RATHDRUM - Bob Weaver is challenging Kyle Olmstead for the Zone 1 seat on the Lakeland School Board on May 17.

Zone 1 is in the northwest part of the district that includes Spirit Lake and Twin Lakes.

Olmstead, who has children attending school in the district, said he's seeking re-election because he wants to continue to represent families. He has been a board member for the past seven years.

"I understand the educational needs of the families of this area," he said.

Olmstead, who has lived in Spirit Lake for the past 12 years, said he would like to see the district increase the available class periods for high school students.

"With the increase in state curriculum requirements there are very few available class periods for electives," he said. "My concern is that without adding additional class periods, many of our children will not be able to take elective classes such as drama, band, choir, newspaper, shop, vocational agriculture and family and consumer science."

Olmstead said his biggest strengths are that he listens to his constituents, uses common sense and adds experience to the board.

"It is important to be available and approachable, listen to everyone's concerns and realize that these issues are important to each individual and give them a voice at the school board," he said.

Olmstead believes it is important to keep a person with experience on the board so that as economic conditions improve, the sacrifices of teachers and employees will not be forgotten.

Olmstead owns Olmstead Metal Consulting in Spirit Lake. He is an Army Reservist and has served as both an enlistee and an officer since 1985. He is also a combat veteran of the war in Iraq.

Olmstead has volunteered for the Spirit Lake Food Bank, chamber of commerce, Spirit Lake Elementary PTO, the Timberlake senior parent organization and Timberlake Booster Club.

Weaver, who has lived in Twin Lakes nearly four years, said he has the time to serve on the board as a semi-retired Realtor with SKE Realty Group in Post Falls. He has a son attending Timberlake High. He has raised three children since his wife and their mother suddenly died in 1999.

Weaver said his experience with serving youth would be an asset to the board.

He was a Little League coach and administrator for 26 years and had a 30-year career as a parole agent for the California Youth Authority. Prior to moving to North Idaho, he also served on a school board for 12 years, including five as president, and was a member of a parks and recreation committee.

The former school district he lived in had an enrollment of 35,000 and a budget of more than $240 million.

"My last two years on the board we had to trim $20,000,000 from the budget," he said. "I have previously made these tough decisions."

Weaver said he's not running to make drastic changes in the district, but to continue on the current course and make subtle improvements.

"I have the time and energy to assist in helping Lakeland continue as one of the best districts in Idaho," he said.

Weaver said he would like to see more parents involved in curriculum committees, levy committees as well as budget advisory committees at the district.

Weaver said he has negotiating experience as former president of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.

"These are skills and experiences which will be valuable during the various collective bargaining sessions," he said.

Weaver is involved with the Rathdrum Lions Club, Athol American Legion and the Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce.