On Nov. 2, voters went to the polls to choose their candidates in the USD 497 Board of Education election. Eleven candidates ran for three positions on the board, with Andrew Nussbuam, Kay Emerson and incumbent Kelly Jones filling the open seats.

Throughout his years of working with USD 497, Nussbaum used to be a teacher. He was hired at Free State in 2006, and started the Interpersonal Skills Program. Nussbaum’s educational plan is to prioritize students and families by understanding staff working and student learning conditions. 

Emerson got her start in education by working for Teach for America, an organization that confronts educational inequity. Additionally, Emerson encourages the right to have a choice in learning and believes that public schools need secure compensation and resources. 

While both Nussbaum and Emerson are beginning their first term, Jones is returning to her seat for a second term on the board. Along with being a board member, she is the Director of Field Education at the KU School of Social Welfare which gives her the chance to assist social work students. 

The new term starts in January 2022.