Election 2022: Churchill County School Board Trustee


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Four-year term

Elect no more than four

Walter Henderson and Matt Hyde didn’t respond.


Amber Getto

Occupation: Farmer/Business Owner

Age: 47

Contact:

aigetto@phonewave.net

Amber Getto

 

Record of Service:

I have had the honor of serving as a Churchill County School Board trustee since January 2019. I am an honorary Charter FFA member, 4H sponsor, member of the Farm Bureau and I currently serve on the Churchill County Parks & Rec. board I am also the chair of many fundraising efforts for youth programs throughout our community.


Education:

I am a proud graduate of Churchill County High School. By the end of 2022, I will have completed the certification and training to be a Certified Public Officer. I am current and up to date on all of the required NRS Chapter 386 trainings.


Why are you running?

I am running for reelection because I am determined to continue the work put in place by the Board. Over the past two years, the governance team has worked diligently to realign policy and set goals that focus strictly on student achievement. Many of these new strategies are developing and the data collection process has just begun. I look forward to the opportunity to see these plans through. The Board is committed to prioritizing student outcomes, which is sometimes difficult to do in an adult-ran system.


Briefly describe the core duties of the position you are running for:

It is the primary responsibility of all trustees to set policy, oversee the budget, and be responsible for the employment of the superintendent. One must also stay current with required training and be sensitive to the concerns of the stakeholders in our community.


A brief statement about your platform

My focus is still to strengthen the vocation programs all while keeping in mind the ever-changing environment of the job market. More than 80% of the jobs our current students will be applying for haven't even been created yet. I am a strong advocate for supporting drug and alcohol education and recognizing gaps in safety and mental health awareness. I am also concerned about the educational gaps that resulted during the Pandemic. The effects of which are far reaching and still surfacing. I believe the key to success is found in quality education and creating life ready learners. Churchill County has all of the necessary components to assist each child in achieving success. As a school board trustee, I will continue to be steadfast towards strong education for all students.


What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I am currently serving the fourth year of my first term as a school board trustee and have sat on multiple board committees. As a small business owner in a cutting-edge agricultural industry, I am qualified to recognize the needs and develop innovative strategies to support the vocations (Career Technical Educational programs). I am proud of the diligent work of this board that resulted in the goals and guardrails charged to the superintendent that will directly affect student achievement and the superintendent's evaluation. During my time on the board Specials (Music, Art and P.E.) have been reintroduced at the elementary schools, we have implemented single-point of entry and enhanced security all while being fiscally solvent.

I am a native Nevadan born and raised in Fallon. I'm a Churchill County graduate and have raised four children, all of whom have graduated from CCHS. Believe me when I say it is my desire to see Churchill County School district succeed.



Julie Guerrero-Goetsch

Occupation: Administrative Services Manager for Churchill County

Age: 42

Contact:

julesgg80@gmail.com

Julie Guerrero-Goetsch

 

Record of service:

I am a proud civil servant working in local government for Churchill County over 18-years. During my career, I have had the opportunity to serve on several committees and boards, including past president of the Employee Management Committee, current vice-chair of the county’s Insurance Advisory Committee, and current recording clerk for the Fallon-Churchill Fire Board. Through my employment, I have also participated in numerous other committees tasked with researching and making recommendations to the county. I’ve also served on a former superintendent created committee to evaluate options for West End Elementary, and I served on a civic group board, as past president of the Fallon Chapter of the Navy League and am a proud wife of a Navy veteran.


Education:

Lakeview High School, Lakeview, OR: Honors Diploma

Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR: Studied Business and Interdisciplinary Writing & Rhetoric


Why are you running:

I am a firm believer that you can complain, or you can be part of a solution. I’ve had interest in becoming a school board trustee for many years and have reached a point in my life where the time is right, and I can give this position what is needed. As a mother of a graduate of CCHS and another child currently attending CCMS, I have a vested interest in the quality of education offered and student success. As a parent, motivation to raise the bar for education and improve the culture of our district runs deep.


Briefly describe the core duties of the position you are running for:

Trustees hold responsibility to engage in open transparent communication and serve as checks and balances in the district. Trustees must be accessible, create district policy, and prioritize need while exercising fiscal responsibility when setting the budget. Define a clear mission, vision, and goals and hold the superintendent responsible.


A brief statement about your platform:

I believe in increasing public transparency, ensuring the board communicates and sets a vision, mission, and goals that are representative of the needs of our community and holding the superintendent accountable for carrying them out. The board is responsible for the actions and inactions of the superintendent. Policies are set by the board and need to be clear, consistent, and evaluated for effectiveness. I believe in improving the culture and moral within the district to create a positive environment that is conducive for teachers to teach and students to learn. We have some exceptional teachers and staff within our district, who need to be valued and listened to. Only when we improve culture, raise moral, and value teachers and staff as members of a team, will we begin to have success in improving teacher retention, raising the bar for education, improving student proficiency, and setting a path of success for all students.


What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position:

It takes more than just passion to be an effective trustee. I have the foundation, knowledge, skill set, experience, and leadership to serve the citizens of Churchill County as trustee. Churchill has been my home for over 22 years; I raised my family here, and am a parent of a student in the district. As a parent and taxpayer, I am motivated to better the culture in our district and improve educational opportunities and student performance.

