Oran School Board candidate profiles

Larry Chasteen (incumbent)

Age: 42

Spouse: Cindy

Children: Alex, 18; Zac, 15

Occupation: administrator and paramedic for the North Scott County Ambulance District

Education: emergency medical technician, Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center

Memberships: First Baptist Church of Oran, Oran Fire Protection District, Scott County Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board, Southeast Missouri Emergency Services Network

Reason for running: I would like to continue to support Oran's administration and teachers to ensure the best possible education our district can offer.

Other experience: Managing a government entity similar to the school district has helped me understand and make better decisions regarding school business.

Main challenges: Keeping salaries and benefits for our teachers competitive with larger school districts is one of our biggest challenges.

Main assets: Our new elementary school and multipurpose building are great new additions and the quality of our current teaching staff is excellent.

Communication: I am usually available to answer questions and hear concerns at most school events and welcome community input regarding our school district.

Judi Henson

Age: 40

Spouse: Jim

Children: Blake, 14; Megan, 7

Occupation: owner of Oran Kwik Stop and elementary teacher

Education: Bachelor of science in elementary education, master's in elementary administration, and several hours toward a specialist degree for superintendent from Southeast Missouri State University

Memberships: president of Oran Business Betterment Association and Missouri State Teachers Association

Reason for running: I would like to have the opportunity to contribute to my alma mater. My personal experience in budgeting finances and supervision of employees on a business level with owning three convenient stores, including Oran Kwik Stop, would assist me in making logical financial decisions for the school district. The knowledge I have through my 10 years of teaching experience, principal's certification and hours toward specialist degree would be of great benefit and assistance in making board decisions. I feel that there are areas of improvement that the district needs to address. I would like to see improvements such as the enforcement of Oran school colors of blue and white with gold trim. Funding for all academic and extracurricular activities be on a equalized rotation schedule year after year. I want to see the Accelerated Reading Program (AR) revised to generate a positive reading attitude instead of a dreaded negative reading attitude. I realize that this would require extra work, but nothing comes easy and I'm willing to put in the extra required time to make it happen. The nutritional lunch program that is currently offered at Oran is in good intentions, but I feel that it is extreme. You can eat healthy, but you also need to be realistic at the same time.

Main challenges: With any district, new challenges arise continuously. As a board member, it will be my duty to be aware of these challenges and give every effort I can to help the administration and district to take care of each issue as it arises. I believe that a large challenge is the financial aspects with the continued changing economy and government funding will always be a challenge for a school district to maintain and keep a positive budget. We must remember that with the help of government funding our teachers receive salaries. If we want to keep the good, qualified teachers we must carefully watch the funding formulas in order to provide competitive with salaries.

Main assets: Oran is a small community that pulls together and offers support for those in need. Whether that need be from an individual, club or group. School and community pride go hand in hand in our district.

Communication: The best policy is the open-door policy. If anyone has a concern or idea that they feel affects the district, I am willing to listen. I will discuss issues and be right up front with the individual about the issue at hand. I'm not afraid to voice my opinion whether I'm in agreement with or not in agreement with someone.

Michael Pobst

Age: not given

Spouse: Tori

Children: Jayden and Jami

Occupation: Manac Trailers, USA

Education: attended Southeast Missouri State University for two years

Memberships: Guardian Angel Parish

Reason for running: I feel that it's every parent's obligation to contribute in one way or another to our school; what better way than to be on the school board? I've not run for a school board position in the past because my last job would not have allowed me the time needed to truly fulfill a school board position. While working at my previous job I received hundreds of hours of training in all aspects of managing a business and dealing with government programs and policies. I now work in Oran and could be readily available at a moment's notice, and I feel that it's time for me to make my contribution to the school and its students.

Main challenges: More emphasis on a higher education should be given. In the past, a person without a college degree could work hard and possibly get into a high-paying position. In today's work force the lack of a college degree will prevent employees from getting those jobs. Oran High School's college or trade school rate is too low among graduates. The solution to this problem is much bigger than any one school board member could solve, but I feel that if the school board is behind the Oran High School staff, this trend can and will make a change in the right direction. Having just built two new schools, a major milestone in this direction has already been made. We need to keep the ball rolling. For the time being we should continue the work that previous school boards have started while keeping a close eye on all Government funded programs that our school could take advantage of. As a school board member, we must ensure the teachers and Oran High School's staff has all of the proper tools needed to do their job most effectively.

Main assets: One of the districts greatest strengths is the community support of our school system. The new grade school and high school are both a testament to that. Another school accomplishment is the declining drop out rate, which is a direct reflection of the staff and community. Oran High School's graduation rate is almost 10 percent higher than the state average.

