Both Brandon Kenig and Mary Ca Ralstin say Kansas teachers need to make more money. They each worry about the shortage of teachers and favor a stronger emphasis on recruitment and retention.
They believe that children need to be prepared to compete in the 21st century and that the state should not change current science standards voted in by a moderate board. And both say they’re tired of the national ridicule the board received nearly two years ago over previous science standards that cast doubt on evolution.
But then come the differences.
Ralstin calls herself a moderate. Kenig says he’s more a moderate conservative.
Kenig is most passionate about math and science and says schools need to encourage students on how they can use those skills in the future. Recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers in math and science is a huge concern for Kansas, he said.
“Globally and nationally, this is going to be a major issue as we try to compete,” said Kenig, of Shawnee, who heard from admissions officials at his college that teachers need to do more to encourage math and science. “We can’t produce enough students.”
Ralstin believe students need to be better armed with foreign language skills. All four of her children are fluent in French, and she would like to see schools require more foreign language courses and teach students early on.
“Any kid who can fluently speak a second language can write their ticket in business or any area really,” said Ralstin, who also lives in Shawnee.
Whoever wins the Republican primary faces Democrat Sue Storm, of Overland Park, in November for a seat that represents most of northern Johnson County and a tip of Wyandotte. Five seats on the 10-member board, which oversees statewide education policy, are up for election. In only one of the five is an incumbent running.
Kenig and Ralstin say they’ll draw on their experiences to be a valuable board member. That experience is vastly different.
Ralstin has been an active member of PTA groups over the span of 18 years where she’s served as president and on site councils. Kenig is a recent college graduate and a product of the Shawnee Mission School District.
“I may not have the entire degree of experience my opponents have, but I do come with my own experience,” said Kenig. “And I come with new ideas from my own experiences as a student… ”
Both worry about the future and how Kansas will fare amid a shortage of teachers.
Kenig said he would favor the state adopting a loan payback program for teachers. The state would then help pay back loans of those who stay in Kansas for a certain period of time.
The state has to do something, Ralstin said.
“We’re going to have to find ways to get the Legislature to realize our teachers need to get paid more,” Ralstin said. “Some teachers have two jobs just to pay the bills.”
Age: 22
Residence: Shawnee
Occupation: Account executive at Validity Screening Solutions, a provider of background check services
Education: Bachelor of science-business administration in Marketing, co-major in political science from Creighton University
Civic experience: Interned with U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback in Washington; Republican precinct committeeman; former president of his College Republicans chapter at Creighton
Web site: www.brandonkenig.com
Age: 54
Residence: Shawnee
Occupation: Registered nurse
Education: BSN in nursing
Civic experience: Involved in PTA at her children’s schools for about 18 years. A past PTA president.
Web site: www.marycaralstin.com
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