Will Wright

Why have you chosen to seek a school board seat?

I have had four children graduate from the Thatcher Schools and still have two boys enrolled at Thatcher. I have seen and read about a host of social issues that currently challenge many teachers and school systems, which thankfully are not as prevalent in Thatcher schools. I have grown to appreciate the standards Thatcher has established and felt I would like to facilitate maintaining those standards. I decided the best way to support the policies, procedures, administrators and teachers, which, I believe, have set these higher standards for our youth, is by serving on the school board. Q. What are the two most significant challenges this school district faces in the next one to two years?

A. The biggest challenge currently facing many rural schools, including Thatcher, is a lack of revenue and resources to assist the teachers and administrators in meeting the educational needs of our children. Secondly, we will continue to see an ongoing influence that attempts to erode the standards and values we need to maintain to create an environment in our schools where our children are not only safe, but continue to enjoy the best opportunities for learning.

Q. How would you address those challenges?

A. I will work with school officials to support efforts to encourage any programs, grants or funding options that would assist Thatcher Schools in meeting its goals. I will work together with school officials to find additional funding needed to better compensate our teachers and provide the resources required to improve the educational opportunities of our children.

I will encourage policies and procedures that continue to guide the behavior of our children while at school and support those officials who administer these rules, in fairness, for the good of everyone involved in education. I recognize the tough task we’ve given our teachers and I want to encourage a learning environment that will benefit all who are involved in these educational efforts.

Preston Alder

Why have you chosen to seek a school board seat?

I have enjoyed serving on the Thatcher School Board for the last four years. I feel we as a School District have accomplished many goals we have set. I am seeking re-election so I may continue to serve our School District — that it may continue to be successful.

What are the two most significant challenges this School District faces in the next two years?

The two most significant challenges we face are to keep our budgets in line with the softer economy we are experiencing. We need to prioritize our spending so we don’t sacrifice the quality of education we offer. Number two, we need to continue to employ quality teachers to keep the standards we have come to expect in our schools.

Q. How would you address those challenges?

A. To address those challenges we need to tighten our belt and spend every dollar wisely, and by the same token, we need to be able to attract and retain our quality teachers and faculty because they are the backbone of the school district.

B. K. Merriman

Q. Why have you chosen to seek a school board seat?

A. I am a graduate of Thatcher and have children in Thatcher Schools . I would like to help ensure that Thatcher stays a top choice for education in this area.

Q. What are the two most significant challenges this school district faces in the next one to two years?

A. Of the many challenges faced, the two most important are budgeting due to rising costs and teacher/ faculty retention.

Q. How would you address those challenges?

A. I would work together with other board members ensuring that every possible option is explored when addressing issues dealing with increasing growth and the need of more buildings, including maintenance and upkeep of current facilities, transportation and fuel costs. I would work to maintain qualities that make Thatcher Schools a desirable place to work. This would include keeping a supportive work environment, firm discipline, maintaining family involvement in their students' education and keeping up staff morale. I believe these things will help retain staff and keep the school district from losing them to new local businesses.