Candidate questionnaire: Jeff L. Hahs

__Name:__ Jeff L. Hahs

__Age:__ 60

__Place of birth:__ Kansas City, MO

__Spouse, children's names:__

Anita (Seabaugh) Hahs

Adam Hahs (wife-Cara Brotherton Hahs)

Austin Hahs (wife-Elizabeth Bierer Hahs)

Grandchildren: Hayley, Cooper, Layla, & Sadie (two enrolled at Oak Ridge School).

__Occupation:__ General Foreman

__Employer:__ Boulder Construction, LLC

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ None

__Previous offices held or sought:__

18 Years Oak Ridge R-6 School Board of Education: 1984-2002

Peoples Bank of Altenburg-Jackson Director: 1999-2011

Cape County Commissioner 2008

__What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?:__

I have lived and worked in the Oak Ridge community for nearly 40 years. I know the District well, its needs, and areas that could use improvement. Access to the Missouri School Board's Association has kept me in touch with the issues that affect public schools and my experiences lobbying the General Assembly on education issues is extensive.

__How will you communicate your work to your constituents?:__

Community and parental support is vital to the success of any school. Local media and community forums should be utilized as much as possible. The board must strive to be open to input from patrons by attending as many school events as possible and staying engaged.

__What are the factors on which you will base your decisions as a school board member?:__

All decisions should be based on what is the best for ALL students with the Board reaching consensus on those issues. A unified voice from the board speaks volumes to the staff, students, and community. If a decision doesn't pan out, you always have the option to review and try again. Unfortunately, all decisions usually have a fiscal note to address; and in a small school, this means some things just cannot be pursued.

__What do you see as the opportunities and challenges in the district?:__

The Community has always supported our school. We must keep them informed. Parents must have their children prepared for school, because education begins at home. Teachers' salaries have to improve to attract and retain the best and brightest in the profession. We must keep up with technology. The 9-12 grade students need a tablet to assist in their education. We need to open up our campus for patrons to use our exercise equipment and walk.