Southern Lyon County: Donald E. Roberts
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Name: Donald E. (Don) Roberts
Age: 50
Occupation: School Guidance Counselor
Education: Bachelor of music education, Baker University; master’s degree, Emporia State University
Personal: Wife, Arlene; children, Sara, 25 1/2; Rachel Hendrickson, 23 1/2; John, 16; Leah, 14.
Q Why are you running for this office?
A I have been involved in education all my life. The education of our young people IS our future. We all need to be concerned that our young people are given the best education possible. I feel that I am qualified to assist our community in this very important area.
Q If elected, what are your goals?
A To provide the best education and educational experiences for our students is the major goal. The students of our communities are our future. We must provide them the best education possible to prepare them for the world ahead, whether it is post-secondary education/training, the world of work, or military.
Q How will the Southern Lyon County school board be better with you as a member?
A My experience in education will be an asset. I have been in education for over 25 years. I was raised with a mother having taught for 43 1/2 years. I have experienced much in education and have been involved with and seen many changes. I have lived in the community for about 30 years, and have had 2 children go through this system, and presently have 2 more in the system. My experiences in education as a teacher, counselor, and coach, as well as having been a member of the community for many years will be a great asset.
Q What do you think is the biggest issue facing the Southern Lyon County school board and how would you resolve it?
A Many issues will be tied together by finances, right or wrong. In the general sense, with the finances available — we must provide the best possible education for our students. The constant changing in the technological world is a big challenge. We must try to keep up with the most updated materials, equipment, and opportunities possible. The needs of students in one building may not be what is needed for the students in a different building. We can’t get “caught up” in the argument that one building got “X” amount, so another building should too. Education should not be kept as a “scorecard”, but what is best for the students involved.
Q What should the Southern Lyon County school board’s priorities be when it plans a budget?
A Number 1 must be how can we provide the best education possible for all of our students. That may be technology/equipment, that may be facilities, that may be books, and it definitely includes obtaining/maintaining a quality staff. Each school in the district will not have the same needs. We must do what is best for each building. Southern Lyon County has provided a good education for many, many students in the past. We MUST strive to continue that and good education and improve on it as much as possible.
Q Looking to the future, what are three things you’d like to see happen in the Southern Lyon County school district?
A 1. Highest quality education as possible for our students.
2. Maintain and growth in the technological area.
3. Quality staff — obtain and maintain.