Seeing Clearly in 2020

Name: Stancy Orr Bond

Occupation/Business: Senior Instructor at Northwest Missouri State University

Community organizations/memberships: Andrew County Extension Board; Junior League of St. Joseph Sustainer; Savannah United Methodist Church, member.

Why did you decide to run for school board?

Initially, I saw issues where I was dissatisfied with district responses and could lend my expertise; however, I chose to run for reelection because I feel I have more to give to the educational system here in Savannah. I have made it a priority to learn more about school board administration and leadership while becoming a Missouri State Board Association Advanced and now Master Board Member.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the SR3 School District?

It's an easy answer to say: money. However, there is nothing easy about breaking down the money issue. Our students need more funding; our schools need maintenance; our teachers need more pay. A large part of being on the school board is directing where that money will be best used. The Savannah R3 School Board has strived to utilize our existing resources to the best advantage of the district.

What do you feel are the district’s biggest strengths?

Without a doubt, our biggest strength in the district is our people. From students to teachers to staff, everyone exhibits a level of pride not found in other districts. Students take pride in their work and have an innate desire to do and be their best; teachers take pride in their skills and exhibit that pride in every venue -- from student clubs and teams to NEE training; and our staff does an exceptional job keeping the buildings running smoothly and efficiently.

Tell us about your Family:

I have been married to my husband, Chris Bond, for 24 years. We have two children: Kit Bond (15) and Molly Bond (13).

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

The BOE voted in December to put a tax levy on the ballot. I hope you will become educated on the issue and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact a board member. You will also find information on the tax on the Savannahr3.com website under the "About the District" tab. Thank you for becoming engaged in the process.

Name: Dyann Duncan

Occupation/Business: Women’s Ministry Director @ Grace Evangelical Church

Community organizations/memberships: Member of Grace Evangelical Church, Hands of Grace volunteer, Foundations committee and I volunteer for various events around the Northwest Missouri area.

Why did you decide to run for school board?

I went to school here and graduated from Savannah High School. After graduating from Missouri Baptist University I returned to Savannah to raise my family. I am proud of my hometown and want to continue to see our district be the best that it can! I want to keep quality staff and keep striving to have the best education for our students. It’s important for me to be invested in the education of my children and the children of our community.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the SR3 School District?

Our buildings are our greatest challenge. They are aging and we need to update and fix some of the older buildings.

What do you feel are the district’s biggest strengths?

Our people are our greatest strength. We are a community. We have great teachers, staff, parents, and students.

Tell us about your Family:

My husband Jason and I have 3 wonderful children. Our daughter Mykal graduated in 2016 and is graduating from college this year and will be pursuing a career in Nashville Tn. Our oldest son David graduated in 2018 and is currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Our youngest son Noah is 17 and will be graduating from Savannah High School this May with plans to attend college in the fall.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I have served on the board for 6 years and feel like we are moving in a positive direction. We have a good board and see where we need to be going with the future of Savannah R3.

Name: Brennan Lehman

Occupation/Business: Chief Information Officer, Mosaic Life Care

Community organizations/memberships: Savannah Park Board, United Way Board of Directors, Northwest Missouri State University Computer Science Advisory Council

Why did you decide to run for school board?

I chose to run for the school board to support our community’s future. I am very passionate about helping shape the education system that will grow our next community leaders, to provide expertise in the strategic planning process, and to support our excellent teachers and administrators which make up the Savannah R3 school district.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the SR3 School District?

I worry about the aging of our schools. Unfortunately, nothing is glamorous about replacing air handlers, or furnaces, but it is very difficult for students to learn and faculty to inspire in uncomfortable environments.

What do you feel are the district’s biggest strengths?

Number one is the community support, the Savannah R3 faculty is amazing, and we have top-notch athletics.

Tell us about your Family:

We are a family of six, my wonder-woman of a wife Nikki does a phenomenal job keeping all the balls in the air (although we have been known to occasionally forget a pickup/drop off). We have four daughters Charli, Kambri, Bayli, and Saydi. Charli attends the Savannah Middle School, Kambri is in 4th grade, Bayli is in 2nd, and Saydi is in kindergarten at Minnie Cline. All of the girls are VERY active in sports, dance, and gymnastics. Kambri’s personal mission is to be a part of whatever program the school sends home, I think.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Our Children. Our Community. Our Future.

Name: Than Wagers

Occupation/ Business: Union Electrician

Community organizations/memberships: Member of IBEW local 545, member of Hope United Church of Christ.

Why did you decide to run for school board?

I'm a proud graduate of Savannah have two kids in Savannah Schools. I think it's a great school district and I would like to continue to help make this district even stronger.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the SR3 School District?

We are a fairly large district land area wise and student population-wise and we do not have a very large tax base. So to do the things that need to be done such as salary, maintenance, and even busing is a challenge to afford. But we have a very budget-conscious superintendent who has done a great job balancing our budget.

What do you feel are the district’s biggest strengths?

Our district’s biggest strength is the board itself. We have a very good mix of people on the board who all have careers and life experiences that can relate to the challenges the district faces which in turn helps to face those challenges.

Tell us about your Family:

My wife Beth and I have been married for 21 years we have lived in the Savannah school district for all but one of those years. Our daughter Autumn is a senior at Savannah her plans are to go to North Central Missouri in Trenton and major in nursing. Our son Alex is in eighth grade at Savannah. He is in the band, plays football wrestles and runs track at the middle school. He also plays baseball in the summer.

Check back for the next issue of "Seeing Clearly in 2020" where we will discuss the 69 cent tax levy.

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, April 7.

Email: BOE@Savannahr3.com
Website: www.savannahr3.com
Location: 408 West Market Street, Savannah, MO, USA
Phone: 816-324-3144
Facebook: facebook.com/SavannahSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @Savannah_R3