Ken Lugibihl is one of four candidates for Bluffton school board on Nov. 7. The Icon's interview with Lugibihl follows. To read interviews with each of the candidates click here.
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!
