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Current board members, Debra Bartlett and Gary Walker, are not running for another term. Their seats are being sought by Darren Graham, Timothy P. Kenney and Scott Nachazel.

Darren Graham, 39, has lived in the East Jordan area for 20 years. He and his wife, Angie, have three children and they are students in the school district. Graham is a Licensed Professional Engineer and is Development Manager for Landtech Professional Surveying and Engineering. He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Graham's volunteer activities include past service on the board of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, involvement with 4-H youth soccer and as assistant coach with Pop Warner Little League. His current activities include working with the MSPE Mathcounts program for area middle schools and with the East Jordan Pop Warner football program. He also has worked with various government agencies and boards.

Graham said he wants to serve on the Board of Education to participate in ensuring quality education for children.

"As a parent it is my responsibility to ensure the education the children receive is top notch. There are a lot of challenges facing the school system today. Keeping up with technology and state requirements have a direct impact on budgets. Therefore, we need to spend money as efficiently as possible," Graham said.

He said his work experience will help him to be effective on the Board of Education.

"I always consider the big picture and the lasting effect that each decision may have. As a graduate of East Jordan Public Schools, I can see how much the school has improved in the last 20 years.

"Most funding for education is now driven by student numbers. We need to continue showcasing the fine facilities, staff and programs of EJPS in order to increase enrollment," Graham said.

Timothy P. Kenney, 47, has lived in the East Jordan area all of his life. He and his wife, Julie Ann, have one child and he recently graduated from East Jordan Public Schools.

Kenney is a general contractor, a Journeyman toolmaker, carpenter and a mason. He manages two other businesses, an outdoor wood boiler business and a wildlife nuisance control business. He has participated in courses in mathematics, blue print reading and metallurgy.

Kenney said he wants to be on the Board of Education to advocate for all of the children, but especially for children who are being left behind in education.

"I am convinced that our current school board lacks a true representative for the majority of the tax paying citizens. I believe the taxpayer has been systematically denied their right of ownership of their schools. As a consequence their children are not getting the opportunities and benefits of their hard-earned tax dollars.

"I am not interested in joining a club, being part of a clique or making friends, but only in the pursuit of what is best for the children of our community. I believe that there is no doubt that many of our children are still being systematically left behind to fend for themselves. I want to advocate for them and be their voice," Kenney said.

He said that his experience in running multiple successful businesses and his ability to recognize problems as well as strengths will assist him as a school board member.

"I believe my experience, both personal and professional, has shown that the majority of problems can be resolved by regaining control over the individuals and or systems that have been left unsupervised and unaccountable for far too long," Kenney said.

Scott Nachazel, 37, has lived in the East Jordan area almost all of his life. He and his wife, Angie, have two children and they are students in the East Jordan Public Schools. Nachazel is a Senior Project Engineer for East Jordan Iron Works. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Lake Superior State University and expects to have a master's degree in August.

His volunteer activities include past membership in the East Jordan Lions Club.

Nachazel said he wants to serve on the Board of Education to be a part of providing an outstanding education to the children.

"I place a high value on education and I was fortunate to get a great education in East Jordan and in college. I felt I was adequately prepared for college and for being a productive member of the community. I think it's important that every child has an opportunity to get an outstanding education, and I'm excited about being a part of that effort in my hometown," Nachazel said.

He said he will bring his work experience to the board.

"I've worked in engineering since my graduation from college in 1995. In my normal work activities I work as a member of a team each day and we all work together to achieve our goals.

"I think my abilities as a good listener and communicator will lend themselves well to serving the kids and the community on the Board of Education," Nachazel said.

B. J. Hetler may be reached at 231-622-2645 or at citizen@voyager.net.