The three incumbents and two challengers for the Auburn Public Schools (APS) Board of Education answered questions on several topics during a Tuesday night, Sept. 29 forum.
Several topics presented at the forum were explained by the candidates in the voters guide in the Oct. 1 Observer.
Leslie Clark, moderator and Auburn Chamber of Commerce executive director, noted the evening was to present respectful and informative conversations for the five individuals to share their thoughts and priorities. She encouraged attendance at APS board meetings and reaching out to school board members.
Incumbents are Ryan Jones, Beth Kernes Krause and Laura Osborne. Also seeking election are Katy Billings and Kevin Reiman.
All were asked how to make APS attractive for teachers to work; helping students and families facing challenges and a lack of resources; preparing students to be informed, responsible and active community members; and working with partners to better connect students with career exploration, work-based learning, skilled trades, college preparation and employment opportunities.
Making APS Attractive For Teachers to Work
Billings suggested taking input and feedback from teachers and staff. She called it a unique opportunity to promote the great quality of life in Auburn and collaborate with the community.
Jones noted Auburn has a great reputation throughout the school and community, individuals want to be here, the district is 100 percent staffed and a lot of positives are happening.
Kernes-Krause stated continuous improvement and the need to remain competitive.
Osborne said APS does not have a high turnover rate, there are multiple applicants for open positions, all positions are filled and taking all input to make the district the best it can be.
Reiman related salary and benefits comparable to other districts; and emphasizing the importance of culture, administrative support and parental involvement.
Assisting Students and Families With Resources
Billings said creating an atmosphere emphasizing students being safe, healthy and valued.
Jones explained school is a safe place for a lot of youth, supporting staff with proper tools to address the issues and serving those with the largest challenges locally.
Kernes-Krause recalled she serves on the board to help provide a support structure for those needing it and programs which bring a diverse group of students together.
Osborne related out of school circumstances affect students. There is a need to look for creative solutions giving them a potential future. Administrators, teachers and staff care about the students and seeking ways to help them.
Reiman noted making sure to listen to students and parents and wanting to continue supporting programs, everybody needs somebody.
Helping Students Become Informed, Responsible and Active Community Members
Billings emphasized engaged citizenship is learned by modeling those who participate, the need for community collaboration and there are many ways students can become engaged.
Jones stated important partnerships with Future Business Leaders of America, FFA and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, community engagement and you need to have a successful school to have a successful community. Everyone needs someone who believes in them, he concluded.
Kernes Krause said looking at opportunities and demonstrating how to participate and be a responsible citizen.
Osborne reported students are seen regularly at community events and try to do something to help somebody else, getting exposure in being a contributing and caring member of the community. She said she is proud of APS students.
Reiman noted there are a lot of teaching lessons available and getting students involved in the community.
Working With Partners to Connect Students With Career Exploration, work-Based Learning, Skilled Trades, College Preparation and Employment Opportunities
Billings said the employment world and postsecondary education are changing. She emphasized the need to listen locally, Auburn has fantastic employers and the need to build and expand on local and area partnerships.
Jones mentioned postsecondary education changes and trades returning to focus which are being addressed by Jobs For America’s Graduates. He called APS Superintendent David Patton “one of the most networked persons I know,” which is a huge benefit to students.
Kernes Krause asked as the workforce and society evolves, how do your address and prepare students to navigate successfully. She noted Patton serving on the Nebraska Department of Education executive director advisory committee furnishes a lot of information to the district.
Osborne said the Continuous Improvement Committee studies the curriculum and is always looking at how to improve it. She also noted attempts to engage students in examining career paths.
Reiman encouraged continued involvement with partnerships as well as needing to look at what others are doing.
