LEVI JONES
Last week, the Cordell School Board decided on who would fill the two recently vacated board member positions.
After having campaigned against current board member Jeff Jaronek during the election earlier this year, Levi Jones was one of two board members appointed to the school board.
The Cordell Beacon had the chance to talk with Jones to discuss being chosen as one of the board's newest members.
Misty Gossen was also appointed to the school board and will be featured in next week’s edition.
How does it feel to have been chosen? Are you ready to start working for the people of Cordell?
Yeah, I'm looking forward to the opportunity.
What did you think when you heard a position was open? Was applying for the position a no-brainer for you considering you had run earlier this year?
Yes. I had already run in the past and one of the board members called me, told me it was open, and I talked to my wife and went ahead and filled out that application.
Do you currently see any immediate issues that the board should tackle?
I think for right now, I'm going to get in there, get my feet wet, and learn how things go. Just see how it goes and work with them to improve our school.
You’ll be on the board until April of next year, do you have any broader long-term plans that you hope to accomplish during your term?
I'm just going to kind of, for now, just wait and see how it goes. I think our school is doing a great job in most aspects and we’ll just keep up the work.
Come April, do you think you’ll run for the position then? What’s that future look like for you?
As far as right now? Yeah, I probably will. You know, I ran for it this last time and have been appointed, so I think it will definitely be filed for again.
We’re about four months in since the election for board members took place, how does it feel coming onto the board at this time?
I don't think there's going to be much of an effect. People are appointed to [the board] all the time. With any board, it's always evolving and changing. I don't think I'm behind on anything.
What do you expect going into the position will be like? Do you have any experiences that you think will help you fulfill these new duties such as running your business and previously teaching?
I taught for nine years, dealt with junior and senior level students, I run a farm and a small business, and I think that will help me in my role as a board member.
Earlier this year you said, “I believe we need to be pushing students in all directions, not just college.” With your background working at the career tech in
Burns Flat, do you think you’ll offer a unique perspective in trying to push students in all directions as you had said?
I hope so. That is more of the day-to-day work of the administration and staff of the school, but I hope I can bring a positive light on that and help in that aspect.
What are you looking forward to now that you’ve been appointed to the board?
I'm just looking forward to getting in there and helping with work and helping with the school.
Looking ahead, what do you think the future holds for the students of Cordell? Whether that's from a general, educational, or COVID side of things.
As far as COVID, I haven't seen their plan for this year. I know they did an excellent job last year, I thought with my kids in school. I don't think they could have done a better job on that.
I think our school's in good shape and we've got good teachers and good staff. I think our school is looking pretty good as far as the future goes.