Four candidates will vie for two three-years seats for the Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan school board Tuesday: Tony Lien, Richard Larson, Kimberly Olson and Steve Aldach.

The candidates were all sent a list of questions by the Jackson County Chronicle. Olson was the only candidate to reply. Her response follows:

What do you feel is the most important issue facing the Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan School District?

One of the important issues in our school district is trying to balance the budget and yet provide all the programs and services that our school is known for and our students and parents want.

The district has taken a proactive approach to funding issues within the school district; we are now faced with less people to do the same amount of work. This has in some cases caused less time for the teachers to spend teaching in order to cover tasks that were once done by the support staff that have been laid off.

The budget is not getting any better and there is no legislation that will aid our budget issues any time soon. Our district is not a district that has a lot of extras and therefore we don't have a lot of areas that we can cut in order to balance the budget. We must think creatively to use all of our resources efficiently and effectively to keep Lincoln the "Best place to Learn".

Are you in favor of the April 1 revenue limit referendum question in the district? Please explain your answer.

ABSOLUTELY! A few years ago, my husband and I were looking for a quality place to raise our children that had a quality education system where our children wouldn't be just a number.

We had heard from many that Lincoln schools were just that. We have seen the schools grow and our children have had the best teachers around. However, when the State of Wisconsin allows the schools a 2.4 percent increase yearly and the cost of operating the school increases by more than 5 percent due to higher heating, fuel, food, and book costs what more can we do? Yes we can consider cutting programs that aren't mandated by the state, but when you start to cut programs a downward spiral begins that includes students leaving Lincoln schools.

These schools are a part of the community just as much as the community is part of the school.

When I break down what this referendum is going to cost me for the first year, I have no problem not going to that fast food restaurant quite so much during the week or maybe I will have to give up a bottle of soda each day or a bag of cookies. My kids are worth $200 for one year and $32 a year for years two, three and four.

What are the challenges that the district faces in the future?

The school board will continue to work on the budget, however we can't let this overshadow the recruitment of quality staff that we need to give our children the tools they will need in the future. We have a number of teachers who have provided a quality education to many of our children. We will need to continue thinking of ways to recruit quality candidates to educate our children.

Why do you want to run for school board?

I became interested in running for the school board last year when a similar referendum failed. At that time, I was very unfamiliar with the workings of the school district and was hearing all sorts of claims within the community that I questioned.

I also had people asking me questions about the school district that I was unable to answer. I have found that the more involved with the school I get, the more I like it. Being on the school board will continue to allow me the opportunity to collect truthful information and educate others on our school district.

Occupation, experience.

My husband, Mark, and I have two boys, Austin (fifth-grade) and Mitchell (second grade) and a yellow lab, Sierra. I graduated from Tomah High School in 1987. I have a two-year associate degree from Western Technical College. I have been an employee of the State of Wisconsin for 18 ½ years working in Madison, Eau Claire and now Black River Falls. I am a Human Resources Assistant working with 306 employees.

I like to play volleyball and softball; watch my children play baseball, basketball and football; coach Mitchell's soccer team; fish with my husband and boys; and go camping with my family. I am the Secretary for the Lincoln Booster Club and assist with Lincoln Little League teams and concessions.