for post-secondary education if they so choose.
What do you consider to be the most important issues facing the school district? Do you have any ideas for dealing with them?
The most important issue facing the school district is to continue to maintain the unique community feel of our schools while planning for the future growth within the district. The West Central School District is seeing record enrolment that allows for tremendous opportunity while at the same time requires careful consideration. As a member of the school board, I would be a resource to the administration to help plan and carryout an innovative solution that not only accounts for the increased growth but also stays true to what makes West Central special.
Do you have any goals/plans that you would like to address as a member of the school board? If so, what are they and how do you plan to accomplish them?
The only plans for serving as a member of the school board is to use my background in education to be a resource for administration, teachers and staff, and parents. These relationships are what makes West Central a strong district. I come with a plan to listen and learn and then work to solve the issues facing the district so that our kids will continue to be able to receive the very best.
Amanda Kayser
My name is Amanda Kayser. I grew up in Hartford and graduated from West Central in 2002 West Central. I graduated from Augustana with a Bachelor of Arts in Nursing. I am currently a registered nurse in Sioux Falls. After college, I lived in Sioux Falls for several years while starting my career. When my husband, Shay, and I decided to start a family, we had a strong desire to move our children to a smaller community where they would strive academically and socially in a school district with a strong sense of community pride and support. Before our oldest started school about 6 years ago, we moved back to the West Central district to an acreage by Wall Lake. We have three children (Adrienne, Madelyn, and Everett) currently in both the Hartford and Humboldt elementary schools who keep us busy with their numerous activities.
Why are you seeking election to the school board?
My motivation for seeking election are my children and our community. Serving on the school board would allow me to lead by example in order to show our kids it takes parental involvement to develop a strong sense of community. I have the ability to serve as an effective board member to provide adequate representation for all students in order to excel in academics, athletics, and fine arts to propel our community forward in a positive manner.
What are your qualifications for serving on the board?
I have served in a leadership position for most of my nursing career. I strongly believe my transparency and integrity has helped develop my leadership skills. As a strong leader, I listen, stay objective, and possess sound judgement. These attributes allow me to make decisions that best move us toward a common goal. I have a strong passion within my nursing career for advocating for others which is a skill set that would be greatly beneficial for a school board member.
What do you consider to be the most important issues facing the school district? Do you have any ideas for dealing with them?
Our district is going to continue to grow and planning for the future is essential. We need to provide adequate resources for students and staff while maintaining fiscal accountability. This will help our children get an excellent, well-rounded education and have their years at West Central be a positive influence as they transition to their next journey in life. My ability to stay objective and work with others is a good foundation to help resolve any issues that will arise.
Do you have any goals/plans that you would like to address as a member of the school board? If so, what are they and how do you plan to accomplish them?
Honestly, I really enjoyed growing up in West Central, and I would love an opportunity to be part of that experience for other students. I will be an advocate for our district by listening to our community and addressing concerns head on.