Candidates were asked to limit their responses to each of the following questions to 200 words or less.
Name: Tim Pfaff
Age: 55
Profession: Self Employed – Owner Operator of Pfaff Service LLC and Pfaff Sales and Rentals and Part Owner Operator of Pfaff Farms
Incumbent: No
Do you have children or grandchildren who attend(ed) USD 384 Riley County schools? Stepson and Stepdaughter and daughter that graduated and currently have three grandchildren attending
Why are you running for school board? I have had the opportunity to spend my entire life within the Blue Valley School District and want to see USD 384 to continue to excel in all areas of education and activities. I am a 1987 graduate of Blue Valley High School, as well as three of my children. I currently have three grandchildren that attend USD 384. Small schools play a major role within their communities and the citizens that live and work in these communities. I want to make sure that these relationships are continuing to be built and established for years to come. In today’s educational times, each school is asked to do more with less. The school budget plays a major role in those decisions. I want to ensure that USD 384 is providing its students and employees with the best opportunities possible as well as working with the community to see that their tax dollars are being used in the best manner possible.
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 want to promote the importance of students, staff, and community members attending all events and activities that USD 384 has to offer. These events and activities allow students of all ages to shine and show their talents. I would continue to encourage USD 384 in using the ThrillShare Program to get information about events and activities in a timely manner. If elected as a board member, that will allow me to be a voice for the community and promote collaboration between all parties involved. USD 384 has numerous advisory councils, site councils, and organizations within the district that could all be utilized to grow engagement and involvement district wide.
If you had one thing you could change about the USD 384 school district, what would it be? In today’s world, it is extremely hard to keep dedicated and accountable employees within a business or a school district. As a small business owner, I have experienced this firsthand. I would like to work towards keeping our ever changing USD 384 staff together as much as possible so our students can build relationships and trust with their teachers and mentors.
What is your opinion of the USD 384 administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward? I truly appreciate all the hard work that is being done by the current USD 384 Administration. They are doing a tremendous job creating an environment where all students and staff can succeed with limited resources at times. As a possible future board member, I believe I can bring new ideas and new ways of thinking to the table to continue to add to the bright future of USD 384. I am excited to bring a teamwork and cooperation approach to help the Blue Valley School District excel.
What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board? Our current school board has been faced with many challenges over the past couple years and have succeeded in conquering many of them. They have made many upgrades to building facilities, added to the salary schedule for staff, and curriculum and technology upgrades. I believe that I will be able to work and compromise with remaining board members if elected. I believe that if we all can take a team approach to reaching the goals we have set forth district wide, we can continue to make the Blue Valley School District a great place for students, staff, parents, and the community.
What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district? I believe that the school board’s role should be as an advisory council to the Superintendent and the school. The Superintendent, other administration, and staff have been hired and trusted to do their jobs on a daily basis. As a possible school member, I do not know the daily in’s and out’s of what takes place at each school. I would trust the USD 384 Administration to each run his or her own building to the best of his or her abilities. I also believe that another crucial role of a school board member is to be a voice for the community. It is extremely important that each member is available to listen and answer any questions or concerns the community may have. I also believe that school board members should build relationships with the students, educators, and employees district wide. This will develop a sense of trust and accountability for everyone involved.