4 run for 3 Arlington school board seats

ARLINGTON — Four candidates are vying for three open Arlington Board of Education seats in the upcoming November general election. Ted Welsh is the only candidate challenging the incumbents. Welsh the challenger Welsh said he believes Arlington Local School is in a period of "transition, as we are in the midst of building an entirely new campus," he said. He also said that while he is not a graduate of Arlington, he has two children that will be Arlington alumni. While he is excited for the new building and the opportunities it will provide, he said change brings challenges. "I look at these challenges not as problems but opportunities," Welsh said. "I have over 12 years experience with public construction and feel I could assist with these challenges and help turn them into opportunities of growth and betterment." He wants to ensure his children have the best resources the district can provide. "I believe having an outsider's voice might open up additional opportunities for progress," he said. But he doesn't plan to come to the position with "an agenda," he said. He would look to experts running the everyday operations of the school and the community and "develop a plan of action to best serve" the community and its students. Among his priorities if elected, Welsh said he wants to make sure he is doing what is best for the Arlington community that has a strong history. "Continuing that relationship between the community and the school would be very important to me, all the while looking for ways to strengthen those relationships," he said. Hindall data-focused, communication-oriented ARLINGTON — Cindy Hindall is seeking a second Arlington Board of Education term. "I'm running for reelection to the board of education because I would like to finish the completion of the new school building project," she said. During her last term, Hindall said the board passed a levy and worked on the development and design of the new school building "to meet the current and future educational needs" of the district. She said the current building, a "relic" from 1923, has "served (the district) well, but the need to be able to grow the district" was realized and a new building was needed. Hindall brings 25 years as the superintendent's secretary and Educational Management Information System coordinator. Data-focused and communication-oriented, Hindall said the district's EMIS data is reported to and reviewed by the state annually to "verify we are achieving student academic success, preparing for postsecondary options or entering the workforce," she said. She also said her work experience is a vital asset to the board of education, and listening to the needs of the community is a top priority. "If elected, I will continue to work on ways to better communicate with those in the district. I would also like to see the district move forward in creating a team of students, staff, administration, community members and leaders for feedback on any needs for the success of our students," she said. Hartman hopes to finish what he started ARLINGTON — Kevin Hartman said he is looking for a second Arlington board of education term to finish what he and the rest of the current board started. "We need to make sure we get what we paid for in all these projects," he said. He wants to ensure the ongoing construction projects are completed on time and on budget, while also keeping the community informed of the progress. Hartman said he is working to help make the last year in the old building special while looking forward to the new building that will offer better opportunities for the district. "I should be elected because I care very much about this school district … I want to make sure the taxpayers' money is put to good use and all projects are well thought-out and completed per design, on time and on budget," he said. Hartman said he will work hard and do what is best for both the community and the Arlington Local School District. Russell focused on success ARLINGTON — Mark Russell has been on the Arlington Board of Education for the past 20 years and said his experience has given him valuable insight into how to succeed. "Serving on the board of education for 20 years has afforded me the opportunity to gain a lot of experience on numerous issues over the years," he said. As a certified public accountant with over 30 years of experience in financial leadership roles, I believe I bring strong fiscal management principles to my role on the board." Russell wants to help ensure tax dollars are being appropriated efficiently. Looking toward the completion of the new Arlington school building construction project, he believes it is important to prioritize a successful transition to the new building. "From a broader perspective, it is important that we work with state legislators to ensure they understand the value and importance of public schools and to ensure that public school funding remains at levels sufficient to support hiring and retention of quality teachers and to support the types of programs that allow students to be successful," he said. If elected, Russell said it is also important to hold administration accountable for hiring and retaining quality staff, effectively managing district finances and continuing to build on the tradition of success. As for the current construction project, Russell said he is just as excited for the new building to be completed as the rest of the community. He said he most looks forward to the students of his alma mater having larger classrooms, new technology, better climate control and access to more natural light during instruction time. Russell's priorities include following a strategic plan currently in place and to "support the vision to make Arlington Local Schools a great place to learn and work. "We are blessed to have a strong and supportive community that understands the importance of having a quality school system," he said.