Lisa May

Age: 39

Spouse: Jay

Children: Ashton,17; Tatum, 9

Occupation: Part-time secretary at Oran First Baptist Church

Education: Proud graduate of Oran High School

Memberships: I am currently president of Oran PTO and a member of the Booster Club. My whole family is a member of the Oran First Baptist Church.

Reason for running: As a parent and an Oran alumni, I have been very involved in the PTO and Oran Booster Club. If elected to the board, I want to be a voice for the student body, parents and faculty of the district. I feel that I can provide a positive insight to solving problems, and I am confident about my ability to work with the school. I am very interested in the operations of schools and the laws that govern them. I want only the best for our children and will make the best decisions on their behalf. Other experience: As a lifelong resident of Oran and as a parent of children who attend the school, I have a vested interest in the district and the way our tax dollars are spent. I want to make sure that we get the maximum effect from our hard-earned dollars.

Main challenges: As with any challenges, change and improvements will take time. One challenge I see that needs to be addressed is our district's grading scale. We have one of the hardest grading scales in Southeast Missouri, and I feel that it is very discouraging to parents and students who work hard for their grades. Also, I would like to see the district adopt a weighted grading scale. I feel that students who wish to prepare for college by taking dual credit courses or SAHEC classes should be rewarded for their efforts. I would also like to see improvements to the school lunch program. I understand that it is mandated by the state to promote healthy eating habits for schoolchildren, but I also feel that you have to have meals that the students and faculty will eat, or it just defeats the propose. If the students refuse to eat in the cafeteria, choose to eat off campus or nothing at all, that is unhealthy. It's also an additional financial burden to the family if you have to send a lunch with your child every day and the district loses money.

Main assets: Our newest and most obvious asset is our new elementary and junior high school building. The learning environment is wonderful! The kids love their new classrooms, and the building is definitely something to be proud of! The kids come to school excited and ready to learn every day. The voters of the district should be commended and very pleased with the accomplishments. Another very important asset is our outstanding teachers. Some of them have been here for years, which is a testament of their loyalty and dedication to our students. We need to make sure that they are compensated for that and that all the teachers feel that they are appreciated and their needs are heard and met.

Communication: I feel I have a very good rapport with everyone in the district. I have set up a Web site at lmayforr3.com and, if elected, will keep it updated with upcoming events and information that I feel the residents need to know. Also, my e-mail address is lmayforr3@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns that you feel needs to be addressed. Please feel free to contact me anytime and I would very much appreciate your vote on April 8th!

Lisa M. Mills

Age: 49

Spouse: Lynn

Children: Kali,14

Occupation: general manager, Manac Trailers USA Inc.

Education: bachelor of science in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University; certified public accountant; general management program, Harvard Business School

Memberships: Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants, Morley Church of God

Reason for running: I would like the opportunity to participate in the continued growth of our school district by contributing to the community as a school board member. I believe our schools have both the responsibility and the opportunity to provide each child with the very best education available and that education provides a foundation that a child can rely on when they provide for a raise their families, run their businesses and give to their communities.

Main challenges: Our district is challenged by the fact that it is a small district and we must be committed to attracting and retaining talented, motivated teachers and administrators that can offer our students the best education possible.

Main assets: Our strength lies in community interest, support and family involvement. In addition, our community is fortunate to have a school board committed to the education of our children and to have administrators and teachers equally as committed.

Communication: Parents, staff members and residents can communicate with me anytime by phone or e-mail. In addition, I frequently attend school functions and will be available any time for comments or discussions.

Jerry Lange (incumbent)

Age: 55

Spouse: Kaye

Children: Rebecca, 27; Jenny, 25; Anilise, 23; Robert, 19

Occupation: warehouse manager/parts specialist at Missouri Tractor Parts

Education: associate of arts degree from Southwest Texas Junior College

Memberships: Guardian Angel Church, Knights of Columbus 4311, Cape Girardeau Marriage Encounter Community

Reason for running: My family and I have been blessed to live in this community. My children have graduated with lifelong friendships and the tools needed to be successful in the years to come. Being on the school board is my way of helping our school continue the standards and success of the past and my way of giving back to our community.

Other experience: Its easier to make objective decisions with my children no longer in school.

Main challenges: It is a challenge to retain our teachers and not lose them to bigger schools.

Main assets: Thanks to taxpayers of this community, we are financially sound, with wonderful facilities that promote a good learning environment. Our biggest asset is our deciduated teaching staff that has a passion for teaching and brings out the best in our students.

Communication: I'm available at many of our schools extracurricular activities. My phone number is in the book and past experiences have proven that people will call to share their thoughts and ideas.