Kevin Heisler is hoping for a return to the Humboldt school board.
Heisler served on the board for more than eight years but failed to win reelection in 2021. In Heisler’s opinion, schools are the cornerstone of a community.
“We have to remember how important our school district is,” he said, noting USD 258 is one of the largest employers in Humboldt after B&W Trailer Hitches and Monarch Cement Co. “If the school isn’t there, Humboldt is not going to grow. Our schools are a draw to the city,” he said.
“USD 258 has to stay a good district. That means having quality teachers and keeping programs alive, everything from sports to band and drama.”
Heisler served on the board when it developed plans for a school bond issue. A planned vote in 2020
was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the spring of 2022, voters approved a revised plan for $17.5 million.
“I’m 100% in support. It was either this or build a new school. We have to get compliant for our handicapped needs and fire control. This is the cheaper option,” Heisler said.
In addition to meeting safety and security needs for all schools, Heisler also is glad the bond issue will result in improvements to the elementary school.
“It was long overdue,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to a bright, cheery atmosphere for kids of that age. It will really make a difference.”
The bond issue and a new strategic plan will set the district up nicely for the next 20 years, Heisler believes. It’s best not to plan too far ahead, because circumstances could change over time and the district needs to be flexible enough to adapt, he said.
He also was concerned that a debate last spring over whether to switch to a four-day school week may have overshadowed the important work being done on the bond issue.
“Everyone was so focused on that, other things fell through,” he said.
Heisler was not in support of the proposal, although he was not on the board when it was ultimately voted down.
“A four-day week isn’t getting students ready for college or for the workplace. I feel like we’re cutting them short to do that to them.”
HEISLER moved from Elsmore to Humboldt as a fourth-grader and has been here since. He currently works driving semi-trailers to haul ag commodities.
