Lyon County: School Board District V candidates

Name: Eric Bobrick, 39

Profession: Farmer/rancher

Education: I have a bachelor's degree from UNR in general studies and a master's degree in education from Lesley University in Boston, Mass.

Political experience: None

BIO: My birthplace was Oceanside, Calif. I taught for 14 years in Lyon County. I currently hold a K-8 teaching credential. I switched gears and decided to go back to ranching and farming, cattle and a custom hay operation with my brother. My wife is Rachele, with three daughters, Jordan, 11, Emily, 8, and Chloe, 10 months. I also volunteer at athletic events at the high school.

List the three most important issues Lyon County will face in the next few years:

I think keeping up with the growth, the budget and state funding shortfalls and hiring the best teachers.

If the county faces budgetary problems, would you consider layoffs as part of the solution?

I believe in general that there are areas in the district other than teaching that you can ... you can always trim fat. There's always extra fat that needs some trimming.

Do you believe Lyon County's libraries are adequate? Why?

I think they are adequate. Kids use 90 percent of school libraries and 10 percent of the county libraries.

What else would you like to say to voters about your qualifications and ideas?

Together we will make a difference, and I mean it's a team effort, not just the board's effort, it's the administrators, it's not just the teachers or students. It's all of us combined.

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Name: Maureen Williss, 50

Profession: Office Manager, County Commission

Education: 14 years

Political experience: 4 years Lyon County School District Trustee

BIO: Born 12/12/57 San Diego, CA; Attended all schooling in San Diego, including Junior College & Business College. I've worked for Lyon County Government for 12 years and worked for General Dynamics (San Diego) for 10 years. I also worked 3 ? years for San Diego County. I've lived in Lyon County 13 years. I'm married to Dan my wonderful husband for 28 years and have three daughters all have graduated from Yerington High School.

List the three most important issues Lyon County will face in the next few years:

Infrastructure (i.e., new schools and rehabilitation of our older schools). Quality and quantity of teachers being recruited to our district. Budget constraints and working together with other government entities on mutual aid projects to lesson the costs to our taxpayers.

If the county continues to face budgetary problems, would you consider layoffs as part of the solution?

The school district has budgetary problems and I would expect that we would work together to come up with alternative ways to face the budget crunch, but if all else fails, yes layoffs would be a consideration.

Do you believe Lyon County's libraries are adequate? Why?

No, All the libraries within Lyon County need to be expanded and I believe a partnership between Lyon County and Lyon County School District (joint libraries) is something that should be pursued by both entities.

What else would you like to say to voters about your qualifications and ideas?

I've served for four years and feel I have accomplished a great deal, however with budget constraints and population growth I believe there is a lot more to be done. I have the knowledge to bring to the table of how governments work and how they should work together, especially during tough economic times.

I want to ensure that the Lyon County School District is the absolute best that it can be.

Jeff E. Lucier is also running but did not meet the deadline for this publication.