Four vie for FISD School Board Trustee seats
As the May 6 election nears for the Friona Independent School District Board of Trustees, the candidates are clarifying their positions for the voters. There are two seats open and the four candidates are Maria Monreal Garcia, Jamie Lewellen, Corbin Riethmayer and incumbent Wade Schueler. The candidates shared their thoughts on family, community and why they want to be on the FISD School Board.
Jamie Lewellen:
“I have many unique experiences which I think would help me make good decisions and represent residents in the school district. I attended Friona schools growing up, and now our children attend Friona Primary and Elementary. I want to see our school move forward and provide opportunities for our diverse student body.
I grew up in Friona, graduated from Friona High, and then attended Abilene Christian University. My mother, Connie Slagle, is a retired Friona ISD teacher, and my father, Dennis Slagle, is a farmer. I am married to Greg Lewellen and we have two daughters, Shelby, who is a 2nd grader, and Sophie, who is in Pre-K.
I am on the District Leadership Committee for FISD as well as the Safety Committee for Friona Elementary. I spend a lot of hours at the different campuses helping with Chieftain Store, BIGS in Schools, speech & drama, and numerous other activities.
In 2010, Greg and I, along with several local citizens, formed the Parmer County Cancer Coalition. I have served the past seven years as co-chair along with serving on the board of Friona Kids, Inc. for the past four years.
Along with these volunteer activities, I also assist a local caterer and serve s the web manager for the Friona Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture. I enjoy attending my girls’ activities, golf and traveling.”
I have strong ties to the community and the school system. If elected, my priority would be finding ways to increase success for each student and teacher. I am interested in improving campus safety, investigating the possible benefits of the wind industry for our school system, and increasing student motivation through extra-curricular, college preparation, or vocational opportunities. I would love to be able to serve our community on the school board.”
Corbin Riethmayer:
“I am from Friona and have lived here all my life with the exception of the years I spent studying at college. I attended Tarleton State University for two years before transferring to Texas A&M University where I graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Agricultural Economics.
I am currently in the running for a trustee position on the Friona ISD school board and would appreciate your vote.
My wife, Jenny Hamilton Riethmayer, and I have family roots originating in Friona and are currently raising our family here. We have three children, Colton, Kamryn, and Matthew, all of whom attend Friona ISD.
I am a farmer/rancher and Jenny works as a kindergarten teacher for Friona ISD. I have served on the Friona Chamber of Commerce in the past and since 2008 I have served as a Board of Director on the West Texas Rural Telephone Cooperative board.”
I would bring these past and current experiences to the Friona ISD school board in an effort to be a positive addition to an already outstanding school board. Thank you.”
Wade Schueler,
Incumbent:
“I was born here and have lived here all my life except when I was attending West Texas A&M University. I am married to Candice and we have three daughters, Ivy (7), Aubrey (10), and Emma (13). I am a farmer and serve on the Parmer County Livestock Show Board. I am a volunteer firefighter for the Friona Volunteer Fire Department.
I have served for six years on the school board and would like the opportunity to keep serving as a trustee.
I care not only for my kids but for all kids. I want all the students of FISD to have all the opportunities they can have.
The next few years could be critical in ways I don’t think we have ever seen before. We have the possibility of wind money coming in.
I would appreciate your vote on May 6.”
Maria Monreal Garcia:
Maria was unavailable for comment.
Early voting began Monday, April 24 at the Friona ISD Administration office at 909 E. 11th. Voters can cast their ballots April 24-28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 1-2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The May 6 election will be held at the City of Friona Council Chambers from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
