School board hopefuls mostly agree

Open conflict was lacking Thursday as three of the five candidates for Diboll school board squared off at the first candidate forum held in the city.

Incumbent Trey Wilkerson, Jimmy Metland and Kent Havard attended the forum and answered questions for the audience of about 50 people. Also seeking three three-year terms on the board are incumbent Chuck Mann and Gary Hurley. The forum was sponsored by the Diboll Free Press.

In opening statements, Wilkerson stressed his seven and a half years on the board and the fact that he is the son of a teacher. Havard and Metland both are married to teachers and have children in district schools.

Asked about the state of "morale" in the district, all three acknowledged that there's room for improvement. Havard said stability in the superintendent's position and among the staff is a key need. Metland stressed improving teacher morale. "Teachers provide the product - our kids," he said. Wilkerson cited "a lot of frustration in the district." The most important job for the next board is finding leadership, he said.

With Brent Hawkins leaving the district at the end of the school year, the candidates were asked what qualities they would look for in the next superintendent. Wilkerson called for high integrity, someone who can connect with the community and experience as a superintendent.

Metland seeks integrity, character and consistency, the ability to carry out a long-term plan.

Havard cited the need for a good communicator, a solid background and stability.

Coach Gary Martel, who served as emcee for the event, noted that as of last week, 68 superintendent jobs are vacant throughout Texas, and Diboll must compete with many of the districts with vacancies.

All candidates agreed that district schools need improvement or replacement. Metland noted that all buildings besides the high school are old "and we need upgrades." Havard said safety improvements also are needed.

Asked about ways to reduce the rate of student pregnancies with Diboll schools, Havard called for an expansion of life skills classes and starting them earlier, probably in junior high. "The sooner the better," he said.

"How can you teach morality?" Metland asked. The schools can provide "all the information we can," but such issues are decided in a student's home.

Wilkerson said, "We need to teach our kids to think." He does not believe any one stand-alone program can provide an answer.

Asked by Martel about the "great things" they see in the district, Wilkerson cited "really great" students, teachers and support staff. "The best thing is we're in Diboll."

Metland noted the "kids are happy to be here. They want to be taught."

"I see all the campuses," Havard, who visits the schools as police chief, said. "We've got a very good nucleus of kids."