USD 489 BOE president impressed with candidates, community turnout

Hundreds attend the City of Hays/USD 489 Election Forum Monday at FHSU. — Hundreds attend the City of Hays/USD 489 candidate forum Monday at FHSU.

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Outgoing USD 489 Board of Education President James Leiker said he feels he will be leaving the school board in good hands after watching six school board candidates campaign for his spot and three others in the USD 489 candidate section at Monday’s forum held in Fort Hays State University’s Memorial Union.

“Six candidates stepped up there, they all did very very well, all bring very special talents from their backgrounds. I love the diversity of the candidates which is a great asset for the Hays community,” Leiker said. “I look forward to seeing how this does shake out April 7, but I do know based on the quality of the candidates we had up there, we will have quality board members.”

Leiker also thanked the community for their attendance.

USD 489 school board candidates take the stage

“This was a tremendous turnout. … Well over 100 people in attendance to see what the future of 489 is for the next four years,” he said.

Following the Hays City Commission candidate forum, 12-year school board veteran Greg Schwartz, current board member Sarah Rankin, and challengers Leslie Blagrave, Luke Oborny, Dr. Paul Adams and Miranda Fox took the stage at Monday to answer formal questions from moderator Deborah Ludwig, FHSU’s Dean of Forsyth Library, followed by questions from the audience.

The city and school election is April 7, with advance voting available now at the Ellis County Administration Building, 718 Main St. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until noon April 6.

Watch Hays Post for more details on the school board forum. Watch the City of Hays/USD 489 candidate forum — sponsored by the American Democracy Project and Hays Area Chamber of Commerce — HERE.