BonnerSprings.com / Incumbent will seek re-election in USD 204

Archive for Thursday, January 8, 2009

Two members declining to run

January 8, 2009

Out of three Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District board members up for election in the spring, only one will be running.

Lewis Wood, that sole board member, said he would be running again because, as he puts it, he has nothing better to do.

“I may as well. I have no social life anymore,” Wood said after the board meeting Monday night.

In all seriousness though, Wood admitted to wanting to stay involved with the school because education is what he has always known.

“I spent an awful lot of time in schools,” Wood said. “I taught for 28 years, I was a graduate assistant at (Kansas University). I’ve spent most of my adult life in classrooms, one way or another.”

Other members whose terms are expiring are Cliff Brents and board president Kay Shevling.

“Twenty-two years is why,” said Brents on the reason he won’t be running. “After 22 years, it’s time to get some new blood.”

Brents, who has served as board member more than once, said he wants to remain active in the community. He said he has even considered running for city council.

Already heavily active in many areas of the community, Shevling said she will miss being on the board but will relish the extra time she’ll have.

“I’ve enjoyed doing it a lot,” she said. “I will miss being here. I really like the people on the board. But I’m overwhelmed with all the stuff I have to do.”

And Wood, who has been a board member for 20 years and served as president several times, said he has no idea if he will be re-elected again, but he is looking forward to the thrill of another election.

“It’ll make things exciting,” he said.

Thus far, no other candidates have filed for the school board.

The Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School Board election is scheduled for April 7. If more than six people file for the three positions up for election, a primary election would be scheduled for March 3.

The filing deadline for candidates is noon Jan. 27.

People interested in filing should contact the Wyandotte County Elections Office, 850 State Ave., Kansas City, Kan., (913) 573-8500.