Tim Baker
Residence: Farms between Hills and Beaver Creek.
Spouse and children: Wife, Michele; and Peyton, 2-year-old daughter.
Occupation: Farmer.
Education: Graduate of H-BC.
Community activities and involvement: Member of Steen Reformed Church and Cattleman's Association Board.
Qualifications for service: Active community member.
If elected, what should voters expect you to accomplish during your term as a school board member? In other words, what issues will be important to you as a board member, if elected? Each student in the Hills-Beaver Creek School District is an important individual. I feel that we must have a school system that helps each child reach their potential. I think that we must maintain a high quality group of people who work with our students and maintain our good economic status.
Annette Mahone
Residence: Hills.
Spouse and children: Husband, Robert; three sons, Eugene, 30, Alex, 22, Nathan, 13.
Occupation: Guest service supervisor at Holiday Inn City Centre in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Education: Associate's degree in business from Kilian Community College; cosmetology license from StewartÕs School of Hairstyling.
Community activities and involvement: Active in my church. Involved in plays and musical events. I like to involve myself in the many events in the area.
Qualifications for service: I believe I have strong people skills and effective management skills. Working with as many people as I do I believe I can relate to many personalities.
If elected, what should voters expect you to accomplish during your term as a school board member? In other words, what issues will be important to you as a board member, if elected? Most important, I believe parent involvement is key, and I would strongly encourage and support that. Of course, budget is an issue we probably all keep our eye on and also another important topic: making sure our kids get the best education possible.
Matt Larson
Residence: Beaver Creek.
Spouse and children: Wife, Cindy, who teaches physical education and Title One in Beaver Creek; Haley, 8, third grade; and Luke, 6, first grade.
Occupation: I sell real estate with Coldwell Banker. I sell in southwest Minnesota as well as the Sioux Falls area. One of my latest and more fun projects is selling the lots on the new Beaver Creek golf course.
If elected, what should voters expect you to accomplish during your term as a School Board member? In other words, what issues will be important to you as a board member, if elected? I have been extremely impressed with the school system at H-BC. I believe that the quality of education is second to none. In selling homes in the H-BC district one of the points that I stress the most is the school system. One thing in particular that I am touched by is the community and parental involvement. I donÕt think that there is any one thing that encourages a child to learn more than knowing his or her parent, other family members, and the community are taking an interest in and caring about their education. I applaud the teachers in the district, also. We have had our children in the school system for the last four years, and I donÕt think we could have picked any better teachers.
I think that for a smaller district, the facilities, the elementary school, in particular, are fantastic. I also realize that the high school is older and will have some issues that need to be addressed in the future, but overall I think the school district and School Board have done an excellent job of improving and maintaining the facilities.
As far as I can tell the budget has been handled very well for a district this size. For a school our size it is impressive that we have been able to succeed at all, yet alone thrive, and as far as I am concerned this school system is thriving.
I think the leadership in the past has been good, but I think it will only get better under the new superintendent, Dave Deragisch. I am anxious to see the changes that this administration change will bring. I am sure we have great things in store for us.
As you can probably tell I am quite impressed with H-BC and don't propose any great changes. I would like the opportunity to be involved with and donate my time, ideas, and energy to such a great school district and group of people.