Meet your Cassville School Board Candidates: Steven Henbest
March 21, 2018
Name: Steven Henbest
Age: 36
City of Residence: Cassville
What is your primary objective that led you to run for school board?
I care about all our children, the education they receive, and the environment in which they learn. I also care for the employees of the district, most of which I’ve had the privilege to work with. I want to do everything I can to ensure that both students and employees are successful at Cassville schools and they enjoy a rewarding environment to learn and work.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate?
I was employed by Cassville Schools for 7 years as a Technology Specialist. I am also a Cassville Alumni, USMC Veteran, and father of 2 children in the district.
What do you believe the role of a school board is or should be? Why?
I believe the role of the school board is to provide direction and support for our district, based off input from its employees and its parents.
If elected, what objectives do you have for the first 90 days on the school board?
My first objective is reach out to our teachers and staff to get their thoughts and opinions on the current conditions of our district, to gain more insight to see what areas need the most work.
How do you measure the quality of a school?
I would say the best way to measure a school would be, does it have personalized learning and support from qualified, caring adults? Does it challenge children academically? Is it a physically and emotionally safe for both children and adults?
Do you think the current school safety standards at Cassville are adequate? Why or why not, and what changes, if any, would you like to see?
I live very close to the school and I know our local law enforcement does a great job in patrolling this area. However, our school district has a fair amount of square footage with several unmonitored entrances throughout, therefore making it difficult to fully secure. To properly address any possible security issues our district has, I feel we need to consult professionals like local law enforcement or 3rd party security firms that have expertise in the matter.
Do you feel there are problems within the district that need to be addressed? What solution would you like to see to correct them?
I feel the voice of the district faculty and parents often goes unheard or unnoticed. In order to be successful, we should welcome ideas, concerns, and opinions from both faculty and parents. I plan to be that voice and welcome open discussion.
Do you feel teaching staff is adequately supported within the district? Why or why not?
The district’s teacher turnover rate would suggest that they are not supported adequately and work needs to be done in this area.
Do you believe the current practices regarding bully prevention are adequate? If not, what would you change?
My children are in lower grades and this has not yet been an issue my family has had to confront. If others feel this is an issue in our district, I hope they feel comfortable in approaching administration and/or members of the school board with their concerns so they can be addressed.
Do you feel student diversity (race, heritage, sex, religion, gender identity, sexuality, etc.) is protected within the school? If not, what areas would you like to see a change in?
I have no reason to feel that diversity is not protected in our district.
Do you think parent involvement and communication is a priority at the school? Why or why not, and what changes would you like to see in that area?
I do not feel this is priority, however this is a 2-way street. We need more parents to pursue an active role as well as better communication from the School. I was very happy to see the school schedule strategic planning meetings to encourage parent and community member involvement.
Name: Steven Henbest
Age: 36
City of Residence: Cassville
What is your primary objective that led you to run for school board?
I care about all our children, the education they receive, and the environment in which they learn. I also care for the employees of the district, most of which I’ve had the privilege to work with. I want to do everything I can to ensure that both students and employees are successful at Cassville schools and they enjoy a rewarding environment to learn and work.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate?
I was employed by Cassville Schools for 7 years as a Technology Specialist. I am also a Cassville Alumni, USMC Veteran, and father of 2 children in the district.
What do you believe the role of a school board is or should be? Why?
I believe the role of the school board is to provide direction and support for our district, based off input from its employees and its parents.
If elected, what objectives do you have for the first 90 days on the school board?
My first objective is reach out to our teachers and staff to get their thoughts and opinions on the current conditions of our district, to gain more insight to see what areas need the most work.
How do you measure the quality of a school?
I would say the best way to measure a school would be, does it have personalized learning and support from qualified, caring adults? Does it challenge children academically? Is it a physically and emotionally safe for both children and adults?
Do you think the current school safety standards at Cassville are adequate? Why or why not, and what changes, if any, would you like to see?
I live very close to the school and I know our local law enforcement does a great job in patrolling this area. However, our school district has a fair amount of square footage with several unmonitored entrances throughout, therefore making it difficult to fully secure. To properly address any possible security issues our district has, I feel we need to consult professionals like local law enforcement or 3rd party security firms that have expertise in the matter.
Do you feel there are problems within the district that need to be addressed? What solution would you like to see to correct them?
I feel the voice of the district faculty and parents often goes unheard or unnoticed. In order to be successful, we should welcome ideas, concerns, and opinions from both faculty and parents. I plan to be that voice and welcome open discussion.
Do you feel teaching staff is adequately supported within the district? Why or why not?
The district’s teacher turnover rate would suggest that they are not supported adequately and work needs to be done in this area.
Do you believe the current practices regarding bully prevention are adequate? If not, what would you change?
My children are in lower grades and this has not yet been an issue my family has had to confront. If others feel this is an issue in our district, I hope they feel comfortable in approaching administration and/or members of the school board with their concerns so they can be addressed.
Do you feel student diversity (race, heritage, sex, religion, gender identity, sexuality, etc.) is protected within the school? If not, what areas would you like to see a change in?
I have no reason to feel that diversity is not protected in our district.
Do you think parent involvement and communication is a priority at the school? Why or why not, and what changes would you like to see in that area?
I do not feel this is priority, however this is a 2-way street. We need more parents to pursue an active role as well as better communication from the School. I was very happy to see the school schedule strategic planning meetings to encourage parent and community member involvement.