Three candidates, Daniel Kennedy, Parker Christian, and Cole Gregg are on the ballot for the unexpired term of Seat 3 on the Cordell Board of Education.
The Primary Election will be held on February 13th.
If one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, that candidate will be named the elected official.
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will vie for the seat during the Board of Education General Election on April 2nd.
The Beacon asked each of these candidates to tell a little about themselves and why they want to serve on Cordell’s School Board.
Daniel Kennedy: “ I am 45 years old. I work for Western Farmers Electric Cooperative as a Journeyman Lineman out of the Elk City outpost.
I was born and raised in New Mexico and graduated from Tatum High School in 1997.
I am married to Tonya and we have two daughters that are married and live in Texas and two sons that go to Cordell school- Alexander, who is a senior and Alijah, who is in the 6th grade. We all attend the Herold Mennonite Church on occasion.
My hobbies included working on my son’s pickup and spending a lot of quality time with my family.
The reason that I am running for the School Board? One reason is that after years of watching what has been happening in our country and to our public schools I have felt compelled to start going to the school board meeting as a concerned parent.
When there was a opening on the board I decided to put my name in the hat and was appointed.
I am running because I truly care about our children’s future.
If I am elected, the things I wish to accomplish are to provide a safe environment, well maintained class rooms, and policies that are just and fair for our students, faculty, and parents.
I am a God-fearing man, husband, parent, and a working man. I have learned through the years that when you get wisdom, it comes from God.
Learning to be a good husband has taught me to become a leader, protector, and to have humility.
Being a parent has taught me to be just, and compassionate.
Being in the work force has taught me to be a hard worker, team player, and to be dependable.
I feel the biggest issue facing Cordell ‘s district is division between parents and administration. This is due to the lack of communication, and misinformation from social media, which I hope to remedy if elected.
Our school is blessed with some of the most excellent educators in Oklahoma. They have been preparing our students very well to enter society. I have been well pleased with how my sons have thrived here at Cordell schools.
My biggest concern is the protection of students, both mentally, physically, and emotionally. I want there to be an environment that gives all teachers and students a safe school in which to teach and learn.
I feel that I am the right person for the Cordell Board of Education due to my faith in God who helps me, and gives me all the wisdom and knowledge that I need.
People should know that I am always happy to help and listen to any concerns that any parent has regarding our great school.
I encourage all to be more active at the Cordell school and at the monthly board meetings.
I believe that we all have a responsibility to keep those elected accountable, and those elected to represent the people.
I would appreciate your vote, and if elected I will work hard to provide a safe and high standard of education for our wonderful students.”
Parker Christian: “ I am 45 years old. I grew up in Dill City but have lived in Cordell for 19 years. I am married to Tosha and we have four daughters- Emma, sophomore, Olivia, 6th grader, Layla, 3rd grader and Della- 1st grader. I enjoy hanging out with my family and attending my kids activities, tending to my yard and golf.
My reason for running is because I care deeply about our community and school and I feel like there’s room for improvements in the way our school is being ran.
I hope to accomplish creating a school environment that student and faculty want to stay and prosper in.
Experiences and skills that have prepared me to be a board member- I’m a father of four and have experience developing new business and managing talented people.
I feel the biggest issue facing the Cordell school district is faculty retention, and communication among the community and administration Areas of concern are student participation in extracurricular activities and applying themselves to their academic responsibilities.
I believe I should be elected because I am a good listener and am level-headed.”
Cole Gregg: “My name is Cole Gregg I’m a 2004 graduate of Cordell High School.
I reside in Cordell with my wife Stacey and children Conner and Cayce where I own and operate Cordell Manufacturing.
I have extensive family-ties to this community. I am not only Cordell Alumni, but my children are also students at Cordell Public Schools.
I am running for a position on the School Board because I think it is imperative that changes are made to improve the quality of education and extracurricular activities.
My reason for running for the Board is that I intend to be a voice for the community, educators, and students as a board member.
I feel as though it is important that board members listen to their constituents and that lack of communication has led us to this current disconnect among administrators, educators, students, and board members.
My professional skills have allowed me to be more articulative, which i feel is important when in a position as a board member.
In addition, I am very involved with my children’s extracurricular activities and see the deficiencies/shortcomings that this school system is experiencing firsthand.
I know from speaking to community members that their concern of the mass exodus of qualified and experienced educators that we have been seeing is a primary concern.
I want to ensure that students are receiving the best education that will prepare them for their futures is a top priority I believe the quality of education that our students receive will directly impact their futures.
We don’t want to continue to lose educators and students to other school districts. We want students to continue to have same quality of education and experiences that I received as a student.
I would like to see that students also have numerous options, opportunities, and success in extra-curricular activities.
I believe whole-heartedly that these opportunities give students aim and purpose, allowing them to take pride in their teams and their education.
I believe that we need to mend the disconnect that we are experiencing with board members, educators, administration, and students.
I intend on offering a listening ear to community members, educators, and students to voice concerns and further ensure that we are providing the best educational experience for the students and a safe/positive environment for our educators.
I have been a longterm member of this community. I want to see growth and more opportunities for the students in this community.”