I’ve spent over 18-years and counting as a proud civil servant working for Churchill County. Experience in my profession has given me unique qualifications as a candidate for trustee. I understand public service and the role of a trustee. I have experience holding positions on boards and committees and conducting public meetings. I have the required Nevada open meeting law and ethics training, public speaking experience, hands on government budgeting and accounting experience, knowledge in Nevada legislative process, and experience in developing and implementing policy. I oversee contracts and contract performance, and I am a supervisor and have supervisory training, including conducting employee performance evaluations. I am a researcher and take time to understand and educate myself on issues; listening to both sides of an argument. I am an open communicator and not afraid to speak my mind, even if my opinions differ. I am capable and willing to ask the tough questions and to engage in those uncomfortable conversations. I am goal oriented, determined, devoted, and I know that I can affect positive change in our district – and that change starts at the top!

My experience, knowledge, and skill set have uniquely qualified and prepared me to hit the ground running as a school board trustee. I would be humbled and honored with the opportunity to represent our community.




Joe McFadden
Occupation: Electrical Contractor
Age : 36
Contact:
joemcfadden@cccomm.net

Joe McFadden

 

Record of Service:

I was born in Glendale Arizona in 1986. I moved to Fallon Nevada in 1998 where I joined Churchill County Middle School. During my high school career, I was an involved member of JROTC, FFA, Agricultural mechanics, Skills USA and the swim team. After graduating in 2004, I started a four-year electrical apprentice training with the ABC program while working on the job at McFadden Electric. In the past few years, I have passed the state contractors board testing and became a managing member of McFadden Electric.

Why are you running?
I have three children that attend schools within CCSD. I am very involved in all of their sporting endeavors, as well as, coaching and/or assisting whenever possible.
I have multiple friends and family members that teach or work in other positions in CCSD. I feel there is a need for grounded, logical leadership that aligns with Fallon values.

A brief statement about your platform
My goals for the district would be:
• Make sure every student is given the highest level of education possible.
• Make sure graduating students are given the tools to lead a successful life after school.
• Pursue a strong stance on anti-bullying and discipline policy.
• Work with parents, community members, teachers and staff to address concerns with the district policies.

  • What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position?
    I look forward to working with other board members, district administration and the community to accomplish our district goals and build the framework for the future success of our learners.
    One of my main focuses will be to raise parental involvement in their child's education. The importance of asking how your child's day was, helping with homework or reading with them for 10 minutes at night cannot be over stated. Working to spread awareness in school events, district communications, volunteering opportunities, and classroom involvement are areas I would like to see improvement in. As parents we are our child's greatest advocate/asset and should work tirelessly to get them the greatest education available.




Bill Post

Occupation: Political Consultant

Age: 61

bill@billpost.com

www.billpost.com

775-303-5497

Bill Post

 

Record of Service:

Served four terms in the Oregon House of Representatives (equivalent to Nevada Assembly)


Education:

High school graduate, BS in History from Southern Oregon University


Why are you running?

I am running for the school board for the same reasons I ran for State Representative. I love Churchill County and I want to make a positive difference. I believe in service to our community. Several community members asked me late last year to run and after careful consideration I agreed to. One of the biggest “knocks” against me is I’m “new guy.” I believe that that is an advantage for the school board and the district. I am not tied to anyone or anything in this county. Meaning I have fresh eyes, fresh ears and new ideas that are not affected by who I know or who I am connected to in the community. I see quite a few issues that need to be addressed in our school district and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and go to work. For our kid’s futures, for our teacher’s benefit and for the overall good of this great community.


Briefly describe the core duties of the position you are running for:

The board is a group of citizens from the community, elected to make decisions about the public school system based on the community's expectations, goals and needs. The public chooses trustees to consider the needs of students and convert them into a vision, policies, and goals that will support achievement.


A brief statement about your platform

I have no platform other than the desire to serve my community and to see that the kids in our community receive the best education possible.


What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position?

I am no more qualified than any of the other 6 candidates. All are citizens who desire to serve their community. I do have some experience that is unique in that I was a State Legislator and helped craft and pass multibillion dollar K-12 budgets for the state. I also have the advantage of being married to a teacher for 33 years so I have her wisdom to guide me.


Ivy S. Ward

Occupation: Managing Partner for Ivy Land, LLC

Age: 56

Contact:

Business number: 775-423-3939

Email: ivytheartist@gmail.com

Ivy S. Ward

 

Record of Service: USMC Reserve, Bulk Fuel Specialist 1984-1988

Education: Great Basin College-Early Childhood Education -current undergraduate


Why are you running?

Churchill County is the most amazing community I have ever lived in. I want our school district to be a positive place to work and learn in. Over the years it has had many struggles with the last several years being the hardest. It is difficult to hear the struggles from district employees, parents and students over the last year. I decided to run because I believe that I can help make a difference. Educators leave when they are not being heard! Bus drivers leave when they can not feed their families or have benefits. I believe I can help!


Briefly describe the core duties of the position you are running for.

The primary function of the school board is to improve the performance of our schools. A school board member is responsible to ensure that school districts are responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of their communities.


A brief statement about my platform

I believe that our children deserve the best education we can provide. Education must be age appropriate and truthful at all times. Our educators need to teach and be heard by administration. Children with special needs should not have to fight for resources or services. Our children need to be held accountable for their actions. Parents are not the enemy of the school district but rather one of the best resources we have. Outsourcing is not a solution; it’s selling our children’s services to the lowest bidder. Our children deserve better than the lowest bidder! Churchill County School District needs to be a safe, fair and fantastic place to work for all! We need to improve our graduation rates and our overall test scores for math, science and reading.


What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I am the most qualified candidate because I am a business owner within the community that teaches and reaches the minds of our youngest children. My business has provided me with tremendous experience working with people of all backgrounds and budgets. I have a passion for educating the children, so they do not have the struggles of my parents. My parents did not graduate high school and I saw how they struggled.

Education is the most important thing we can give our children! All children have the right to a free public education that will help them achieve their dreams. Not all children will attend college and we need to provide educational options to fulfill all our children’s educational choices.


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