Challengers throw hat in ring for BBS seats

Black Butte School District, a stand-alone district in Camp Sherman, isn't lacking for support from parents or the community. The parents of all 26 students are active in the Parent-Teacher Organization, and for the first time in several years, there are contested seats in the upcoming five-member school board election.

The election is May 17 and two incumbents, Dean Potter and Lee Morgan, are being challenged by Lorie Hancock and Pete Schay. Candidates responded to The Nugget via email.

Dean Potter

Potter is the current chairman of the school board of directors, a position he's held for two years. He has been on the board for four years. It's his observation that under the leadership of district manager Scott Pillar and lead teacher Carol Dixon, and the teaching staff, the school is very stable.

"I believe in helping children become lifelong learners and in financial prudence for the best education of our students," Potter said.

Potter is a retired educator, settling in Camp Sherman after 35 years teaching. Most of that time was spent at Cincinnati's School for Creative and Performing Arts, where he taught language arts, ancient civilization and American history.

He first put his name forward for a school board seat four years ago at the request of some friends in the area. "I also ran because education has been a major part of my life," he said.

Lorie Hancock

Hancock has lived in Camp Sherman for 13 years and served on the board in 2008 and 2009. When her daughters were students at the school, she spent many hours as an involved parent. Her youngest is set to graduate from Sisters High School this year, so she now has the perspective of a community member without children attending Black Butte School.

"I bring experience from my role as a parent, attorney and former school district budget committee member and site council member. As an attorney, I am a skilled consensus builder; through my legal experience advising companies and boards, I understand the responsibilities of board members and financial issues and reports," Hancock said.

In addition, Hancock participates in community organizations. She is currently president and a board member of the Camp Sherman Historical Society and on the board of Friends of the Metolius, and previously served on the board of the Camp Sherman Community Association. She is on the board and executive committee of Economic Development of Central Oregon and on the Redmond Chamber of Commerce board.

Lee Morgan

Morgan was appointed to the board two years ago. He's chosen to stand for re-election because of a desire to continue the steady progress made by the board and school staff.

"I feel it is imperative to maintain the stability of the district through dealing with budgetary issues that are arising from our current economic climate, while at the same time funding programs and staffing levels that provide the education the children of the district deserve," he said.

He and his wife currently have three children attending the school and are involved in a host of school activities. The family has lived in Camp Sherman full-time for nearly three years and has owned a home there for six years.

Morgan is a small-business owner and has actively managed his company for 15 years. He feels that experience and a knowledge of finance, budgeting, management and systems promotes a balance with other board members.

Pete Schay

Schay, a retired forester, has lived in Camp Sherman for 11 years and been active in the community since his arrival. He's on the board of Friends of the Metolius, volunteers with the Sisters Ranger District and has led the charge in the war against noxious weeds in the Camp Sherman area.

While working for the BLM in Salem, he worked on the district budget committee for several years. Last year, Schay chaired the Black Butte School District budget committee and learned how the school board operates.

"I think I could bring a bit more fiscal responsibility to the board. The current board does a good job, the school has an excellent staff and the children receive a superior education; nothing is broken. The school is a major part of Camp Sherman, it's what holds us together, and I'd like to be part of it," he said.