OTHELLO – There are two candidates running for the Othello School District Director District 3 position this year, which are Birdie Fought and Juan “Jerry” Garcia. Both candidates were given the questions below and given identical deadlines and word count restrictions for their answers. 

How do you plan to ensure transparency and community involvement in school board decisions? 

FOUGHT: Our schools belong to the community, and decisions should reflect that. I’ll work to keep meetings welcoming and accessible, encourage more parent and student participation, and make information easier to find and understand. Transparency means not just sharing decisions but listening first. 

GARCIA: After the Showhouse Forum on Oct. 7, I reached out to the present seat holder and asked for advice from him and the surrounding people. It's the easiest thing in the world to say that one can promise transparency, and it's another thing to show the effort. With the advice I received from the people that day, I reached out to Scootney Springs Elementary School for a tour. I have another one planned on the morning of Halloween as well, with another school. So, to ensure my transparency and community involvement, I will make an effort to answer and/or reach staff and civilians for their input when prompted, even in person. 

What role do you believe technology should play in Othello classrooms, and how would you support equitable access to it? 

GARCIA: Technology is a unique subject; Something that we must embrace and shun. In short, I believe technology should be limited from children, and may be introduced in the older age range of students. To quote a Kansas parent on a June 10, 2025, State Board Education Meeting “As a former high school teacher, and a mother of four children, it is alarming why I have to prove with scientific research why this invasive technology is detrimental to our kids when nobody in the field of education can prove why it was beneficial to be introduced in the first place.” This doesn’t mean I am set to disregard the potential of technology, but I am very cautious about it. In terms of equitable access, the support I would provide includes working with other Board members to find solutions together. Perhaps they have heard or seen something I have not.   

FOUGHT: Technology should be a bridge, not a barrier. In Othello, every student deserves equal access to the tools that prepare them for the future — whether that’s reliable internet, updated devices, or modern classroom resources. I’ll support innovative ways to expand access and training so technology enhances learning and opportunity for all students, not just some. Our kids’ success shouldn’t depend on their ZIP code or Wi-Fi signal. 

How would you advocate for the mental health and well-being of students and staff in the district? 

FOUGHT: Mental health directly affects learning, relationships, and overall well-being. I believe our schools must continue building a culture that values emotional health as much as academics. That includes maintaining access to counselors, creating safe and inclusive environments, supporting staff wellness programs, and partnering with community resources to make sure help is always within reach for students and staff alike. 

GARCIA: I would advocate for student and staff mental health by prioritizing resources in our district to retain staff, with competitive pay & benefits, but also for the students to have a mentor. On the Rural Development Initiative (RDI) I met a student who claimed something along the lines of how there were no Spanish translators for grades 11th/12th. If true, I believe assisting with a translator would make for a more helpful environment for the class about to graduate before they are discouraged, ultimately becoming a bad statistic. For well-being, I look forward to innovative things like Xsponse, a wearable emergency response system, and being open to various safety alternatives. 

What strategies would you support to recruit and retain high-quality educators in Othello schools? 

GARCIA: I would show my support to retain educators by respecting the Collective Bargaining Agreement set in place, and support them by being open to investing in staff training to establish reliability. To recruit, I’d argue the same: competitive salary and benefits. I also wouldn't shy away from attending a job fair.   

FOUGHT: Recruiting and keeping great teachers starts with making Othello a place where educators feel valued, supported, and connected. I’d support strategies that include competitive pay, strong mentorship for new teachers, and ongoing professional development that’s relevant to our district’s needs. Building a positive school culture — where teachers’ voices are heard and their work-life balance is respected — is just as important. When we invest in our educators, we invest directly in our students’ success. 

How do you plan to address disparities in academic achievement among different student groups in the district?   

FOUGHT: Every student deserves the chance to succeed, no matter their background. To close achievement gaps, we need to meet students where they are — through early interventions, strong family partnerships, and culturally responsive teaching. I’ll support programs that provide extra help and enrichment opportunities while ensuring resources are distributed equitably, not just equally. When we lift all learners, our whole community grows. 

GARCIA: To quote Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reukdal, “test scores slowly rebound but achievement gaps remain, particularly for students in higher poverty districts … education should be spared from cuts in a tight budget year.” Over 55% of our students are economically disadvantaged. With this, one may assume there will be little to no budget cuts from the state level, but I’d rather be safe than sorry by supporting the Board’s emergency funds. I want the next person who takes this role to be more resourced than me, if possible. I also intend to address disparities in academic achievement by reading statistics and audits, as well as speak with staff to find measurable goals for their students, to bridge their gaps. 

An earlier version of the story posted the names incorrectly. The candidates running for the Othello School District Director Position 3 election are Birdie Fought and Juan "Jerry" Garcia.