Three Cleveland School Board seats are up for reelection this year, and five are running, including the three incumbents (Ryan Ponwith, Nancy Heldberg and Kevin McCabe) and two newcomers (Jordan Elias and Ian Rude).
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
Kevin McCabe
What is your background (as a part of the community, children in school, education, career and any other relevant experience that prepares you to be a board member)?
I graduated from Cleveland and went to South Central College. I was a Sales Manager for an Ag Retail company for 8 years and then came home to help run the family farm. I live here with my wife and two young children, who will be attending Cleveland school.
What motivates you to run for the school board?
I want to keep the small school atmosphere in town. It's nice to have our own standalone public school, and I hope to help keep that operating efficiently for years to come.
What perspective do you bring to the board that may differ from others?
I try to see all angles of the school and community. The operational and educational aspects of the school are my top priorities. I'm a businessperson and a people-person, and I know community members need to be heard, but sometimes business decisions have to come before emotions.
What are the top needs of the district?
We have a great staff that need continued support with a range of things. Helping them find this support is a top priority. We've overcome a lot of challenges as a district, especially financially, so keeping this momentum going is important.
What would you do to improve student learning?
Keeping class sizes as small as possible while also having a range of classroom electives.
How should the district respond to rapidly changing technology, including AI and smartphones? What role should technology like computers and Chromebooks play in the classroom?
I feel like the future is going towards computers and technology anyways, so we need to embrace it, while at the same time remembering that pen and paper and problem solving on your own are still very important life skills.
How will you listen to students, families, educators and the broader community?
I live in town, my business is in town, I'm always in town. My phone is always on, my email is never far away, and I am easy to get a hold of. Reach out if you have questions or concerns.
What will be your top priority if elected?
To keep the school running in a positive direction, with the highest education possible for each student, while operating with integrity.