Four candidates seek three openings on the Bluffton school board beginning Jan. 1, 2018. Three incumbents are Brad Fruchey, Wesley Klinger and Ken Lugibihl. Deborah Herr is also seeking a seat.
The Icon asked each candidate the same questions and their unedited responses follow in alphabetical order. In addition, each candidate’s answers may be found in a separate story also on the Icon. Their answers are found on the right column of the home page.
The Icon will provide a home page link to these interviews until Nov. 7. Watch for a similar feature on the Icon involving Bluffton council candidates.
Brad Fruchey
465 Shannon St., Bluffton
Why are you seeking a seat on the school board and why should someone vote for you?
I am seeking a seat on the Bluffton board to continue being a part in one of the best school systems in the state.
The voters should vote for me because I bring many years of experience to the position. I have played a part in hiring all administrators currently at Bluffton. I have also gained more knowledge as a member of the Apollo school board.
When I was first elected to the board my daughter was in preschool and my son was I toddler. Throughout their years at Bluffton I have been involved with the Athletic Boosters, post prom, athletic council and buildings and grounds committee. I have also coached and officiated more games than I can count. I have served as both President and Vice President numerous times and am proud to say I have only missed 2 meetings in my 16 years as a board member. I was honored to give my daughter her diploma in 2016 and hope to give my son his in 2018.
What are the major issues facing Bluffton schools in the next 4 years?
Funding is always an issue with any school system but currently we are in solid financial shape.
Are there programs you’d like to see added to the curriculum or as an extra-curricular activity?
Bluffton is an extremely well rounded school. There are many extra-curricular options for our students to be involved in. We have numerous athletic teams, clubs, music and drama programs.
Are there areas in the recently released Bluffton 2016 school report card that concern you? If so, how should they be addressed?
We have always done well on the school report card due to our staff, students, parents and community.
Feel free to address any other subject here that you’d like to provide to voters:
I would like to remind voters that our school is currently in the top 6% of schools in the state. Our expenditures per pupil are around $2500 less than the state average. We are the second lowest per pupil in expenditures of the 20 most similar districts but have the highest achievement scores of those same 20 districts. Credit for this needs to go to our excellent administration. They lead an outstanding staff that ensures success for our students in a safe and supportive environment.
Are there issues you’ve changed your mind on after voting the way you did on a particular issue?
No.
How do make your voting decisions as a school board member?
I try to represent the needs of the school, students and community. I respect other opinions and try to ensure success for our district.
Deborah A. Herr
9171 Bentley Road, Bluffton
Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?
I have volunteered at the school for many years and I believe that there is room for improvement in many areas. Others will point at the Ohio Dept. of Education score for “Achievement” as evidence that everything is great. There are three Putnam County school districts with better “Achievement”. Doesn’t that mean Bluffton should be doing better? I am not looking to upset the apple cart but add some additional fruits.
And, why should someone vote for you?
I have worked in government finance for years and will bring that fiscal experience to the budgeting for Bluffton Schools. I have taught string instruments at Bluffton Schools for years. I know many of the teachers and administrators first hand already. I will work to expand arts education at Bluffton.
What are the major issues facing Bluffton schools in the next 4 years?
• Funding – I see decreased State Funding becoming a real issue for the future.
• Stopping Bullying and creating an inclusive environment.
• Physical Space/Buildings – we have never recovered from the closing of the Beaverdam building.
Are there programs you’d like to see added to the curriculum?
The ODE Grade Card pointed out Bluffton is falling down on “Prepared for Success.” While I am not positive, I don’t see where Bluffton offers Advanced Placement Classes or many industry recognized credentials.
Or as extra-curricular activity?
I propose starting to work towards a greatly expanded extra-curricular program. Music, Dance, Performing Arts, and various arts or crafts like painting, ceramics, stained glass, sewing and knitting and many more possibilities. There are also club sports like bowling that currently lie outside the official “school” designation that should be integrated.
Are there areas in the recently released Bluffton 2016 school report card that concern you?
Bluffton is a great place for the round peg. If you fit in, comply with the teachers, and get good grades, Bluffton is the place for you. Not so much if your child is a square peg. And the ODE Grade Card bears that fact out. For gifted students, Bluffton gets an “A”. For students in the lowest 20% in Achievement or disability, Bluffton gets a “C”.
If so, how should they be addressed?
I believe that expanding the extra-curricular programs is a key solution. Creation of a inclusive environment where everyone can have friends and school related activities that make the student feel like the belong will improve their performance in school. We need to treat children like children and make going to school something the students look forward to.
Feel free to address any other subject here that you’d like to provide to voters:
Bluffton Schools aren’t broken. The changes I discussed wouldn’t happen overnight nor should they. I would be only 1 of 5 school board members. But I want to be the voice that asks “Why not?” These ideas will also take funding. I believe that we can find the funding in the Arts community for these programs. I also believe that committing to an expansive Arts pilot will attract positive growth for the entire community. Much of this expansion can be accomplished through partnering with individuals, community groups and businesses already involved in these areas.
Are there issues that you disagree with that the current school board passed?
I know there are decisions I disagree with but I don’t believe that is the correct way to look at the topic. I believe that the current school board consists of honest and hardworking individuals who voted In accordance with their belief.
How would you make your voting decisions as a school board member?|
I would ask three questions.
Is this the best answer for the continued success of Bluffton Schools?
Is this good for the students and staff of Bluffton Schools?
Does this vote fulfill my commitment to my constituents?
If all 3 answers are yes, then you have my vote.
Ken Lugibihl
9222 Rockport Road, Bluffton
Why are you seeking a seat on the school board and why should someone vote for you?
