We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Hays USD 489 school board candidate: Tammy Wellbrock

Tammy Wellbrock

Age: 48

Education: BA in Communication; MS in Communication at FHSU

Do you have a student currently attending USD 489 schools? – Yes: one son who is a sophomore at Hays High School

Qualifications? Working with a variety of boards, personalities, and the public has given me experience and skill sets to handle matters unique to a BOE member.

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 believe we need to make major improvements to our facilities so we provide the best education possible. The quality of our facilities goes beyond the classroom: the recruitment of quality educators as well as key community leaders is interdependent on how competitive our chemistry labs or auditorium or wrestling rooms are compared to other schools. We are blessed to have stellar teachers and students who continuously reach educational milestones. It is important we do not rest on these laurels and continue to invest wisely and strategically.

From my previous advantage point as the president/CEO of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, I know how important the school district is on the impact of our community’s economy. I served on its Facility Needs Committee, which was charged to determine the district’s needs. We toured every building; I observed every boiler room, “cafegymatorium,” storm shelter area, and front entry as well as many other aspects.

Much of what I saw alarmed me, and I believe it is crucial we pass a bond to address these needs. I have visited with key individuals (principals, top administration and other department heads), to better understand the needs most pressing today and upgrading facilities was the number one priority. What the actual bond should address is not unanimous among those I visited with, so I believe there is still more work needed in this area. To paraphrase one educator I spoke with, we need to be better at addressing our “Why” during the next bond process.

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

The heart of our school district is the children and their educational environment; thus, any decision I make will ultimately be founded in this philosophy. The school district is a system made up of many moving parts and pieces, so it is irresponsible to enter this role with a mindset of preconceived notions, ideas and agendas. As for its financial health, I intend to research best practices for school districts and train with the State Board of Education so that I can make the best financial decisions as possible.

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?

USD 489 is fortunate to have high test scores and teams of dedicated professionals who truly care for our children. Rather than making major modifications, I would like to influence a healthier culture created at the BOE level, which is not something easily done overnight. The theme emerging from all my visits with district representatives is the need for greater levels of trust. One way to achieve this is to empower those doing the daily work, so that micromanagement by BOE members is eliminated, efficiencies are increased, and trust is strengthened.

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

I believe 1-to-1 technology is the best situation for our students. I marvel at how positively integrated the technology and curriculum has been for my son, now a sophomore at Hays High. His teachers have been incredible in applying useful technical skills with traditional learning methods. As an employer, I observe a strong advantage for those employees who can successfully use technology to complement their abilities.  I’m always a proponent for “working smarter, not harder” and technology helps us achieve this.

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

My first step is become more informed of the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) model and how the USD 489 School District is evolving to meet the five different goals outlined. Secondly, the Kansas State Board of Education defines a successful high school graduate as having the preparation, skills and engagement to launch them successfully into the next phase. I believe my professional connections can create quality student-business partnerships to help achieve greater educational opportunities.

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

Besides serving on the district’s Facility Needs Committee, I was a board-appointed representative on the USD Foundation Board from 2011-2015, a member of the O’Loughlin Elementary Site Council for six years, held a three-year term for the Hays Area Children’s Center Board and am now a Hays High Athletic Booster Club Board member. Along with launching my new professional consulting business, I am an adjunct instructor at FHSU for the Robbins College of Business Entrepreneurship (both on campus and virtual) and will add a new class to my teaching schedule this spring for the Leadership Studies Department.

SEE RELATED STORY: Wellbrock will run for seat on Hays USD 489 school board

DISCLOSURE: Tammy Wellbrock is married to Gerard Wellbrock, Eagle Radio sports director. He is employed by Eagle Radio, which owns and operates Hays Post.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File