In one of few Democratic Party primary election races, a retired teacher, Hershel Martin, is taking on incumbent Janet Waugh to represent the State Board of Education district that covers eastern Douglas County and all of Wyandotte, Leavenworth and Jefferson counties.

The primary is Aug. 6. The winner faces no Republican opposition.

Martin taught elementary and middle school math for 28 years in the Kansas City public school system before retiring. He then taught for 1 1/2 years at a Catholic school. He also continues to teach at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

“My experience in the trenches of education will be a benefit for me in a position on the state board,” Martin said.

Waugh touts her experience, too.

A used car dealer in Kansas City, Waugh also has spent most of her life in school and youth activities. She has been on the State Board of Education for the past four years, served on the Turner school board for 15 years and has been active in the Parent-Teacher Assn. at the local, council and state level.

“The yardstick I use when casting my vote is: ‘What is best for all students?'” Waugh said.

Martin said he opposed the Board of Education decision to place evolution in science standards.

“I’m uncomfortable with anybody’s theory of origin. I didn’t want intelligent design in there either. I’d probably make nobody happy,” he said.

Waugh defended her vote for evolution in the standards.

“My position is we need to support the science community. I think it is time to get it behind us and move onto other things,” she said.

Martin said he would work to end social promotions and that his classroom experience would make him an important voice on the board in support of teachers.

“Students sometimes will stand up to teachers and tell them, ‘You cannot fail me.’ Administrators have not backed up teachers in this,” he said.

Waugh said it was important to have some teachers on the board, but that the board needed to have a good mix of members who have different perspectives.

She said the main problem facing public schools was the tight state budget.

“I believe people don’t want to increase taxes; however, people throughout this state have stated that they will support an increase in taxes for schools. People are proud of their schools,” she said.