Maries County R-2 Board of Education incumbent Brent Stratman responded to the candidate introduction questionnaire this morning (Friday, March 31) for the Maries County Advocate. Stratman said he was unable to access his district email account which was provided by the district as the candidate’s preferred method of communication. Attempts to reach Stratman via cell phone last week were unsuccessful. Stratman’s answers have been added to the other three candidates’ answers below.

The Advocate strives to give both candidates and voters the opportunity to share information and agreed to make Stratman’s answers available online.

BY ROXIE Murphy

ADVOCATE Staff Writer

rmurphy@wardpub.com

BELLE — The Maries County R-2 School Board of Education (BOE) will see four candidates on the April 4 ballot. Each candidate was allowed 250 words (below) to introduce themselves to the community.

Candidates are in the same order as they are on the ballot and include Amy Kiso, Garret Bialczyk, Ashley Marquart-Harris, and Brent Stratman. Stratman did not respond to the Advocate’s request to participate.

Each candidate was given the same five questions to answer. The questions and answers are as follows:

Q. Tell the community about yourself.

--A. Amy Kiso, BOE

I was raised in this school district by my parents, Lyle and Bonnie Kiso.  My siblings, my children and I all graduated from BHS.  I enjoy serving others and do tend to volunteer with various organizations with a focus on schools.

-A. Garret Bialczyk, BOE

I was born and raised in the Maries County R-II School District, attended the University of Missouri – Columbia, and returned to Belle to raise a family with Danica Bialczyk, of Bland. We have two children, Ryker (9) and Kyrah (6), in the elementary school.

-A. Ashley Marqart-Harris, BOE

I was raised in Belle (2003 BHS graduate, 2007 Oklahoma State University graduate) and spent the last fifteen years in manufacturing. We moved back to the area last year when I took a position at Legends Bank. I am a member of BCBA, the YaYas, and involved in the Hawkeye 4-H club.

A. Brent Stratman - BOE

I grew up in Freeburg, MO.  I am a Fatima High school graduate as well as a University of Central Missouri graduate.  I have been employed as Stratman Drywall Finishing, Painting and Construction since 2003.  My wife, Nicole, and I have resided in Belle since 2003.  We have two children, Logan and Hank.

Q. What is your connection to the school and community?

--A. Amy Kiso, BOE

As previously mentioned, I am a graduate and a parent of four graduates of Maries County R-II

School District.  I have lived on the same acreage growing up through HS graduation and returned in 2006 with my family.

-A. Garret Bialczyk, BOE

Belle, and the Maries County R-II School District, have been a part of my identity forever. I left Belle for college and briefly lived in Jefferson City before realizing that there was something missing from life in the city, and that was the community aspect that Belle offers.

-A. Ashley Marqart-Harris, BOE

My children attend and are involved in school sports/organizations, and we volunteer much of our time throughout the community. My family awards a scholarship at Belle High School, as well as at Oklahoma State University.  I am invested in the youth of our communities and want to see them succeed.

A. Brent Stratman - BOE

As previously mentioned, I have been a resident of Belle since 2003.  My children attend maries R II.  I’ve been on the Board of Education for the past 6 years.  I’ve been a head coach/assistant coach of many sports teams throughout the years (baseball, basketball and soccer).

Q. What is your primary reason for running for the board of education?

-— Amy Kiso, BOE

My original campaign goals or tag line was “A. M. Y.”  Academics first, More communication, and Year-round safety.”   I do believe I have played a key role in working toward each goal.  I plan to continue to work to improve the same.

-A. Garret Bialczyk, BOE

I originally ran for the board in 2017 to give back to a school/community that invested so much in me. I believe I still have more to give to the community and love serving the District.

-A. Ashley Marqart-Harris, BOE

I want to be involved in the decisions made that will impact my children’s education.  The time that our children spend at school can be the most impactful time of their lives.  Having good educators, a safe space to learn, and a positive environment to be involved are very important to me.

A. Brent Stratman - BOE

I originally ran for the Board of Education so that I would have more of a voice for my children, as well as others, education. I feel that we, as a board, have accomplished a lot in the last 6 years.  If elected, I hope to continue to help this district reach our goals.

Q. Name a project or rule you would like to see accomplished or changed in the near future or set up to be completed in the extended future.

--A. Amy Kiso, BOE

Improving the safety of our district is a top priority.  The nearly half-million-dollar federal grant I submitted and was awarded to the district has improved lighting in district parking lots.  Many more safety improvements are in process.  Additional funding for mental health programs and facility improvements are priorities as well. 

-A. Garret Bialczyk, BOE

I would like to see a long-term plan for the school to be located all on one-campus. I believe this will make a big difference in staff and student safety and would be a worthwhile investment in the community.

-A. Ashley Marqart-Harris, BOE

Ensuring students are safe while attending school –Continuing to place focus on campus safety, increased conversations with counselors and educators, as well promoting mental, emotional, and physical health is key. Defining what this looks like and how our educators place focus on all safety aspects would be a great win for our district.

A. Brent Stratman - BOE

I would like to see our district address our need for updated facilities.  It would be great if we could somehow have one unified campus.

Q. What is something you are satisfied with that you feel the board of education has done well? What is a project you feel you would have voted to accomplish differently?

--A. Amy Kiso, BOE

I am pleased with the BOE supporting Dr. Basham in her excellent work as our superintendent.  When we stay in our lane, it is easier for her to do her job with our guidance, support and encouragement.  There is not a “project” which I wish I would have voted differently.

-A. Garret Bialczyk, BOE

I feel that the board has done a good job of investing in and supporting our administrators and teachers during the last six years. I think the board had good discussion on items where I may have disagreed, and I have embraced and respected these decisions, as we should.

-A. Ashley Marqart-Harris, BOE

One of the goals that I appreciate is providing resources to support, attract, and retain a high-quality staff. I feel the board of education has to take all concerns into consideration. Their decisions may not always be favored, it is our job as citizens to trust their judgements and support them.

A. Brent Stratman - BOE

I feel that we, as a Board, have managed to acquire administrative staff in the past 6 years.  I am content with how I voted in all past projects.  After each issue/topic/concern was discussed, I voted for what I felt was in the best interest of our students and staff.