Douglas County School Board trustee Robbe Lehmann addresses a question during a Q&A hosted by students at Douglas High School on Wednesday. Lehmann, Heather Jackson, Nick Brashears and Roberta Butterfield answered questions.
Photo by Sarah Drinkwine.
“I’m impressed with the students taking the initiative to make their voices heard,” said Douglas County School Board District 7 Candidate Nick Brashears.
The Q&A event was organized and hosted in the school’s Media Center, by students in Mena Dedmon’s senior AP Government class.
Senior Claire Gurner said the event was the result of the class’s Civic Engagement Project, which focused on learning about the community and getting involved.
“We thought this would be a great way to get involved and learn about our community, with the elections and everything going on it seemed perfect,” said Gurner. “We contacted all the candidates and invited them to our school and the ones that couldn’t make it, we sent our questions to them and hope they still take the time to answer them.”
School Board candidates in attendance were Heather Jackson, Nick Brashears and Robbe Lehmann. Butterfield was out of the country but was online for the event.
Gurner said she and her group, reached out to the candidates, got other students involved by submitting questions and encouraging them to attend the Q&A. A voting registration booth was also set up during the event for students eligible during elections to preregister to vote.
“I was impressed by their questions,” said Jackson. “They asked questions that are on their mind and important to them. It was very helpful to hear what they are concerned about.”
The questions touched on such subjects as Critical Race Theory, school dress codes, teacher and staff shortage, school funding, safety and mental health.
The candidates took the questions seriously and answered honestly, sharing their goals and visions for improving the students’ concerns.
“I think it’s a great introduction into politics for students, especially during election season,” said Lehmann. “It’s important to hear from them because they’re the ones that will be impacted the most.”
The students in attendance also took what the candidates had to say seriously and were appreciative they took the time to answer their questions.
“They have a lot of great ideas they’re bringing to the table,” said Sophomore Tristan Kawchack. “It was nice hearing what they had to say and that they have ideas to put us first.”
