Jobe, Krieg seek school board seat

Brian Jobe and Elizabeth Krieg are seeking the District 3 seat on the Jay School Board in November’s election.
Jobe, rural Pennville, works in quality control for Magna Powertrain.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and is the vice president of the Pennville PTO.
He and his wife Lisa have two children.
He has been a coach in the Boomer soccer program of the Jay Community Center.
Krieg, rural Portland, is chief probation officer for Randolph County. She received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She and her husband Chris have two children.
She has worked with Community Corrections and is a member of the Region 7 Service Council for the Indiana Department of Children’s Services.
Both candidates responded to a pre-election questionnaire from The Commercial Review. Their responses follow.
What prompted you to seek a seat on the Jay School Board?
Jobe: “I have been a concerned parent and active member of Pennville Elementary PTO for several years as well as an active member of my community. After being approached by several members of District 3 about running for the board, I decided that this would be an excellent opportunity for me to play an active role in the community and do what I could to continue to provide the best possible education for my children and all students within the Jay School Corporation.”
Krieg: “When I have heard about activities within the corporation, whether it is a trip planned, a program being developed, a building being considered or renovation or closure, or a program being cut with the possibility of teacher(s) being let go, I always think, ‘How is that affecting the kids or the educational process for the kids.’ I would like to learn about the corporation and be a part of setting policy and helping the corporation if I can.”
What do you see as the role of the board and the role of individual board members?
Jobe: “The role of the board is to meet the needs of the people they serve. As a team, we make policies and set guidelines for implementation by the superintendent. The board must support the superintendent and faculty of the Jay School Corporation and allow them to do the jobs they hired them to do. With every decision I am entrusted with I will ask myself, ‘How will this decision help us serve Jay School Corporation students, teachers, and faculty better?’”
Krieg: “The board is to oversee the superintendent and consult with the superintendent regarding policies and issues. The board is to set policy and help make decisions regarding policy and potential changes. The board is to oversee or approve the budget and again consult with administration regarding questions or changes.
“The individual board member represents their district and the community as a whole regarding interests and concerns. Board members should ask questions and evaluate all information before making decisions.”
Jay School Corporation has had to cut more than $1 million in spending this year because of reductions in state support. What should the criteria be for further cuts that may lie ahead in future years?
Jobe: “I fully understand that the budget is a major concern for everyone. I think all that we can do as a board is to continue to live within our means and not spend more money than we have allotted. If state support is cut again then, unfortunately, we would then have to re-evaluate our different programs and staffing. It’s not a situation we want to be in and is very difficult to plan for. We just have to react appropriately.”
Krieg: “All options need to be considered. It is not just as simple as closing buildings or cutting staff. Sometimes ‘tightening belts’ can make a big difference. Cutting teachers hurts the class sizes which hurts the kids. Closing buildings also hurts kids. These options need to be evaluated thoroughly before decisions are made. Consideration should be given to other staff cuts if needed. But again the facts need to be evaluated thoroughly. ‘Extras’ need to be monitored closely. Complete evaluation of programs is needed. Those programs that are truly helping the kids should remain available.”
If you could change one thing about the Jay School Corporation, what would it be?
Jobe: “The one thing I would like to change or improve within the Jay School Corporation is our view towards our teachers. I think we should celebrate the teaching profession and emphasize the important role they play in our young people’s lives. They were many hats as educators, counselors, mentors, and role models. I think too many lose sight of their importance and are rarely given the credit they deserve.”
Krieg: “I believe, as a whole, the Jay School Corporation is a good school corporation. I chose to move here and to enroll my children here. I would like to see some improvements in special education services and alternative education services. These are two areas I work with frequently in my job. I know the importance of providing opportunities to all kids. I understand that with the current economic climate and cuts, these improvements may not be available. I also understand that as a board member it is not my role to make the changes but to review changes as they are made and help make decisions.”
What personal qualities or experiences would you bring to the school board that would make a positive contribution?
Jobe: “I have no axe to grind or no personal agenda. I am a concerned parent who believes in the value of a good, quality education. I want to do my part to see our children receive that in our schools. Remember, ‘Our kids are the future.’”
Krieg: “Commitment to my career choice and the responsibilities of my career. I am willing to learn. I know I don’t have all the answers. I experience that frequently working with families and government. I have experience being a part of other advisory boards. I have experienced cuts in budgets and understand budget hearings. I make difficult decisions daily, and I understand that not everybody agrees with the decisions I make.”
If you were grading the school corporation with a report card, what letter grade would you give each of the following and why? Elementary schools, middle schools, high school, central office, board?
Jobe: “I support all the current policies and guidelines within the Jay School Corporation. I believe that the administration, faculty and staff have nothing but our students’ best interest in mind. Our corporation provides a quality learning environment. However, with that being said, there is always room for improvement. It’s our job to provide the guidance and resources to allow them to continually improve and achieve our educational goals.”
Krieg: “Elementary schools — I can only give a grade based on my experience with Judge Haynes Elementary and General Shanks. I would give them an A. The staff has shown care and nurturing to the kids, not just to my child. There are teachers in the buildings with years of experience to offer to the kids and also older students who have been involved in cadet teaching and student teaching. I would welcome the chance to learn about the other elementary schools in the corporation.
“Middle schools — Middle school years are challenging. I would give our middle schools both an A.
“Jay County High School — The high school offers lots of programming and opportunities for the kids. College level classes that earn college credit, vocational training, and programs like the freshman academy help students in preparing for the future. From the outside looking in, administration handles discipline fairly and shows concern for safety of the students and the teachers. I would give Jay County High School an A.
“Central office — I would give central office a B. This corporation has not had to make nearly the cuts as other surrounding corporations.
“The board — I would give the board a B-C. They are doing what needs to be done but not going over and beyond.”[[In-content Ad]]