Cary Kelly

1. I think education is vitally important, and now that I am retired, I have the time to devote to making our school district even more outstanding. And it just so happens that the zone in which I live is up for election this year.

2. My district, Zone 5 - Sandpoint, strongly supports the school district as illustrated by voting in favor of the past two levies. The plant levy had about 55 percent in favor while the supplemental levy had over 80-percent support. I, too, have strongly supported the district in these and previous levies.

3. I'm familiar with the public educational system. Before moving to Sandpoint, I taught history in a public high school. I was certified to teach in Idaho, but no jobs were available at the time, so I ended up working for Bonner County. My experience as commissioner would be particularly valuable on the school board.

4. What goals do you hope to achieve if you are elected?

I would like to see more public involvement in school policy and finances. Also, I would like to initiate a long term plan to upgrade/replace needy facilities along with a strategy to pay for it.

5. The above goals go together because public support is needed to plan and finance any long term facility renovation or replacement program.

6. The only activity in which I participated while county commissioner was the mock interview program.

7. A single school board trustee has no authority, but acting as a board, the trustees are responsible to the public to oversee all facets of the district. This is accomplished by working with the superintendent of the district who is accountable to the board for all school operations.

Being retired, I can devote as much time as necessary.

8. With the rapid changes in technology, the challenge will be to prepare students for the new, changing world we live in.

9. Academically, I think our students are adequately prepared for college, but that does not mean there is not room for improvement. However, those not headed to college, are often not prepared to enter the workforce. I think the area of vocational training or career technical training needs to be enhanced.

10. The only criticism I expect is the increased costs to the property owners in the form of levies to pay for our schools.

It’s a valid complaint, but without levy support we would be doing a disservice to our students and community.

11. Other than the safety of our residents, nothing is more important than the education of our children. As a community, we need to support all education — whether it be public, private or home schooling.

12. Are you running to improve the quality of education in the district schools?

My answer is yes.