Why did you decide to run for the school board in 2021?
In-Township (Vote for 2)
Why did you decide to run for the school board in 2021?
Laura Lang: Our schools lie at the heart of our community, and had left such a dramatic impact on my life that an opportunity to serve our constituents is just too irresistible to pass-up. Our children are our greatest investment, and many of us moved here for the schools, to give our children the best education possible. This is worth working towards and continuing to improve. I feel that I bring a unique set of skills and experiences that would bolster our board to support the district teachers, students, and their families.
Max McComb: I care deeply about our school district and I have 14 years invested on the board.
I’m very excited about the recent launch of our community engagement initiative “Bulldog Blueprint” that is in place to address facility issues, particularly the Junior High and I want to see that project through.
I am concerned about the current climate of the board and our community, specifically the desire of some of our newer board members to micromanage and control teachers and staff. I take issue with and reject the narrative being propagated by some of the loud voices in our community that say our school district is broken and in need of systemic change.
I have a desire to see our district continue to excel. I feel to do that we need steady leadership at the board level, solid leadership by our Superintendent and administrators, and of course great teachers and staff. Finally, we need everyone to operate within their clearly defined rolls.
Sunny McMurry: I am running for three primary reasons- I love our community, I am proud of our schools and I want to ensure the excellence of our schools continues for generations to come. The Mahomet-Seymour community welcomed me with open arms in 1999 when I began my teaching career at Sangamon Elementary. My husband and I decided to raise our children in the community because of the close-knit, loving environment of both our town and our school system. I feel strongly that our schools are something to be proud of- we need to work against the negative narrative that something is “broken” in our schools and with our teachers, and instead focus on all the amazing things our schools have to offer. My love of our community and pride in our schools will hopefully shift the focus of our board from bad to good so that excellent educational opportunities can continue!
Rebecca Richardson:
- I believe in the power of education and lifelong learning. I like a quote from Sydney Harris that says, “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”
- Organizational dynamics have been a huge part of my 30-year career in association management and now consulting.
- The decision to run now is based on my time availability and other family and life responsibilities. This is a time-consuming commitment, and I intend to make it a high priority.
- I see conflict among board members and the administration I think I can help resolve. I have worked through difficult board dynamics a number of times.
- This community is and always will be our home. I have pride in our school system, and I want to see it continue to evolve as the needs and opportunities for our students change.
Out-of-Township (Vote for 1)
Justin Lamb: My family, business and friends are all firmly planted in this community. I have a vested interest in our schools as I have 3 kids in the district. My daughter is currently in 1st Grade, a son in 5th grade and my oldest son is in 8th grade. My wife, Alisa, was born and raised here and both sides of her family have been instrumental in building and serving our schools and community. I would be honored to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps and serve on the M-S Board of Education. I want the absolute best for Mahomet-Seymour.
Patrick MacKay: I decided to run because I have three little kids with the oldest two just starting their journey in the district. I believe now is the best time to get involved because the next board will have to tackle some very important issues that will impact our home for years to come.
