[ THE USD 450 SCHOOL BOARD RACES ]

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Mar 30, 2003 by Capital-Journal

3. I do not support a "pay to play" policy. USD 450 presently has a modest participation fee for athletics. I would not support an increase. We need to assure that all students have equal opportunities to participate in all activities.

4.Patrons indicated their opposition to the size and scope of bond issues presented earlier. The board's immediate concern must be maintenance needs. Before offering another bond issue, we should gather input from the patrons to determine if a level of financed improvements exists that patrons feel comfortable supporting.

Position 5

JEFF SCANNELL

Age: 47

Address: 2903 S.E. Virgo Ave.

Occupation: Manager of corporate planning, Payless ShoeSouce Inc.

Education: Bachelor of science, business administration, University of Kansas; Masters of international management, American Graduate School of International Management, Glendale, Ariz.

Family: Married, with two sons and one daughter

1. "Status quo" funding would cut operating funds since so many fixed expenses are rising, such as insurance, utilities, repairs and salaries. My financial training and experience allows me to understand complicated financial issues; make future recommendations; and review each budget line, looking for savings opportunities by benchmarking against other districts.

2. Yes, by using some creative funding such as government grants or community partnerships. Students with four or more years of arts education consistently outscore students with six months or less of arts instruction on the SAT. The arts provide a balance of freedom and discipline like no other subject.

3. No, not in addition to the current activity fee. No students should be denied access to an important part of the educational experience. If these extracurricular activities are worthy of the time and effort put into them by all involved, they should be available to all students equally.

4. Yes, but significantly modified. We have facilities issues that cannot be fixed within the annual maintenance budget. We need to listen to the patrons to find out how much of a new bond issue they can support. We must maintain first rate facilities to go along with our excellent teachers.

KENNETH ROSS SCOTT

Age: 44

Address: 3317 S.E. Meadowview

Occupation: Senior Manager Facility Services, Westar Energy

Education: Bachelor of business administration, Washburn University; master in business administration, Baker University

Family: Married, with two sons

1. Validate expenses ensuring each dollar spent brings value to the district. Embrace a "business friendly" environment promoting partnerships and sponsorships with our business community. Maximize efforts to local additional funding from all government sources. My 25 years in business, construction and facilities provides me with in- depth budget administration experience.

2. Students should be exposed to a diversified curriculum and experiences, including art. Programs and activities that fall outside core educational programs may need funding from the business sector, private sector or the end-user. School districts may have to share resources.