Four seek seats on Nevada R-5 board

Sunday, April 3, 2005

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Herald

Four people are vying for three seats on the Nevada R-5 School Board of Education. They are Jan Benbrook, Steve Cubbage, Sam DeLaney and Larry Forkner. All candidates were asked the same questions.

How will No Child Left Behind impact the Nevada R-5 School District?

Benbrook:

"I definitely think it's made our teachers, administration and the whole school more aware and more accountable," Benbrook said. "I think that is very important four our schools. I think our teachers have done a very good job, this just adds some accountability."

Cubbage:

"I know that it's made a significant impact already," Cubbage said. "It's going to set some very high goals and it's our job to meet them.

DeLaney:

"When President Bush decided to do No Child Left Behind he didn't realize the burden he put on the schools," DeLaney said. "It has been a real financial burden on the district."

Forkner:

"It is a good concept," Forkner said. "Every child deserves the opportunity to learn to be successful, every child in Nevada deserves that. However, it's one thing to say 'No child left behind' and another thing to meet that goal."

"I think it will be very difficult for any school to meet that standard," Forkner said.

What is the biggest challenge facing the district?

Benbrook:

"Our budget problems which stem from the states budget," Benbrook said. "It's an ongoing situation that we have no control over. They're meeting in legislative session right now and hopefully will release more funds for the schools."

Cubbage:

"Right now it's the budget," Cubbage said. "Trying to balance a very good school district with funds that aren't what they were two or three years ago and maintain the same level of performance."

DeLaney:

"The biggest challenge are the funding issues," DeLaney said. "Not knowing how the foundation formula issue comes out, not knowing how the lawsuit to change the formula comes out and a budget proposal that will be so far in the red all are big challenges the district has to face."

Forkner:

"It all boils down to financing," Forkner said. "I think hiring, keeping and maintaining high quality employees, giving our students the best staff with the best instructors with the best equipment is important. We have been accredited with distinction for several years and you can't do that without high quality employees. Good quality employees deserve good pay and benefits but it all comes back to having the money to get them what they deserve."

Why do you want to run?

Benbrook:

"This has been the most rewarding thing I've ever done," Benbrook said. "Education has always been very important to me. I went to school here and returned as a teacher. I want to give back something for all I've gotten."

Cubbage:

"I think through the years being on the board has been one of the most rewarding thing I've done," Cubbage said. "I enjoy being a part of the board and contributing to it. It boils down to the kids who are going to face many new challenges in the future. We're preparing them for the workforce of tomorrow."

DeLaney:

"I have 20 years of education experience behind me, eight years in administration," DeLaney said. "I have really gotten to know about school finance/budgets and I want to give back to the Nevada system. Working in schools is a good advantage when running for the board."

Forkner:

"I think it is the responsibility of every citizen to give back to the community in some way," Forkner said. "Size up your interests and skill and look for an opportunity to serve. We all have some sphere of influence and being able to manifest that is important. I enjoy being a part of the school district, it's very gratifying work. We tend to work for a consensus and not split the board into two camps."

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: