Hays USD 489 school board candidate: Craig Pallister

Age – 66

Education – BS Psychology FHSU, MS Education Administration FHSU

Do you have a student currently attending USD 489 schools?

I have a granddaughter attending Wilson Elementary School currently.

Qualifications – I have 38 years of experience as a teacher and principal with the last 25 years as the principal of Hays Middle School.

Do you support USD 489 trying for another bond issue? What do you think that bond should include? If you don’t support a bond issue, how do you think the school district should address its infrastructure needs?

I support a bond issue to meet the facilities needs of USD 489. The facilities bond issue needs to address the elementary school needs with renovations and replacement where needed. The middle school and high school need additions and renovations for specific needs such as the cafeteria at the middle school.

What would you do to secure the financial health of the school district?

The financial health of the district is an ongoing need to lobby the Kansas Legislature, governor, and the public to adequately fund K-12 public education in Kansas.

The Hays school board is at impasse with its teachers for the second year in a row. What would you do to improve relations with teachers?

The district needs to listen and respect the teachers and staff and move towards a “win – win” negotiation style that will build trust for the teachers and staff in the board of education.

Do you support the district’s current one-to-one technology policy? If not, what would you propose?

I support the district’s one-on-one technology plan. The use of technology allows the districts teachers additional tools and strategies to meet expectations and to be successful K-12.

How would you support the district in its work to improve student performance?

The district is involved with KESA the state accreditation plan and the teachers, staff, and administration need the support of the board financially as well as the “time” to plan and implement the programs to improve student learning.

Is there anything else you would like to add about you or your campaign?

USD 489 is an outstanding public school district that the community of Hays should be proud of K-12. I believe the district needs a public relations person to inform the patrons of the district’s outstanding achievements of our students, teachers, and staff as well as needs of the district. I also would like the district to support local businesses and vendors when possible.