Sweet Springs Board of Education has quite a bit of interest for three positions on the board. Three positions with three-year terms are available and voters may choose from Robert Fuehring, Troy Schroeder, Jack Thomas, Tom Tyler and Brian Vogelsmeier.

Robert Fuehring

Fuehring is running for another term on the board because he wants to sustain a strong school board and strong school district. "I want to make the voice of the people who elect me heard," he said.

Fuehring has been on the board for three years. He has three children active in all elements of the district, one freshman, one seventh grader and one preschooler. "So I kind of know what is going on," he said. "Also, since I know the ins and outs of the budget and the way the school district operates. I know the needs of the school district."

Fuehring thinks there are three main focus points. First, with the upcoming retirement of teachers who have served the district for many years, finding qualified replacements. Second, offering a more advanced curriculum for students leaving high school and entering college. Third, keeping the school financially strong. "The way the economy is today, we need to keep the district financially strong," he said.

Troy Schroeder

Schroeder has two children currently attending the R-VII school district. He has also had three children who have already completed their education through the district. "I am doing this for the children; because education is the most important thing."

Schroeder has served on the R-I school board, which used to be a small county school near Sweet Springs. He has attended a conference for school board candidates, giving him a better insight of how boards work. He said he is really good a listening to both sides of an argument before making a decision.

Three things Schroeder would like to see happening on the school board are to see more discussion between board members, and board members and the superintendent; to see more interaction and involvement of teachers at the meetings to help the board members make the best decision; and to keep in mind that a board member is elected by the people and they need to carryout the people's wishes.

Jack Thomas

Thomas said he was born and raised in Sweet Springs and "the community is very important to me." He continued, the main reason for running to be re-elected is because the children are very important to him. "I just want to do everything that I can as an individual to make sure they get the proper education. With the world today, it is so critical they get a great start from kindergarten on up."

Thomas said he is qualified for this position because he has a bachelor's degree in education from University of Central Missouri. He was a legal investigator for 10 years, which helps him understand different people's perspectives.

The resolution of this job "caused me to be a good listener and understand where people are coming from and help make the best decision for the interest of everyone."

Thomas also has two children attending the district, one sophomore and one seventh grader.

Thomas said he has three goals. First, to make sure and continue to hire quality teachers as the district has in the past.

Second, the school district is in great shape and he wants to make sure it stays financially sound. Third, to ensure the district maintains a great curriculum and stays up-to-date for students.

Tom Tyler

Tyler said the reason he is running for the board is "I have children in school and it would give me the opportunity to contribute to the school and the community."

He is qualified because he has been in the community his whole life, which "gives me the knowledge of the needs of the community and school district."

Also, running his own farming business gives him financial and business management experience. "I think we have a good school and I want to keep it going in a positive direction."

"My number one goal is to make sure students get a quality education so they are prepared for college or a career," Tyler said.

Brian Vogelsmeier

Vogelsmeier said, "I am running to give something back to the school district I attended. I think our local school district is an important part of the community and I want to do what I can to make sure it remains such."

Vogelsmeier said his qualifications mainly lie with his communication skills, the ability to work with others and his ability to make decisions.

He said limited resources for the school is clearly the number one issue today. "Our top priority must be to continue to educate our students so they are ready for their next step after graduation, be it furthering their education or join the work force."

Contact Rachel Harper at marshallcity@socket.net