Bender: Some changes needed

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: Jack Bender III

• Education: Bachelor of Arts from Washburn University of Topeka (1966); Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law (1969); USAF Judge Advocates School (1969); Summer legal studies program in England, France, Germany and Yugoslavia (1968); USAF Command and Staff College (1979); USAF Air War College (1989); Boeing Senior Management Seminar

• Job: Attorney in private practice but semi-retired.

• Family: Married to Donna, who has a masters of Social Work degree and formerly served as a school social worker. We have three adult daughters and 10 grandchildren, seven of whom live in the Halstead-Bentley School District.

• Community and public service: Member of Board of Trustees of Kansas Learning Center for Health since 2002; volunteer Wing Legal Officer for Headquarters Kansas Wing of Civil Air Patrol in Salina; USAF Academy liaison officer for 15 years to about 50 high schools and colleges in south-central Kansas; retired USAF colonel in USAF JAG with 30 years service both active and reserve; former coordinator and public relations officer for KIDS VOTE USA; former Explorer Scout Law Post adviser; former project leader for 4-H; served 23 years on Boeing Employee’s Association Board of Directors and served as volunteer counsel to the same organization for the same period; oration judge for American Legion Oration contest for high school students; former board member for American Friends Service, an organization supporting foreign exchange student programs; I have been guest speaker at American Legion Memorial Day Programs in Halstead and Bentley; I have been guest speaker in the Halstead Middle School Veteran’s Day Program; I served several years as an American Red Cross disaster volunteer, including six weeks in New York City following 9/11/01.

What experience do you have that prompted you to run for this position? I have had many experiences with youth organizations as outlined above, and I have had years of experience as a negotiator and writer of contracts.

What prompted you to run for office this term? Last spring ,the Halstead-Bentley school board advertised for members of the community to apply for a vacancy on the school board caused by the vacating member’s moving out of state. I applied for that opening and, although it was declared both persons interviewed were qualified, the other applicant was chosen. During the interview I was asked if I would run to fill the unexpired term at the time of the next election, and I said I would.

I believe I am qualified, and we will let the electorate decide who should serve.

What challenges does the school district face in the next four years: What would you do to address those challenges? All school districts are challenged by the financial crisis existing throughout our country. There is little I can do about that situation, but I can use my experience to do as much as possible with the resources the community has. The school district is faced with the fact it has had difficult negotiations with the teacher’s association and issued a unilateral contract that later was followed by a negotiated contract. Administration and faculty relations need to be improved.

I believe the abrogation of the long-existing Early Retirement Plan by the present school board needs to be reversed. This plan or a form of it had been in place since about 1982, and many teachers entered into employment in the school district, bought homes in the area and have remained because of that incentive. The board made the termination of the plan a condition of agreement for a salary increase. The board’s issuance of the unilateral contract was contrary to the advice of the Fact Finder who found the Board had the ability to pay for the salary increases irrespective of whether any changes were made to the Early Retirement Policy. I would work to reinstate it.

What differentiates you from your opponent? I really want to serve. I do not know what prompted my opponent to file but that is his right. I have more free time I would imagine. He has been on the board, I haven’t. Does that make me less qualified I don’t think so. The board stated in its public statement we were both qualified. I would like the opportunity to serve.

What would I do to improve student achievement? I think it is too bad students have to be taught to the test. There is little I or anyone else can do to improve their achievement except to provide the very best learning atmosphere possible which includes having the very best teachers available. That means we must step up to meet all challenges no matter what they might be, including budget, tutoring if needed and ongoing involvement with parents in a meaningful way. Teacher-parent conferences a couple times a semester will not do the job. Constant communication between parents and teachers to make the learning experience a family matter is very important.