Q&A: Othello School Board Pos. 1 candidates

OTHELLO — Incumbent Kelli Camp is facing Aaron Gerber for Othello School Board Director Position 1.

The Columbia Basin Herald asked each candidate the questions below with matching word count restrictions and a deadline to submit responses. The newspaper encourages voters to contact the candidates if they want to discuss issues in more depth.

Responses are in alphabetical order according to the candidates’ last names.

What prompted you to run for Othello School Board?

Camp: I interviewed and was appointed to the Othello School District Board of Directors after a resignation and subsequent school board opening occurred earlier this year. I have 2 children in the district and have been active in school PTA leadership and after-school sports coaching. I am passionate about ensuring each decision is centered on what is best for the students, ensuring they get the very best opportunity to gain literacy and other skills necessary to exceed and excel. I have been a nurse for 26 years and a certified registered nurse anesthetist for 12 years. Advocacy is a core tenet of the nursing profession, and as a nurse anesthesiologist I am extremely adept at advocating for individuals who cannot speak on their own behalf. I have a strong sense of civic responsibility and duty of service. The school board is a way for me to contribute to my community. I have lived in Othello for the past 6 years and am motivated to bring a different perspective to new and old issues and add a unique voice when developing strategy.

Gerber: As an Othello native, I was in the Othello School District from kindergarten through high school graduation. Now, my daughter is attending elementary school and that has shifted my view from proud OSD alumnus to proud OSD parent. This exciting role as an OSD Parent has given me a new perspective appreciating the importance of the elected representatives of the School Board. I was approached about an opening on the school board and began attending school board meetings. The more I learned, the more my desire to be a part of this representation grew. I am seeking this opportunity because I believe I can positively contribute to the school district. I would like to aid in decisions about curriculum, policies and use of resources, with the interest of the community and of our students in mind.

What are the biggest challenges you believe the Othello School District faces?

Camp: I believe the biggest current challenge facing children of all ages is the stigma or fear of accessing mental health services. We need to normalize the process of seeking assistance, provide greater resources for each age group and make it okay to ask for help. School districts across the state are also dealing with decreased enrollment which means less state funds. Federal grant funding increases have not kept up with current rates of inflation. This means each district must find ways to continue programs or do more with less funding. Our kids deserve every benefit and program we can possibly offer, so finding creative ways of continuing and expanding options with less funding is a deeply challenging priority. We need more individuals willing to advocate, meet with legislators and help those who represent us in government understand the needs of our students and staff. In Othello, we are developing a strategic plan to improve cohesion of systems within the district and find new and innovative ideas for improving the learning and literacy of our multi-language learners.

Gerber: I think that the Othello School District is doing a great job. Our schools are staffed with wonderful people who care about the kids. Things are better than they used to be. However, I also believe that society is a much more difficult place to navigate than when I was young. Things are changing at a rapid pace and the district has to adapt for the good of our youth. New challenges brought on by emerging technologies, social media and politics affect the mental health of our students.

What are the primary goals you hope to achieve if elected?

Camp: My primary goal is to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education and have their needs met no matter what their background or abilities, providing the greatest potential for their future. I plan to evaluate situations and issues by continuing to use my talents of problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking. As a healthcare provider and anesthesia expert, I am an experienced expert in constant ongoing assessment of situations with proactive anticipation and action to affect future outcomes. I did not grow up in Othello nor did I attend school within the district. This allows me to see situations with fresh eyes and the ability to verbalize a perspective that may not otherwise be recognized. I also have experience with leadership, board governance and evaluating financials, policies and bylaws from other nonprofit board work. I am trained to speak up and advocate for my patients. I plan to continue using these skills and relationships with legislators to promote further advocacy for our students, parents, teachers, ancillary staff and the entire district. I am committed to both the enrichment of education for students, faculty and in service of the community.

Gerber: I would like to see the school board taking a more active role in the community, helping further the agenda and progress of our schools. School programs and bonds are essential; the board members have a responsibility to spread general public awareness. As I have been talking to Othello residents during the campaign, one of the most common concerns I have heard voiced is about budgetary transparency and accountability. I think that is so important. I have always loved our small community. However, Othello is growing. Our schools have to adapt to make sure we are prepared to handle the growth and make sure no students are being lost in the changes.

How can the public contact you?

Camp: Contact information can be found at kellicampforschoolboard.com.

Gerber: Please feel free to e-mail me any questions or concerns at agerber91@gmail.com.