House school board candidates make cases

House Municipal School District has four people running for spots on the school board for the Nov. 2 election.

The candidates are Calvin Downey, Lori Foust, Randy Lee and Stoney Shoemaker.

Lee is challenging Downey for Position 1. Foust is running against Shoemaker for Position 2.

They were all given a survey with five questions about why they are running.

Some answers have been edited for spelling and grammar, but they are written in the candidates’ own words.

Calvin Downey

Position 1 incumbent

Why are you running for the school board position?

I have been on the board for several years now, and think we have a great school at House, with exceptional staff and students, and I am running in hopes of continuing that.

What would you hope to accomplish if you do get on the board?

I hope to keep the school growing and continuing to provide a great education for the students.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that House faces?

Being a small school that really is not very close to any bigger towns, the biggest challenge is getting more students to come to school at House.

How would you try to change the things you see as challenges at House?

The best way to get more students to come to school in House is to provide the best education possible, which I believe students at House get because of our excellent teachers and staff.

What are your connections to the school?

I have lived in the House community most of my life.

I attended House Schools.

I have children that attend House School and a son that graduated from House.

Randy Lee

Position 1 challenger

Why are you running for the school board position?

The reason I moved back to this community two years ago was based on the decision I made at that time to help and serve my family and the community where I grew up.

I have tried to address unmet needs on my family’s farm and help neighbors when possible.

I have been convinced that my experience working with state government and operating small businesses, coupled with my compassion for the school and the community, could serve the school well as a board member.

What would you hope to accomplish if you do get on the board?

Make House great again.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that House faces?

My general and broad answer to this question would be to enhance and reinforce the connection between the community and the school.

In most rural communities, the school is the hub of the community.

Functions and events at the school are supported and attended by the whole community.

When this issue is considered in more specific detail, it becomes very complex.

In order to effectively address this issue, it may have to be broken down into different components and phases.

Any remedy would certainly require input and buy-in from school administration, faculty, staff, students, parents and the community.

How would you try to change the things you see as challenges at House?

Before trying to implement change, I would want to assure myself of two things.

First, I would want to make sure that the change is necessary and worth making.

Secondly, I would make sure that the people involved (students, parents, teachers, etc.) agree that change is necessary.

I realize that this answer is pretty general, and I do have some specific ideas.

I would like to develop community and school support for these ideas before I just throw them out there.

Also, I am open for suggestions from anyone, whether they are a parent, student, teacher or school administrator.

What are your connections to the school?

My family on both my mother and father’s side has attended House School for generations.

I attended House School from first through 12th grade.

After graduation from House, I attended New Mexico State University, where I was very proud of where I was from.

I believe the education I received at House High School prepared me well for college.

I have five children, three of which have graduated high school, and my two youngest sons currently attend House School.

I have many fond memories of House School.

Lori Foust

Position 2 candidate

Why are you running for the school board position?

I am running for a position on the House School Board because I believe I offer something to the House community that has not been the case in recent years.

I have 19 years’ experience working as a teacher at House Schools.

I also hold an administrator’s license, so I can bring the knowledge associated with that to the school board.

Having taught in both the traditional school and The Learning Center, I have unique insight into our terrific students and the challenges the students, staff and administration face in this unique time.

What would you hope to accomplish if you do get on the board?

The motto of House Schools is “Where Everyone is Someone Special.”

As a member of House School Board, I would continue to spread that message to surrounding communities to encourage growth in our district.

As a member of the board, I would work with our great administration, staff and community to continue to grow a strong support system for our students.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that House faces?

One of the biggest challenges I believe facing our district is our enrollment numbers.

How would you try to change the things you see as challenges at House?

Students that live in our community are currently attending other districts.

I would like to see our district continue to reach out to those students as well as students in surrounding communities to build enrollment numbers at House.

What are your connections to the school?

I was a teacher at House for 19 years.

My husband and all four of my sons have worked for the school in some capacity.

I have children and a nephew who have graduated from House High School.

Four of my grandchildren have also attended House.

Stoney Shoemaker

Position 2 candidate

Why are you running for the school board position?

I think there are some changes that need to be made in order for House Schools to grow and thrive.

By running for the school board, I can work to ensure House is an excellent place for students and teachers.

What would you hope to accomplish if you do get on the board?

One thing I’d like to accomplish is having a school that continues to grow. I want to see our district kids remain at House through graduation.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that House faces?

One of the biggest challenges is keeping student enrollment up and teacher retention.

I want to see a school where students, parents and teachers alike have a voice that is heard.

How would you try to change the things you see as challenges at House?

Listening to the suggestions of parents, teachers and students would be a great start. When everyone is working as a team, more can be accomplished.

What are your connections to the school?

I am a House School graduate; both my parents graduated from House, as well as many of my relatives. So, my family has been long invested into the school.

While I was in school, my father served on the board.

I now have four students in House, so I feel like I have a high stake in the school.

Lastly, my wife is a teacher at the school.