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The reason for the increased activity is mostly due to the funding request that Kalkaska Public Schools has put onto the ballot to help them purchase badly needed new technology for the school system's students to use and learn with.

With all of the hooplah surrounding the money aspect of the ballot, it may be easy to forget that there is an actual election going on as well. Two school board members are up for re-election, and they have challengers.

KPS board of education vice president, Robert Dunn and board secretary, Terry Thomas, both are up for reelection. Challengers Lawrence Barber and Larry Fields are challenging them for their board positions.

Terry Thomas was elected to the board on July 1, 2000, and then re elected on July 1, 2004. Thomas' term is due to run out on June 30, 2008.

Robert Dunn was appointed to fill the term for Mary Janik on Dec. 6, 2004. He served in that role through June 30, 2005. He was elected May 3, 2005, and his current term expires June 30, 2008.

Each candidate was given the opportunity to answer five questions from the Leader and Kalkaskian asked on behalf of the voters of Kalkaska County. As the election is in the first week of May, their answers are presented here for the voters' information.

Each candidate was asked the following questions:

What are some of your personal goals for the coming years of school board service that you may be called to in this election?

How do you hope to see the way the schools are run change, if at all?

What would you like to stay the same?

What is the number one issue to both you and the voters in this election?

What would sum up your campaign in your own words?

Lawrence Barber, a seasoned professional and long time attendee of school board meetings feels quite strongly about each of these issues.

"I hope to help our school solve some of its problems with its technology needs. We should not have to replace 375-plus computers every five years. I also hope to work with the other board members on keeping our school as good as possible," Barber said.

"I would also like to see our schools get more mothers and fathers involved in the way their kids are being educated," Barber said.

When it comes to the most important issues to Barber, he has no hesitation.

"I would hope that our teachers keep the same desire to teach as they have now. The number one issue on the ballot May 6th is the bond proposal for technology. Our schools need these upgrades for their computer classes," Barber said.

Larry Fields, who has also been involved in the school board for quite some time had this to say:

"I would like to improve the public perception of KPS. To improve the view in the public's mind as to the educational opportunities available in this district. I would also like to involve more public input at school board meetings and to improve enrollment in the district. We need to keep all schools in the district open and available for educational opportunities and push to improve MEAP scores to above average and not just settle for average scores," Fields said.

Fields does hope to see some change if he is elected.

"At present schools are run by dedicated principals under the leadership of a superintendent. Structurally that is sound, but if a program is not working, then change needs to be introduced into the system. The engine for change is good leadership. I have not seen the latest M.E.A.P. statistics, but I understand that the KPS district, for the most part, did not fare well in reading and writing exams," Fields said.

Fields feels the number one issue in this election is obvious.

"The number one issue of this election is the quality of education of our children. We simply have to do a better job of preparing them for their future. I believe if we had kept a high quality of education in this state, we would not be in the fix that we are in today. In this district as well as others, we need to keep pace with the changes in technology. In this district we have 154 computers that are 10 years old or more. The servers, the wireless labs, and all the gadgets that help our children in the educational process need to be upgraded. Hopefully the funding for the upgrades will come from the millage proposal May 6. If not, other areas need to be explored. One thing is for certain - we need to upgrade the technology," Fields said.

Both Barber and Fields support each other's candidacy.

"Lawrence Barber and I are both devoted to the community and are committed to help get the best possible education for the children of this district. We bring real life experience to the task and have the courage to ask the tough questions and the boldness to seek creative solution to tough problems," Fields said.

Incumbent vice president Robert Dunn also has his own plans and hopes for the schools future.

"Some of the personal goals that I am interested in obtaining this coming year is to continue to improve the education in our school district by trying to improve our MEAP scores, to try to make the right financial decisions to better operate our school and to get as much educational tools and programs for our children as we can. There is always room for improvement although I feel that our schools are being run with great administrative staff right now. They have a very tough job with all the problems that our state is in right now with the decline of enrollment due to the economy. We couldn't ask for a better superintendent, I just wish that he could stay around for another ten years. Mr. Sandy works very well with our administrative staff and is very personal with the parents and is not afraid to answer any questions you may have," Dunn said.

Dunn has strong beliefs about what needs to be done in the coming years.

"The number one issue of course, naturally is financial and declining enrollment. You can not build a better school system when you constantly have families leaving because of lack of work. Unfortunately people have to go where the work is and Michigan is losing jobs everyday. Not only do we have to look at the decisions as a board but also as a community and as part of a team. None of these decisions are easy, but as a team and a community I hope to do everything possible to help in these areas. Currently I know we are working towards getting the upcoming vote for future computers on the May election. This is vital to our children's education and we hope to do this without adding extra financial burden to the school district voters. If passed your current tax payment will not be raised, it will remain the same. As we all know computers are a necessary part of our everyday life. I believe that this is crucial time for our school district. We need to have people on the board that are going to make tough and good decisions that continue to better our school and children's education. After all we are here for the children and hopefully that is something that we all can agree on. So if I had to say it in three words like I did three years ago when I first ran for the school board it would be 'for the children,'" Dunn said. Board secretary Terry Thomas remains passionate about her service to the school board and the community that it serves.

"I would like to see our community grow and get our student attendance back up.Ê I would like to communicate to our community and to communities in Michigan how much of a great teaching staff we have.ÊWith my six years of experience with all of our ups and downs, I feel Lee Sandy has been a strong positive influence to our school district, especially with all of the cuts the state has been making.Ê These cuts put a burden onto our schools.ÊLee puts education first, and that is so important with all of the state's standards," Thomas said.

Thomas' view remains progressive.

"I do not feel that anything can remain the same.Ê With all of the changes that schools must face such as technology and the economy, we have to learn and grow with the times.Ê It is impossible to stay the same.Ê I hope to ensure that we continue to have quality education for the students, no matter what the economy is doing or state funding cuts," Thomas said.

Thomas sums up her candidacy quite well.

"I believe in the board that we have, the superintendent, the teaching staff, support groups and the community.Ê I have truly enjoyed serving on this board.Ê My purpose is to help make the best decisions that will benefit our students the most.Ê I will strive to always be honest and open minded in what our school needs.Ê My heart is in Kalkaska.Ê I am sure that the community shares my want for what is best for our students," Thomas said.

If one wishes to meet the candidates or to observe them in action, one simply needs to attend a school board meeting. By contacting the superintendent's office at 231-258-9109, one can discover when the next school board meeting will be.

Brooks Vanderbush can be reached at bvanderbush@michigannewspapers.com.