The reasons I am seeking reelection are children, learning, and community. I have 7 years-experience working with our Bluffton school board members, administrators, teachers, and staff in harmony for positive results. During my tenure I have been part of successful renewal levies at our school for positive results. My wife and I attend numerous school events in the elementary, middle, and high schools to stay engaged with, and be accessible to the school community. I believe together we can continue to do great things for our children at Bluffton Schools. I will continue to try and make a difference in the life of our children!
What are the major issues facing Bluffton schools in the next 4 years?
Anything regarding state funding is challenging. Our school continues to be challenged to look forward with dedication and determination and be frugal with our tax-payer’s dollars. Regarding being frugal in terms of the cost to educate students: our school spends $2,700.00 less than state average per student; however, achievement levels are near the top in our state. We have great teachers, staff, administration, and board members that continue to strive to be the best for our children. We have great parents that are engaged in their children’s schooling, from kindergarten enrollment to high school graduation.
Are there programs you’d like to see added to the curriculum or as an extra-curricular activity?
Regarding curriculum, the administration and teachers continue to seek ways to best educate our children in an ever-changing world, and keep the board abreast of best practices.
Are there areas in the recently released Bluffton 2016 school report card that concern you? If so, how should they be addressed?
There are approximately 1200 students that are in our school district. Out of 608 districts, Bluffton is 35th in performance index, which is in the top 6% in the state! We will try to continue to educate to be the best.
Feel free to address any other subject here that you’d like to provide to voters:
I am a 1983 graduate of Bluffton High School, and have lived in the Bluffton community all my life. I am married to Diana, and my children are BHS graduates Jaime and Alexis. I own Ken Lugibihl Auto & Truck Sales, and have been in business for over 30 years in Bluffton.
Experience:
Current 2017 School Board President, and past Board Vice President. Current Bluffton Schools Employee Contract Negotiations committee member. Worked with board, school, and union of employees for positive results. Current Bluffton Schools buildings and grounds committee member. Proud to be working with the board, administration, and committee members to maintain our beautiful school campus in downtown Bluffton. Past board member experience with Bluffton Child Development Center, past Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Past board member experience with Bluffton Chamber of commerce, past President and Vice President. Business judgement experience over 30 years.
Are there issues you’ve changed your mind on after voting the way you did on a particular issue?
None to date.
How do make your voting decisions as a school board member?
I receive feedback from student’s parents and family of students, community members, fellow board members and our school administration. All of this is due diligence on my part. In my opinion, there is a lot of discussion on heavily debated topics; however, we always seem to come to harmony for positive results with our well-rounded board.
• If you like that we have a great community with great parents engaged in their children’s lives.
• If you like that are students are in the top 6% of the state performance index.
• If you like that we spend $2,700.00 less than average schools to educate our children and achievement levels are near top in our state.• If you like that we support great teachers, administration and staff.
• If you like our beautiful campus like setting that we take pride in downtown Bluffton.
• If you like the above statements, please vote and re-elect Ken Lugibihl for school board, because I do too!
Wesley Klinger
54 Wilhelm Circle, Bluffton
Why are you seeking a seat on the school board and why should someone vote for you?
I have been on the board since 2014. I have always remained involved in community activities including in previously as a member on the BFR board and president of the Bluffton Preschool board. My wife, Mandy, and I have 4 kids with two in high school, one in middle school, and one in elementary. They are all involved in academic, athletic, arts, etc. which helps drive my desire to continue the school’s strong tradition and look for new opportunities as a board member.
What are the major issues facing Bluffton schools in the next 4 years?
First, we have a phenomenal base of administrators, admin staff, teachers, bus drivers, custodians, and kitchen staff that works so well together to utilize resources we have to provide the best opportunities and experiences for our students. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few items that give me a pause like every district.
State funding and fiscal responsibility is always a concern. However, we have such a strong treasurer and assistant treasurer that provide great experience and guidance for our financial process that I have seen first-hand the previous 4 years. The school continually looks for ways to become more efficient in spending and to plan for potential concerns with the financials. Technology is another issue but I don’t look at it as a concern but rather an opportunity. Bluffton has been well ahead of the curve in terms of technology implementation for a district our size.
Are there programs you’d like to see added to the curriculum or as an extra-curricular activity?
If you compare schools the size of Bluffton our academic, extra-curricular such as music and drama, and athletic offerings are second to none. We need to be cognizant that schools do not have finite resources so we won’t be able to offer everything that another school might have and vice-versa. If there are programs parents would like added the board and administrative staff do full reviews to understand the impact not only on the item being added but also on existing programs.
Are there areas in the recently released Bluffton 2016 school report card that concern you? If so, how should they be addressed?
I fully support a report card process and I am beyond proud that once again we finished so well (top 6%) but that doesn’t mean I am satisfied either as a parent or board member. The staff spends hours going thru the detail and understanding opportunities. In the prepared for success category, I would like to examine and see what improvements can be made. Of note, is Bluffton does not have an advanced placement but rather utilizes college credit courses at the University which can impact scoring but the college credit program has been a great option for our kids.
Feel free to address any other subject here that you’d like to provide to voters:
I feel like the questions above cover the subjects impacting Bluffton Schools and would only add I would love your support in November.
Are there issues you’ve changed your mind on after voting the way you did on a particular issue?
No, I pride myself on researching thoroughly prior to a vote with community, staff, and other outlets. When I decided to run 5 years ago the first thing I committed myself to is voting my conscience and being able to know I voted in the best interest of those I am serving parents, students, and the community.
How do make your voting decisions as a school board member?
One of the best things I did was sit down with administration and attended a new board member course provided by OSBA early in my term which helped me understand what goes into voting. The main thing I do is research to ensure I fully understand the issue at hand. This allows me to vote in what I feel is right and best for the students and the school.
