Name: Roland Martin
Age: 55
Occupation: Farmer/stockman
Education: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and secondary education, Newman University, Wichita
Personal: Married with four adult children and six grandchildren
Q Why are you running for this office?
A I have enjoyed serving the patrons of USD 252 for the past 12 years. School districts are constantly going through change and continuity is always beneficial to the district.
Q If elected, what are your goals?
A My goals for the district will echo the 4-H motto— “To make the best better.” We have a good school district, but there is always room for improvements in all areas — personnel, buildings, transportation, ect.
Q How will the Southern Lyon County school board be better with you as a member?
A The experience of 12 years on the board is the biggest contribution that I bring to the board. By asking tough and thorough questions on topics, board members have a greater understanding on a topic and are able to make information decisions. By being fair and a good listener. I am able to make a positive contribution to the board.
Q What do you think is the biggest issue facing the Southern Lyon County school board and how would you resolve it?
A The biggest issue facing the board is the declining enrollment. Along with this, there is the issues of whether the local option budget should be increased to replace the money lost from the declining enrollment. Because enrollments are cyclical, time will be able to correct some of the problem. However, at this time, the district board, employees, and students can make the biggest impact on enrollment by promoting the positive and correct the district’s negative aspects. This team effort will be beneficial for the future enrollment of the district.
Q What should the Southern Lyon County school board’s priorities be when it plans a budget?
A The first priority for planning a budget is trying to achieve cost efficiencies in all areas. Even though we are a small school district, we need to keep wages competitive in order to attract and keep quality personnel that meet the high expectations of the communities.
Q Looking to the future, what are three things you’d like to see happen in the Southern Lyon County school district?
A Three things I would like to see happen in the Southern Lyon County school district include: 1) An increase in enrollment, 2) A realignment of school district boundaries, 3) Keeping up with technology.