The Journal-World sent a seven-question survey to each school board candidate running for the four seats worth a four-year term. Seven people filed for those seats. The four winners will be determined in the April 7, 2015 general election. Read candidate profiles and questionnaires here.

• Jill Fincher, 47, is a board member for the Lawrence Schools Foundation, which raises money for the district. She has also served on boards for the Lawrence Public Library, the Ballard Center and several parent-teacher organizations for Lawrence schools. She manages a family business based in British Columbia.

What makes you the right candidate for School Board?

I am a strong proponent of public education. I have been involved with public schools as a parent, site council member, volunteer and PTO member and officer over the last 20 years. I recently served on the Boundary Advisory Committee and I’ve served on the Lawrence Schools Foundation board which supports all schools in the district. I am not running on a particular issue but rather to support and represent all students in each of our schools.

What issues should the schools board focus on in the coming years?

We should always be focused on our highest priority, which is meeting the needs of our students. That includes all students across the district and high- and low-achieving students. We realize this goal by getting good teachers in front of the fewest number of students in a classroom and provide them the resources they need.

How should the board address the budget issues it faces because of state cuts?

Funding constraints coming from the Legislature will pose some challenges for our community. There are no easy cuts remaining. Those were lost in previous rounds of cuts. We need to remain focused on protecting our highest priority, our students, when weighing the district’s budget.

Are Lawrence students shortchanged in any aspect of their education?

We have great schools in Lawrence that reflect the diversity and uniqueness of our community. My children have had benefited from wonderful teachers, experienced lessons in leadership and growth through clubs, fine arts and sports. Do we have areas that could need improvement? Probably. Are we shortchanged? Not at all.

Do you support Common Core Standards?

Kansas Common Core has provided an educational framework for our state. I think it’s fine since that’s the way the state has decided to go. We are free to add our local spin to it. However, the standards will only be successfully delivered if teachers are supported with the materials and resources needed to teach to the standards.

Should teachers have tenure rights? Is it “too hard” to fire teachers with tenure?

I think our district is comprised of mostly great teachers, there is always a case that may need supervisory action. The modified tenure allows for that process and still protects teachers from being terminated for political reasons.

Do you support moving school board elections to November?

A school board should be a reflection of the community it serves. Moving the election to November will extend the partisan tug of war to our schools which benefits political parties, not students.

More 2015 Lawrence school board election coverage

• Candidate profiles and questionnaires