Haydock: Has ‘genuine passion’

Editor’s note: The Kansan posed questions to USD 440 candidates. The other candidate in this race did not return his form by the deadline.

• Name: Eugene S. Haydock

• Education: Masters of science from Oklahoma State University

• Job: Retired school administrator, currently serving as executive director of the Kansas Association of Secondary and Elementary Principals Association

• Family: Wife, Sharon; sons, Shannon and Sean; daughter, Heather; eight grandchildren.

• Community and public service: Member of the Halstead Chamber of Commerce, Halstead Historical Society, Halstead United Methodist Church, USD 440 Board of Education, currently serving on the Kansas State High School Activities Association Board of Directors, president of the Board of Directors of the ESSDACK service center, and the Kansas Association of School Boards Legislative Committee.

• Experience: Ten years classroom teacher (five years for USD 440); 33 years building principal (seven years with USD 440); four years with USD 440 Board of Education

• What prompted you to run for office this term? I have a genuine passion to support a quality educational program for all students in the Halstead-Bentley district. It is rewarding to serve as a team member on a decision-making board that has the responsibility and challenge to provide programs that meet all students’ educational needs.

• What challenges does the school district face in the next four years? What would you do to address those challenges? It is apparent the current economic times will dictate numerous program adjustments. The challenge will be to brainstorm creative budgeting practices and still maintain excellent educational services to all students. Staff support will need to remain a high priority. As a continuing challenge, teacher recruitment and mentoring will be a focus. A quality teacher professional development program must continue although these services may be delivered in different methods. The use of technology will certainly aid in this process. To face the challenges ahead, the board must be a “team effort” decision making unit with student achievement always being the priority.

• What would you do to improve student achievement? My goal would be to continue to support the positive and successful initiatives that are currently underway which includes maintaining a quality staff, curriculum development, facility updates, and responsible budgeting. I would recommend and support the development of individual student programs that would promote all students being capable of doing the academic work expected at their individual grade level. It would be my desire to continue to focus on providing strong leadership as a policy making unit stressing academic and activity programs that leads to the successful graduation of all students.