Meet the 4 Holyoke School Board candidates

Four candidates are running for the four open seats on the Holyoke School District Re-1J Board of Education. They will all be elected to four-year terms in the Nov. 5 election. Because the school district has a mill levy override extension question on the ballot, the board candidate names had to be included, as well, and the candidate election could not be canceled. The four candidates are Justin Clayton and incumbents Chas Lengfelder, Summer Maloney and Dustin W. Sprague.

Justin Clayton

Current employment/past experience: I operate my own farm while helping my father on his farm M&S Farms Inc. for the past 12 years.

Education/training: Associate degree from NJC.

Community involvement: I am currently the head usher for First Baptist Church of Holyoke.

Family: My wife, Ashley, who is currently employed by the district as a JR/SR high school science teacher; two boys, Levi, 8, who is in 2nd grade, and Reid, 4, who attends Dragon’s Wagon Preschool.

Reason for seeking election/re-election: I want to run for school board to get involved in the community. I believe the school is the heartbeat of our community and I want to be involved in something that keeps our community strong and vibrant. I love Holyoke and am proud to be part of the community which I grew up in. I want the district to be something that is envied in our area.

There are many challenges that face our district. One of which is funding, or lack thereof from the state. We as a community can help by passing the current mill levy on the ballot. This is a chance for us to continue to invest in our community and actually get to see our tax dollars at work.

Another challenge is retaining and finding quality staff. There is a fierce competition with other districts and we have to pursue ideas that can achieve this within a tight budget. We as community can play a big role in this by supporting our staff. When the employees feel community support, they are more willing to go above and beyond normal expectations. Community support also helps with potential new hires choosing our district over other districts.

I plan to represent people of the district well through common sense decisions. I will work together with the board to make the district a great place to work and receive an education.

Chas Lengfelder

Current employment/past experience: I’ve worked for UPS just a little over 21 years.

Education/training: I graduated from Merino High School. Went to NJC for a year and half before going to work at UPS.

Experience on boards/committees: I was a member of the St Anthony’s Parish board in Sterling, a member of Sterling Baseball Organization and a member of the Fleming Booster Club.

Community involvement: I’m currently coaching the Holyoke SPYFL (youth football league).

Family: I’m married to Anita Fisher Lengfelder and have five children: Kyle Lengfelder, 25; Jenna Lengfelder, 19; Peyton Marlow, 12; Paige Marlow, 9; Pierce Marlow, 8.

Reason for seeking election/re-election: I’m seeking re-election because I was appointed in the summer of 2018 and with nearly a year and half experience, I’ve really enjoyed my time. With it being so short of a time, I would like to keep up all of the great work and projects that us on the board have been working on.

Summer Maloney

Current employment/past experience: I’ve been a stay-at-home mom the last five years and have an at-home business, Signs by Design. I was the Holyoke JH/HS guidance counselor for seven years.

Education/training: Graduated from Holyoke High School in 2000, bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Northern Colorado in 2004, master’s degree in school counseling from University of Phoenix in 2006.

Experience on boards/committees: As a counselor, I served on several committees related to the job. I’ve been on the School Accountability Committee and then Standards of Excellence, as they joined together, for the last 12 years as an educator and then as a parent and board member. I currently serve on the FCCLA Advisory Committee and the Wellness Committee, in addition to Standards of Excellence.

Community involvement: My community involvement has been to dive into the school board and multiple committees that I’ve been able to be a part of within the district. I never hesitate to help out with any of my kids’ activities and anything they need!

Family: My husband, Shawn; Cody, 7th grade; Macie, 4th grade; and Eli, age 5.

Reason for seeking election/re-election: After serving on the board for the last four years, I feel like we as a board and district have made great strides and have some really exciting things coming up. I’m proud of the work that our teachers and administration have done over the years with SCAP, technology, social emotional training and professional development, along with much other work. I’m excited to continue to watch them grow as a district. The school is the heart of our community and having the chance to serve on the board has been a wonderful opportunity for me. Having consistency on the board has been vital to continuing to grow as a district. I’m excited to continue to serve on an important board in our community.

Dustin W. Sprague

Current employment/past experience: Sprague Brothers Transportation.

Education/training: 2003 HHS graduate, 2007 University of Colorado-Boulder business management, 2010 CSU-Pueblo master’s of business administration.

Experience on boards/committees: School Board, Budget and Facilities Committee, Standards of Excellence Committee, Leadership Committee.

Community involvement: HS football coach, Youth Rec soccer coach.

Family: Wife, Megan; children, Eadlyn, Rory, Hattie and Jairus.

Reason for seeking election/re-election: The school district continues to be an integral part of our community. I have learned an enormous amount over the past four years. We have accomplished many things, but just like any organization, there is more to do. I am excited to have four more years to try to make our district the best possible place with a positive, safe environment for our kids to succeed.