This interview is part of a weekly series of conversations with candidates running for local government offices leading up to the November 4 municipal election. This interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
SCHNELLE: So why did you decide to run for the Pittsburg School Board?
SMITH: I am a longtime community member, a mother of small children. And I'm a former district employee, a former educator, a small business owner, and somebody who's passionate about education and the community.
SCHNELLE: What are your goals for your campaign?
SMITH: Well, to officially kick it off and get started would be a good start. The goal of my campaign is just basically to raise awareness that I'm running for election and that I want to be an advocate for families, for students, and for teachers.
SCHNELLE: Why are you particularly passionate about Pittsburg schools?
SMITH: I'm passionate about Pittsburg schools because I think that Pittsburg is a unique district and has a lot of great opportunities for kids, and is a worthwhile endeavor and should be cared about.
SCHNELLE: Is there anything that you hope to accomplish once you're elected?
SMITH: I'd like to advocate for students and for staff and for families. And I would like to work together to come up with a plan that is fair for everybody and represents the best interest for the kids and the teachers. And to do what we can to provide the best educational experience and opportunity in Southeast Kansas.
SCHNELLE: What do you do for your full-time job?
SMITH: So I'm a former educator. I have worked in the district for a long time and competed at the collegiate level. I'm a small business owner and I'm currently in the process of developing an app, so I'm an entrepreneur at this time.
SCHNELLE: What is your small business?
SMITH: Smith Farm and Seed in Cherokee, Kansas. So, it's an agricultural retail location that sells seeds and chemicals, and other inputs to area farmers.
SCHNELLE: Is there anything else you'd like to add that would be useful to the story in your campaign?
SMITH: I bring a unique set of experiences and skill sets. As a former educator, you know, I spent 15 years working in the district. I spent three years teaching at the collegiate level. I have a master's degree in curriculum and instruction and a master's degree in educational leadership. I've worked with kids for nearly two decades, from all ages and stages, grade levels, abilities, and backgrounds. I have experience with career and technical education. I'm experienced with, I just feel like I have a lot of qualifications that would be necessary for this role, with financial responsibility, community input, and the viewpoint of a parent. I've got four small kids, my youngest is in kindergarten, m y oldest is in 5th grade. So my knowledge of the inner workings of the district is extensive, and the community itself, the opportunity and availability for community partnerships, and the direction and focus of education in the future.
SCHNELLE: What do you want voters to know about you?
SMITH: I want voters to know that I am approachable and that I want to hear from everybody. I think it's important to get input from all stakeholders. I think it's important to have multiple pieces of data and perspectives when making decisions. I think it's important to have as much information as possible to make an informed decision. I think it's important that everybody should be heard and that there's a lot of potential in Pittsburg, and I would like to really kind of get it back to where it used to be, you know, help make a difference in the community.
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