Name: Glorie Ward

City of residence: Post Falls

Date of birth: April 28, 1969

Highest level of education: working toward associate's degree in psychology

Current occupation: care team coordinator for a home health agency

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff writer

POST FALLS — Glorie Ward believes education needs to get back to the basics.

In the medical field, for example, in which she's worked for the past 20 years, she believes many students aren't as prepared as they could be when entering the workforce.

"I've seen a deficit in the students who are coming to us," said Ward, who has taught college-level medical assistant courses.

"Teachers do a great job, but I believe more needs to be stressed on the basics. The English and math skills are not up to par of what they need to be."

Ward and Dave Paul are seeking the Zone 1 Post Falls School Board seat currently held by Steve Gobin, who decided to not seek re-election.

The zone is south of the Spokane River and west of McGuire and Howell.

Ward, whose daughter graduated from Post Falls High in 2010, believes teachers should be given more authority about what goes on in the hallways and during class.

"I believe teachers should be given more control over the classrooms than they are given," she said.

Ward, wife of Jeff Ward, treasurer of the Kootenai County Reagan Republicans, described herself as a fiscal conservative.

"One of the reasons I want this position is that I want to represent the taxpayers," she said. "I believe in rewarding the teachers whose students do well (on tests)."

Ward said she believes online courses are underutilized at some high schools.

"We are a changing society and districts can save on textbooks and taxpayer money that way," she said. "But students have to be disciplined (to take online courses) and the courses may not be perfect for every student."

She said computer skills make students more hirable after they graduate.

Ward said she's learning the ins and outs of the district and vows to have a handle on proposals before she votes.

"I'm not a politician," she said. "I'm a mom who wants to be a conservative voice for parents and students."

Ward was endorsed by the Reagan Republicans and she juggles being involved with the group with her church ministries and helping out at the food bank.

"I know my husband does what he does (as part of the Republican group), but I want to represent the students and I want what's best for them," she said.

Ward said she was involved in parent-teacher organizations in her daughter's schools before moving to Post Falls in 2004, so she's no stranger to school involvement.

* * *

Name: Dave Paul

City of residence: Post Falls

Date of birth: July 12, 1959

Highest level of education: bachelor's degree in agriculture economics

Current occupation: regional director for USDA's Risk Management Agency in Spokane

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff writer

POST FALLS — Dave Paul is seeking a return to the Post Falls School Board.

Paul served from 2003 to 2011 before being ousted by Bonnie Beaulieu in Zone 3.

The zone boundaries have since changed, and Paul and Glorie Ward are seeking the Zone 1 seat currently held by Steve Gobin, who decided to not seek re-election.

The zone is south of the Spokane River and west of McGuire and Howell.

Paul said he is seeking a return because he believes education has a challenging future, including  implementing new student standards, and he believes he can make a difference.

"There's challenging times ahead and I believe the board needs someone with experience and who will listen to make the best decisions," he said.

Paul has had two children in the district and currently has a son at Post Falls High. He has served with the Post Falls Education Foundation, a nonprofit that raises funds for classroom projects, parent-teacher organizations, district planning committees and as a school volunteer. He has also been involved with area youth rodeo events and United Way.

Paul believes his management of running a USDA office in Spokane would be a valuable asset during the district's budget process. He also has 32 years of experience in the crop insurance program, running offices in the private and public sectors.

"We have to do more with less in this current economic environment," he said.

Paul said the board needs to continue to focus on improving teacher evaluations and student achievement.

"Effectively tying merit pay to student achievement will be critical to our success," he said.

He said the district needs to act quickly when changes are necessary, particularly when they affect students.

"Early intervention is important because there are no do-overs," he said.

Paul said supporting teachers, curbing bullying and improving school safety are some of his other priorities.

Paul said he supports online courses, but doesn't believe it's a good fit for all students. He said it's also critical that the courses are monitored so it's known that the students are indeed the ones taking the classes.

"I still don't believe there's a replacement for teachers in the classroom and there's some kids who won't be successful when they take online classes," he said.

Paul said he believes the district has done a good job of balancing testing with creativity during tough budget times.

"Test scores have improved, but creativity and innovation are still being kept in the classroom," he said.

Paul said improving teacher salaries and infrastructure would be among his top budget priorities.

"We have to continue to maintain the best teachers we can in Idaho; they affect kids' lives every day," Paul said, adding that salaries were frozen in recent years. "Infrastructure could go bad in a heartbeat and, if we get too far behind, it can take a long time to catch up."

Paul was endorsed by Balance North Idaho, a political action committee created to promote candidates in local non-partisan elections, and is supported by the Post Falls Education Association, the teachers' union.