UPDATED to include Curt's responses, the original posting had the wrong responses in the story.
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to each of the following questions to 200 words or less.
NAME: Curt Herrman
AGE: 62
OCCUPATION: IT Director at a local bank
INCUMBENT?: Yes (currently serving my 4th term)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: USD383 Manhattan Ogden Board of Education. Kansas Association of School Boards Board of Directors. Founder and Board Member for the Kansas Education Leadership Institute. Founder and Chairperson for Walking the Heartland Heart Support Group.
-Why are you running for school board?
Our schools are the heart of our community, shaping the future of our children and the foundation of our society. As a dedicated parent, an engaged community member, and an advocate for quality education, I am driven by a profound commitment to see our schools thrive.
I believe that every child deserves access to an excellent education, regardless of their background or circumstances. It's a belief that has fueled my involvement in various educational initiatives over the last 16 years. Now, as a candidate for re-election for the school board, I am ready to continue my commitment to our children, community, state, and nation.
Our schools face a range of challenges in these rapidly changing times. From recovering from the COVID slide to addressing the diverse needs of our students to the security of our schools.
I am running for the school board to ensure that our schools not only navigate these challenges but flourish in the face of them.
I bring a unique blend of skills and experience to this role. As a parent, I understand the hopes and concerns that families have for their children's education. As a community member, I have seen firsthand the impact that strong schools can have on the vibrancy of our community. And as someone who has worked closely with educators and administrators, I am acutely aware of the dedication and effort required to create a truly exceptional learning environment.
I am running for the school board because I am passionate about education, committed to our community's well-being, and resolute in my belief that by working together, we can build a school system that prepares our students for success and empowers them to become engaged, responsible citizens.
With your support, we can shape a brighter future for our children and create schools that we can all take pride in. Thank you for your trust, and I look forward to the journey ahead.
If re-elected to the school board, I will work tirelessly to support our staff to continue educating our children.
-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?
Continue on the current path of parental involvement. That is CRITICAL in student success. Success in school starts in the home and we need to nurture that cooperation.
PTO’s and Site Councils are a great way for parents to get involved and volunteer at their schools.
That was one of the reasons that I got so involved with the district, as my parents were both educators and having them there in the schools gave me a lot of confidence as a student.
-If you had one thing you could change about the USD 383 school district, what would it be?
I would like to see more focus on Career and Technical Education programs and opportunities. Other districts have CTE centers for this, but this is a very expensive task to take on.
There are some districts that have these programs where students receive a high school diploma and an associates degree on the same day as they walk across the graduation stage.
-What is your opinion of the USD 383 administration? Do you think you could work with the current administration moving forward?
We have excellent leadership in our district. The DAT (District Administrative Team) meets monthly to discuss issues and share ideas. As well as brainstorming new concepts and ideas.
Eric Reid will be a fantastic leader. Marvin and Eric put together a fantastic team that will continue to move us into the future and guide our staff and students to excel in the world.
-What is your opinion of the current school board? Do you think you could compromise with the incumbents who will remain on the board?
The current school board is a well oiled machine that works well together. We don’t always agree with each other and that is what makes us such a great team. We can disagree without being disagreeable.
If the incumbents get re-elected, I could definitely continue to work with them.
-What do you think the board’s role should be in the day-to-day operations of the district?
A school board members job is best described as a “forest watcher.” We sit in a tower over the forest and oversee the district. If we see a “fire” we provide the resources and guidance to put that fire out. Once a board member jump into action and tries to put the fire out, that board member loses her/his effectiveness. We are not experts in the education field, and we have a staff full of experts with advanced degrees who are best suited to put out the fires. The board should provide the resources for the district staff to excel at their jobs.
-Have you received money or in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, groups or PACs outside of the school district?
I have not received money or in-kind donations from anyone, businesses, groups or PACs. We do not make party/political decisions, we make KID decisions.