An incumbent school board member and a first-time candidate filed today for the Lawrence school board race.

Rich Minder filed this afternoon for a second four-year term, saying he wants to continue effort the community has put into its schools.

“We’ve made a lot of investments in our faculty and our students and our schools and in moving everybody in the direction of ‘learning for all, whatever it takes,” Minder said. “I want to maintain those investments and expand our accomplishments.”

Minder said he would like to implement all-day kindergarten at least in a limited way next year in Lawrence.

Minder, 48, who was first elected in 2003, is collaborative projects coordinator for Success by Six Coalition of Douglas County.

Minder is the fifth candidate to file for the April 3 election.

This morning, Michael Machell, 46, a human resources manager who commutes to Lenexa, filed for one of the four seats opening up on the board.

Machell, who is making his first attempt for public office is a human capital partner for Ingenix, Lenexa, which is affiliated with United Health Group.

Machell and his wife, Denise, have a daughter, Emma, 12, a seventh-grader at West Junior High.

Machell said he became interested in the race when he read J-W stories that few candidates have filed.

“I had thought for a long time about getting involved in community activities,” he said. “It was almost like a New Year’s resolution to me. I thought with my background in business and education, that I could add some value and contribute to the community.”

Victor Sisk, a former Lawrence High School band director, and Robert Rauktis, a retired teacher, filed on Monday. Marlene Merrill, a former assessment director for the district, filed in late December.

The filing deadline is noon Jan. 23.

Leonard Ortiz, whose four-year term will also expire this year, has said he is leaning against running.

Board president Sue Morgan and board member Cindy Yulich said they will not seek re-election.

If more than eight candidates file, a primary will be held on Feb. 27.