All three are unopposed in Nov. 5 General Election
There are three candidates seeking election to the Aurora School Board in the pending General Election, with all three facing no opposition.
The field includes two incumbents, Dan Pachta and Brock Wyatt, as well as first-time candidate Chad Carlson, who seeks to fill a seat vacated by Scott Schuster, who chose not to file for reelection.
All three seats are up for four-year terms.
The News-Register provided questions to the candidates asking them to share information about themselves, why they are seeking a position on the school board and asking for details as to their plans to help Aurora Public Schools should they be elected or re-elected. The candidates and their responses are presented here, in alphabetical order:
Chad Carlson
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve been married to Yvonne (AHS ’94) for 26 years and have four children. Kyla (AHS ’20) just graduated from UNK; Caden (AHS ’22) is a junior at Wichita State; Jenna (AHS’24) is a freshman at UNL; and Ryan, a sophomore at AHS.
I’m 49 years old and currently serve as the senior vice president of talent for Central Valley Ag Cooperative in York. In my role I’m focused on recruiting and retaining best-in-class employees as well as managing the benefits and development programs for 1,100 employees. I’m a native of the area, growing up on the family farm.
I attended and graduated from Aurora High School in 1993 then went on to receive my bachelor of science degree in mechanized systems management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May, 1998. I was also on the UNL track and field team as a pole vaulter.
After graduating from UNL, I began my career with Koch Industries serving as a production and distribution logistics manager. I then helped the company integrate Purina Mills and eventually Land O’Lakes in Blackfoot, Idaho, Lubbock, Texas and Turlock, Calif. In 2004, I accepted a role with the Aurora Cooperative holding many different roles in that organization. In 2019, I started working for Central Valley Ag.
Why are you running for this office?
I am committed to supporting the next generation and believe my skills and experiences can help make a difference. Having been a student at AHS and spending the last 25 years in business, I’ve gained valuable insights that I can bring to the board and school district. I want to give back to a system that played a crucial role in shaping who I am today and contribute to its continued success.
What personal strengths and talents do you bring to the position?
I bring strong business acumen, having been involved in numerous projects that require careful organization and attention to detail. Additionally, being deeply rooted in this community, I have a clear understanding of the community’s expectations when it comes to providing a quality education.
What, in your view, are the top three priority issues facing the school district?
Expanded educational opportunities – It’s essential to provide opportunities for high-achieving students during the school day, not just in extracurricular activities. These students can play a key role in elevating the academic success of all students.
Fiscal responsibility – The school must manage taxpayer dollars with care, ensuring that financial decisions reflect a commitment to educational excellence while being responsible stewards of the resources provided.
Aging facilities – The school has mechanical systems, safety concerns, and general improvements that need to be addressed for the well-being and effectiveness of the learning environment.
What goals do you hope to accomplish while serving on the board?
My goal is to work with the board and superintendent to position Aurora Public Schools as a leader, producing high-quality graduates who are equipped to contribute to their communities.
Dan Pachta
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My wife, Jaime and I moved to Aurora in 1998. A major factor for choosing Aurora to start our family was the excellent school system. We have three children who attended Aurora Public Schools. I graduated from Aquinas High School in David City in 1991. I received my doctor of veterinary medicine from Kansas State University in 1998. I am a veterinarian at Aurora Veterinary Clinic.
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for re-election to continue the success and tradition of Aurora Public Schools. I believe a successful school is a key component of a successful community.
What personal strengths and talents do you bring to the position?
Some strengths I believe I bring are conservative financial ideas and an open mind willing to see both sides of every issue. Being a business owner, I understand the importance of gaining knowledge of what needs must be addressed currently and in the future.
What, in your view, are the top three priority issues facing the school district?
I believe being fiscally responsible is an important priority. The strategic plan that we are currently in the process of is vital to the future of Aurora Public Schools.
It is critical to retain and hire quality educators and staff. They are the backbone of our school, molding and developing our children for the future.
Providing our students with the best education possible has always been and will continue to be a top priority. I believe we should always be looking to improve education and not be complacent.
What goals do you hope to accomplish while serving on the board?
I hope to continue the tradition of excellence Aurora Public Schools has provided our children for so many years. With the strategic plan as guidance, we will continue to advance all aspects of the school from curriculum to facilities.