Three candidates are running for two seats on the Triad Board of Education.
Incumbent Mike Perry is joined on the ballot by Jason “Kyle” Huffman and Kristin Smith.
Matthew S. McConnell was appointed to an unexpired term that ends on Dec. 31, 2023 and must seek re-election to maintain his seat. However, he is unopposed in his bid to do so.
Jason “Kyle” Huffman
Jason “Kyle” Huffman was an employee of the Triad Local School district for 23 years as both a classroom teacher and building administrator.
Huffman is in his 25th year of public education. He noted that he is especially “familiar with the operations and initiatives” of Triad.
“I am also the parent of four children that attend Triad Local Schools and I want to make sure that they and all the children of our community receive the best education possible,” he said.
Huffman listed four issues facing Triad: retention, finances, “unfunded mandates,” and gap closing.
He said retaining teachers “is a big issue for many rural districts.” Huffman said it is particularly difficult to keep high school teachers and specialized instructors, including math and science instructors and intervention specialists.
He said it is also important to “ascertain how to enlarge our pool of bus drivers.”
If elected, Huffman said he would prioritize being fiscally responsible with taxpayers’ money.
“I was an employee of the district when we hit hard financial times, circa 2004, and I saw the demoralizing effect it had on staff, students and our programs,” he said.
Huffman said he wants to make sure that there is a plan in place “for when the stimulus money runs out” that ensures current programming and staffing continues “without making huge cuts.”
“I would like to see the district continue to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money and I would love to see the old Land Lab revitalized and used by the elementary and other schools for outside learning activities just like it was in the 1980s,” he said.
He added that, “We also have to deal with the never-ending unfunded mandates that the federal and state governments enact and place on the schools.”
Huffman said the coronavirus pandemic has created gaps in the learning of students and board members should work to “close them to the best of our abilities.”
“I know as with many schools, there are a lot of gaps to close due to the COVID pandemic and not having the kids in the classrooms on a regular basis for the last 18 months,” Huffman said.
Ultimately, he said, “I would like to see Triad students continue to excel.”
Mike Perry
Mike Perry, who has served on the Board of Education for 10 years, is seeking re-election this November.
He is a graduate of Triad and has lived in the district for his whole life.
Perry has five children, three of whom have graduated from Triad and two that are currently attending schools in the district.
“During my tenure on the Triad School Board, I have learned a lot… about the way the education process works,” he said.
Perry said he enjoyed working for and with the community while building the new athletic facility.
He said he particularly enjoys working with the “great staff and teachers at Triad.”
Perry said several of the issues facing Triad “are the same issues that most districts are facing.” He noted a shortage of substitute teachers and bus drivers as the primary concerns.
“I feel the administration has done a great job dealing with this issue,” he said.
Perry said he hopes to continue to contribute to the district’s future.
“If re-elected, I want to help Triad continue to move forward with the quality education program and our good financial outlook,” he said.
Kristin Smith
Kristin Smith is a registered veterinary nurse and clinic manager.
Smith said she is running for a seat on the Board of Education in an effort to bring parents and board “together in community.”
She said she considers herself to be unbiased and feels her strong communication skills would benefit the board.
“I try to listen to everyone’s opinion or concerns and then formulate the best plan of action if needed,” Smith said.
She added that she is an active member of the community and hopes to better local children, parents and teaching staff if elected to the board.
Smith added that she would like to learn more about the education system in place and evaluate where gaps exist.
“In my career working with students in a professional program at the college level, I have noticed a lack of accountability, responsibility and communication skills in our youth,” she said.
Smith said she would like to identify where “common life skills need to be taught so students can move forward from grade school whether it be going into the work force, learning a trade or pursuing higher education.”