By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Interim Dean of Fort Hays State University’s College of Education and Technology, Dr. Paul Adams said his background in science and critical thinking makes him a good candidate for the Hays USD 489 school  board.

Adams said he has watched the board deliberate tough issues due to  “resources diminished because of decisions made in Topeka” and said ensuring students receive a high-quality education is not going to get any easier.

“Helping the community, parents, teachers, administrators get what they want … it is a tough balance. I think what I bring to this, is I that I have a background in science education,” he said, “and I have been involved with some of those tough decisions, knowing what it takes to ensure quality education, how to balance the needs of different groups and look critically at the data, do the research and make the best decision we can.”

“As a citizen of Hays and the fact that my children are products of the school system … and have gone on to be be successful, I feel it is time for me to pay that back,” he added.

Adam’s wife, Cheryl Shepherd-Adams, is a science teacher at Hays High School, yet Adams does not feel it will create a conflict of interest.

“In my decision to run, she and I have had a lot of conversations,  and I have said to her, ‘There are going to be decisions that, if I am elected, you are probably not going to like because I have to look at the bigger picture,” Adams said. “She understands.”

Adams is one of seven candidates running for four open seats on the school board in the Ellis County City-School Election April 7.

Other candidates are current board members Greg Schwartz and Sarah Rankin and challengers Jerald Braun, Leslie Blagrave, Luke Oborny and Miranda Fox.