Candidates were asked to limit their responses to each of the following questions to 200 words or less.
Name: Jarred Anderes
Age: 46
Incumbent: No
Profession: Owner of Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley and Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville.
Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) USD 378 Riley County schools? I have two children. My son graduated from Riley County in 2020 and my daughter is a freshman at Riley County.
-Why are you running for school board?
I want to serve and give back to the communities that have been good to me. I especially want to work for the betterment of the lives of the children in our communities. I am at a point in my life where I will be able to do this and do it well.
-Parental engagement and community involvement are crucial for the success of any school district. What strategies would you implement to increase collaboration between parents, citizens, and educators?
I can’t say that I have an exact strategy to implement, but I will listen to parents, citizens and educators. I am a parent and a tax paying citizen in this district and want to do what’s best for the district.
-If you had one thing you could change about the USD 378 school district, what would it be?
Recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers must be a top priority. To that end, this district must be attractive to those teachers. I understand that the board does not hire or evaluate teachers, but the board can help set the tone that will draw teachers here.
-What is your opinion of the USD 378 administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward?
I appreciate everything the administrations at the grade school, middle school and high school do for the children. I look forward to working with them in the future.
-What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?
I will listen to every issue and need that the school board must act and vote on. I may not agree or vote the way others may like, but I will always give a reason why I voted that way. We will disagree on things from time to time, but we’re all adults and our main objective is for the betterment of the school district.
-What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?
There are five responsibilities that are listed on the district’s website. That is to establish policy, recommend personnel, expenditures, take action on annual budget, and hire a superintendent. The day-to-day operations should be run by the administrations of the grade school, middle school and high school.
-Have you received money or in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, groups or PACs outside of the school district?
I have received no money or in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, groups or PACs outside or inside of the school district.