The Vernal Chamber invited the Uintah School Board candidates to their Tuesday luncheon to introduce themselves and answer questions. Candidates for District 4 covering northwest Uintah County included Tawnya McKee and incumbent Sarah Lamb. Candidates for District 5 covering areas of Vernal and southwest Uintah County included Todd Massey and incumbent Kurt Case. A common theme during the presentations and questions and answer period was that each candidate felt it is important to bring the community and school district together. McKee noted that the citizens of Lapoint and that area often feel forgotten and frustrated as a result. She emphasized her desire to give them a voice in the District. When discussing whether she felt the District is responsive to community needs, Lamb said that the things parents want are not always possible. She also emphasized that the District is making efforts to communicate with the community and has hired a public relations person to keep the public better informed. Massey emphasized his concern for students and the importance that they be in school. He shared that among his goals would be to give the students a stronger voice and one that is heard. On District/community relations Case emphasized that Community Councils are a useful tool to have constructive open communication with the community. He is encouraging that the utilization of Community Councils continue. Only those living in Districts 4 and 5 will have the opportunity to vote in a school board race in the coming election in Uintah County. To view a map of the Districts, visit www.uintah.net.
