POST FALLS - Rob Moser will challenge incumbent Michelle Lippert for the Post Falls School Board's Zone 2 seat in the upcoming May 17 election.

Zone 2 includes central Post Falls, west of Highway 41 and an area south of Interstate 90 between Spokane Street and Greensferry.

Lippert, a philosophy and ethics instructor at North Idaho College who has been on the board for the past 12 years, said she hadn't planned on seeking re-election until State Superintendent Tom Luna unveiled his education reform plan.

"After careful consideration of Luna's plan, I decided that now is not the time for novices on the board," she said. "The financial implications alone are staggering.

"We have an excellent leadership team, and I didn't want to break up the team at a time when experienced leadership is most needed."

Luna's Students Come First package, in response to the recession, requires high school students to take online courses, phases out tenure, removes job security for teachers with seniority, institutes merit pay for teachers and limits collective bargaining by local unions.

Lippert said the school board learning curve is steep. She said her experience and willingness to learn more makes her qualified.

"I know what type of questions I need to ask," she said. "As a philosopher, I approach every situation thoughtfully and with a questioning attitude."

Lippert said with cuts and implementation of Luna's plan looming, now may not be the time to take on additional changes.

"Our pay system has to be completely revised," she said. "We will have to jump into online programs."

Lippert said improvements in math instruction, a graduation rate of 93 percent and the alternative-to-suspension program are examples that the district has worked together to help student achievement. She said she wants to continue to be a part of such successes.

Lippert has lived in Post Falls for 22 years and has had two children attend schools there, including one who is still at Post Falls High. She has been a volunteer in schools, with the senior parents group, at St. George's Catholic Church and Boy Scouts.

Unlike Lippert, Moser, an industrial mechanic, supports Luna's reform package, saying it allows for greater local control.

"Most of the parents in Post Falls are working people, but our school board is made up mostly of white collar government employees," Moser said. "I can be a voice for the majority of the community not now represented on the board."

Moser said he spent time mentoring kids as a minister and has an interest in special education as his daughter is going through the program.

"I have a heart to serve and invest my time into our children and the community, beyond paying taxes and voting," he said. "I will bring a conservative perspective to the board. I think of myself as a man of convictions and integrity."

Moser said he would bring the perspective of someone who has training experience in the professional-technical field, which will be helpful with the future Kootenai Technical Education Campus (KTEC) coming online.

"I have about 30 years of working experience in heavy industrial and mining," he said. "I've had workplace leadership positions from lead hand to foreman."

Moser said he would also offer a labor relations background as he was the miners' representative between a company and employees with Mining Safety Health Administration.

"I am not anti-union, but a board that is a rubber stamp for union bosses violates the public trust," Moser said.

Moser said the district has done a "pretty good" job in recent years, but students deserve better.

"We need to re-emphasize education fundamentals and vital basic English, math and science skills," he said.

Moser said he would want to ensure schools are a safe place to learn and teach.

"The answer is not more police officers patrolling the halls," he said. "It is more discipline in the classroom."

Moser has lived in Post Falls for eight years. Both of his adult children went to Post Falls High.

Only residents who reside in the zone can vote for one of the candidates.