The Sunflower sent questions to all Wichita Board of Education candidates on their experience, priorities and more.

Julie Hedrick

Why should Wichita State students vote for you?

Since Wichita State students attend a state university, they should vote for me because I support public education at the K-12 level. Many of the WSU students from Wichita have attended USD #259 or some other local public school. I am an advocate of public education, teachers and students.

How would you describe the role of a Wichita Board of Education member?

The BOE creates the vision for the district which currently is “Wichita Public Schools will be the premier district of choice and inspire each student and staff member to thrive and become future ready within the greater community.” We guide the direction of the district by determining the strategic plan for the district. That is, we strive to increase academic achievement, prepare students for life, college and career and create safety and belonging in schools. Additionally, members set board policy, the annual budget and hire the superintendent of schools.

What experience do you have that makes you the best fit for this position?

I have served on the Board of Education for the past eight years. My record shows I am a consistent leader who always strives to do what’s best for kids. I have a positive voice on the BOE and persistently support teachers and staff. Prior to two terms on the board, I worked in the Facilities Division of WPS for 28.5 years. I have a breadth of facility and operations knowledge and experience. Born in Wichita, Kansas, I attended McCollom, Hadley and West. I have a lifetime commitment to WPS.

What are your priorities if elected?

Provide quality education for students to give them the opportunity to thrive and become ready for their futures. Whether they choose college, technical training, military or work, I want ALL kids to be planned and prepared for a successful, fulfilling future. I respect and appreciate the importance of our staff. I advocate for better compensation, safety and support for teachers to retain and recruit the very best. I support another bond issue. The BOE has proposed a zero mill increase and a way to provide funds needed to invest in facilities.

What principles or values would you say are most important to you or would guide your decisions in this role?
My personal values include respect, honesty and kindness. I model these principles in all my leadership roles. These are values I model for students and other young people.

Are there any past actions of the board that you strongly agree or disagree with?
As the incumbent, I have been involved in the decisions of the board and don’t regret my actions. However, I do continually listen to the community and to my constituents. I have learned we need to continue to focus on increasing communication prior to issues and decisions. Increased communication could have helped both with the school closure decisions and with the bond issue vote.

The student population of USD 259 continues to decline in recent years, prompting the closure of several schools. What approach would you take on handling this issue if elected?
Declines in population in Sedgwick County are forcing school enrollment declines across the area. USD #259 can’t continue to fund buildings with unutilized square footage. The district may pursue ways of securing a larger market share of the students. Every option should be explored. Yet, school closures may be inevitable in order to reroute the available resources to adequately fund quality teachers, student resources, impactful programs, mental health initiatives and other needed educational supports.

The board has tentatively approved putting another bond issue on the ballot after voters narrowly rejected the last one. Do you feel another bond is the best option and why or why not?
I support another bond issue. I want the environments our students learn in and our teachers teach in to be adequate educational environments. In order to provide long term maintenance, building improvements, system upgrades, and technological enhancements it requires additional dollars beyond the annual capital outlay budget. Passing a bond issue is the formula in Kansas to provide these additional needed
finances. With the bond issue, the BOE has proposed a zero mill levy increase and yet
a plan that provides income needed to invest into our facilities portfolio.

Valerie Most 

Why should Wichita State students vote for you?

Because I am someone who listens to what is being said and helps make it best for the majority. I have supported my former students in their career choices and in helping them find the right education for them. I have had many students attend and graduate from WSU for many years.

How would you describe the role of a Wichita Board of Education member?

Their job is to support and approve best practices for the district.

What experience do you have that makes you the best fit for this position?

I have been a business teacher in public schools for 31 years, along with being a head volleyball coach, and 29 years were in USD 259. This gives me the experience and the understanding of how the district works and what teachers and students are doing.

What are your priorities if elected?

More effective truancy policy, because there is proven data that says if students aren’t in school they drop out. That does not help them reach their potential or career goals, because they are behind. I also support fewer tests for younger students, supporting teachers, more hands-on activities for teachers to use (community engagement) and a more consistent disciplinary policy.

What principles or values would you say are most important to you or would guide your decisions in this role?

Equity, integrity and transparency.

Are there any past actions of the board that you strongly agree or disagree with? Why?

I did agree when they let athletics continue during COVID – it gave students a feeling of some normalcy (who were active in school). I didn’t agree with the standard reference grading strategy that came out — there wasn’t enough proof that it would make a difference in our students’ academics then and in their future after high school.

The student population of USD 259 continues to decline in recent years, prompting the closure of several schools. What approach would you take on handling this issue if elected?

I believe that the district needs to promote all the achievements that the students have — I have listened to parents talk about someone else’s experience, but I have not heard them talk about the good things that are happening in the district. All the positive things that are going on need to be a louder sound than a few negative experiences.

The board has tentatively approved putting another bond issue on the ballot after voters narrowly rejected the last one. Do you feel another bond is the best option and why or why not?

Yes I do, the buildings are older and need to be maintained, and the only way you can do that is with a bond. At the administrative building — it used to be the old Southeast (High School) — there were bricks falling off the walls during class time in the gyms, and I am sure other buildings are experiencing the same thing. We need to think about what is best for our students and their learning environments.