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.

• Lindsey Frye, 34, is a denied medical claims collector for Apria Healthcare in Overland Park. She is also a member of New York Elementary’s parent-teacher association and site council.

What makes you the right candidate for the school board?

I graduated (from the Lawrence school district) and have a certificate from (Johnson County Community College). I don’t have the education other candidates have but I have experience in another form. I’m involved with the Safe Routes to School that works on improving children’s safety to and from school. I am a member of (New York Elementary School) site council and PTA, of Educate Lawrence, Douglas County NOW. I’m a single mom of two USD 497 students, seeing the root effects legislation and funding has on our communities and homes. I placed my faith in USD 497. I believe I will bring a unique, honest, experience to the board.

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

The coming years are going to focus on funding. The school board will have to make careful and calculated budget cuts, due to SB 71, realizing we need to keep teachers employed and class size manageable. We need to adequately serve all populations by making sure our educators are equipped with the correct tools.

It’s important to keep communication open on issues of racism and sexism, not just surrounding unfortunate incidents. We need to create an environment of acceptance and tolerance. USD 497 should be an environment where all students and teachers feel welcome, safe and successful without pressure or prejudice.

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

The budget is going to be complicated and harsh. If Senate Bill 71 passes we will face decisions as to what we can do without. In 2009 we went through similar cuts. We have always had foresight to manage. No one enjoys budget cuts. I feel that Lawrence is fortunate in that we have the backing of a great community and the ability to successfully adapt to tough situations. I believe it is important to manage with people in mind. We are going to have to buckle down and be conservative with resources both on the board and in class.

Are Lawrence students shortchanged in any aspect of their education?

I have two mixed children in the Lawrence schools. One thing that comes to mind is the diversity of our educators. I think that children of all ages can benefit from different cultural and gender, racial backgrounds of educators. It is important to help create a makeup of USD 497 staff that aligns with the reality of the makeup of our student population. In doing this we need to realize that we need more educators and staff of color. We owe it to all students to reflect the reality they live in and the world they will enter into when they graduate.

Do you support Common Core standards? Why or why not?

As a parent, Common Core sometimes confuses me, yet I have a child in fifth grade and I see the benefit for his future. It’s encouraging that Common Core makes the main goal to set a high standard in math and English. As technology progresses, good jobs are requiring more education. We owe it to our students to make sure they meet the standard that will make them successful. It’s important to note that Common Core provides a new way for teachers to measure progress so when students struggle we can take the proactive measures to help them achieve.

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

Teaching is multifaceted, encompassing educating and dealing with social and emotional needs of students. I support House Bill 2220 to restore due process rights. Educators deserve rights to defend their job. There’s a shortage of teachers entering the field, it makes sense to allow due process rights. Folks may ask what makes teachers special. I implore them to realize these are the educators of our children, that is what makes them valuable. Tenure doesn’t make it harder to fire a teacher. We need to give some of the most important people the right to defend the hardest, most important job in our community.

Do you support moving school board elections to November in even numbered years and/or making the elections partisan?

Our community should strive for an educated population. Neither mine nor any other elected school board’s political views are needed to know that we care about students. I oppose Senate Bill 171 and campaign affiliation is just one reason. The bill suggests school board members take office mid-year in January. It will disrupt schools in having to make schools “suitable” as polling places.

It seems like an effort to divide and conquer within our educational system. I hope people realize that public education shouldn’t be a divided two parties, it needs to be the unbiased concern of everyone as a bipartisan unit.

More 2015 Lawrence school board election coverage

• Candidate profiles and questionnaires