Community members gathered at the Balkan and Block22 on Oct. 22, for a “prepare to vote” meet and greet. The event gave voters the chance to speak directly with candidates running for the USD 250 School Board of Education. The candidates had a shared commitment to strengthening Pittsburg schools, though each candidate brought unique experiences and priorities.
Dr. Emily George, a professor of education at Pittsburg State University and former district teacher, called funding cuts the district’s biggest challenge.
“We are experiencing some funding cuts, and fewer students mean fewer federal funds per student,” George said.
George hopes to address these issues by building stronger relationships between families and schools and creating parental advisory boards for underrepresented groups.
“If families and schools have stronger relationships, classroom struggles and misinformation will decrease,” George said.
George spoke about supporting English learners and the Marshallese community.
“I would like to develop parental advisory boards with our underrepresented groups, especially the Marshallese population,” George said. “We have such strong diversity in our community, and we need to connect those events to our schools.”
George said that she wants to encourage teacher candidates to pursue ESOL certification.
“If we can get our students our teacher candidates interested in ESOL, that will help meet the needs of our growing population,” George said.
Emily Smith, a former educator, small business owner, and mother of four, said she is focusing on what can be controlled.
“Funding is always a challenge, but if you focus on the things that really matter supporting staff and students you can make things work,” Smith said.
Smith said she believes transparency and collaboration are key to solving problems.
“Every family deserves to feel heard and valued,” Smith said.
Smith said her goal is to create an environment where teachers feel supported and students are challenged academically while gaining real-life experiences that spark a passion for learning.
“We need to make sure our classrooms are places where kids are excited about learning,” Smith said.
Ruth Miller, who spent 33 years in public education, including 15 years as an elementary principal in USD 250, said that an important part of school is structured communication.
“If you have an issue, go to the teacher first,” Miller said. “If that doesn’t work, go to the principal, then the superintendent. Follow the protocol.”
Miller said her experience gives her insight into how federal funds are used to provide equitable education.
“We spend that money on programs and personnel to help every child learn the curriculum and succeed,” Miller said.
For JJ Karlinger, a lifelong Pittsburg resident, active youth coach, and law enforcement officer – recruitment and retention of teachers and students is critical.
“The biggest challenge right now is retention of teachers and students,” Karlinger said.
Karlinger wants to see a stronger recruitment effort and upgraded facilities to attract qualified educators.
“Transparency starts with being present in the community,” Karlinger said. “You have to be willing to talk with everybody even when not everyone agrees.”
Shaileen Owens, a licensed social worker, focused on mental health and equity. Owens said she believes retention depends on community connection and administrative support.
“Teachers are leaving, and we have to figure out how to retain them,” Owens said. “We can’t be a community without unity.”
Owens said she wants to ensure programs like free breakfast and lunch remain available, saying, “Those things matter for families who need them.”