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NAME: Crystal Graham

AGE: 33

EDUCATION: High School Graduate

OCCUPATION: Coffee Shop Owner

What characteristics make you a good candidate for the school board?

I am honest, logical and open minded. 

What kind of relationship should the board have with its community?

The community should feel comfortable going to each board member with concerns they have, no matter the importance. Our community should feel like the board members are willing to listen. 

What is the biggest responsibility for a school board member?

The children in the school. The point of kids going to school is to build their education that will carry them for the rest of their lives. The board members need to make sure the school is a happy, safe, fun place for them to learn. 

What would you like voters to know about you?

I have lived in Hot Springs for 11 years. I have built a life with my husband and kids here and we have no plans on leaving. 

NAME: Michael Mueller

AGE: 51

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Resource Management 

OCCUPATION: Forester

What characteristics make you a good candidate for the school board?

With my 25 years of experience as a supervisor, I am very good at listening to people and discussing issues that affect them. I always want to hear both sides of the issue, and to find as much information as possible about the issue to make an informed decision. I have work in various team settings and been very successful working with others to accomplish the work.  I am very fiscally responsible in my personal life and at the workplace as I would be as a board member with the taxpayer money.

What kind of relationship should the board have with its community?

The members of the school board are representatives of the community and their decisions should always reflect the values and desires of the community.  The school board needs to listen to and have two-way communication with parents and the community. The school board and the administration should always involve the parents and the community in any major decisions that affect the welfare, wellbeing and the education of the students. The board should always be fully transparent of their decisions and be ready to explain their rationale for a decision. Parents and the community should never perceive any arrogance from the administration or the board when it comes to what's best for the students. Parents and community members should always feel that they can approach the administration and/or the board to talk about issues, concerns, suggestions or ideas that they have concerning their school.

What is the biggest responsibility for a school board member?

The biggest responsibility for a school board member is to hold the administration and school staff accountable to students, the parents, and the community. Whether it's behavioral, fiscal, or social accountability, the school staff are the role models for the students and should hold themselves to a high standard of professionalism. The school board should also insist that students, parents and staff are treated with fairness, integrity, and the respect that each deserves.

 The school has an important role in preparing our kids to become young adults. This role is not solely based on academics but needs to encompass the emotional and social aspects as well. Our students should not only be aware and prepared with the ability to cope with life after high school, but to excel in whatever direction they pursue with their lives.

What would you like voters to know about you?

I grew up on a dairy farm in rural New York but have lived in Hot Springs for the past 23 years. My wife was born and raised in this community and had taught fourth grade at Hot Springs School for 23 years. Both our kids were raised and graduated from Hot Springs School and are currently attending college.

Being a part of the Hot Springs community, like so many other community members, I have volunteered hundreds of hours to our school and our students. Over these years, I have given my time to the youth baseball and soccer teams. I volunteered as the assistant and the head coach for the Little Dribblers basketball program for eight years. I taught tree identification and ecology to the 4th and 8th graders for four years. I am invested in this community and committed to keeping this school pointed in the right direction.

NAME: Julie White

AGE: 55

EDUCATION: High School Graduate

OCCUPATION: Long Term Care Ombudsman

What characteristics make you a good candidate for the school board?

I believe I am an honest person. You must be able to speak your mind and stand up for what you think is right, but also work together and come to a conclusion on what is best for the district. I believe I am also trustworthy which is very important when you are dealing with the community or for that matter anything you are involved in. You need to have a positive outlook on what you believe in which I feel I do.

What kind of relationship should the board have with its community?

Board relationship with the community is very important. You have to be able to work with the community in order to do what is in the best interest of their children. As elected officials it is important that you are approachable if issues arise concerning their children. Effective school boards should have a strong relationship with staff and the community while achieving district goals.

What is the biggest responsibility for a school board member?

MICHAEL MUELLER

There are many responsibilities for a school board member. Making sure that the policies reflect the school's vision is very important. Making sure that the students are getting the best education they need and most importantly making sure that the proper staff is in place to make this happen. Budget of course is the other responsibility. You need to make sure that the spending is spent wisely.

What would you like voters to know about you?

I have been on the school board for many years now and I guess the reason I keep going is because I truly care about this school and the community that surrounds it. I was born and raised in Hot Springs and attended elementary school. All my children graduated from Hot Springs High School, so the Red and Black colors are true to me in so many ways.