Bowling Green School Board Election: Candidates Discuss Educational Priorities and Challenges

Bowling Green School Board Candidates Share Insights on Education Priorities

As the local election approaches, Bowling Green is buzzing with excitement and anticipation, especially with the sole contested school board seat in Warren County now in focus. Three candidates are in the running: incumbent Lloyd Williford, Jen Kash, and Janet Burks. Each candidate brings a unique background and set of priorities to the table that are sure to shape the future of the school district.

Meet the Candidates

First up is Lloyd Williford, who is seeking re-election after five years on the Board of Education. Williford, a seasoned financial adviser with over two decades of experience, believes his knowledge of finance and construction plays a critical role in ensuring effective decision-making within the district. “I know something about construction and how finances work and the costs involved,” he shared. He feels his insights have saved the district from potential pitfalls as it navigates its ongoing construction ventures. Having previously been appointed to the board in 2019, Williford is eager to continue his work to finish crucial building projects and meet the rising needs of the student body, which has grown by 640 students in just the last year.

Next, we have Jen Kash, who currently serves as a program manager at Pearson, an international education company. Her work involves budgeting and risk mitigation, skills she finds crucial for a leadership role within WCPS, which she describes as the third largest employer in Warren County. Kash emphasizes enhancing student achievement and improving safety protocols for both students and staff. She reflects on her experience as a teaching assistant at Briarwood Elementary, where she witnessed the dedication of educators and the impact that a nurturing school environment can have on children. Kash’s stand-out goal is to address teacher shortages creatively, inviting collaboration with the board and superintendent to devise effective strategies.

Lastly, Janet Burks brings a wealth of knowledge from her 31 years in education. Since retiring, she has been active in the community as a substitute teacher. Burks believes her extensive experience equips her to address the various educational challenges facing the district. Her key priorities center on enhancing school safety by advocating for school resource officers in every school—a mandate that comes with funding challenges. Additionally, Burks advocates traditional educational values and aims to ensure that schools focus on core academic subjects and character-building qualities.

Shared Priorities and Concerns

While each candidate has distinct priorities, common threads weave through their responses. Both Williford and Kash highlight a commitment to tackling school construction projects to accommodate the growing number of students. Williford shares that the upcoming IMPACT Center for Leadership and Innovation, a massive facility set to open in 2026, is central to this effort.

On the topic of education funding proposals, all candidates voiced their disapproval of Amendment 2, which seeks to direct public dollars toward non-traditional education options, including private school vouchers. “Public dollars should stay in public schools,” Kash strongly asserts, emphasizing the need to support institutions that serve all children, including those with disabilities. Burks adds a note of caution concerning the amendment’s implications for the public school budget, urging voters to consider the potential consequences.

Looking Forward

The school board candidates feel passionate about shaping the educational landscape in Bowling Green, with shared dedication to student success, security, and overall improvement of the community’s educational institutions. With varying backgrounds and expertise, they bring fresh ideas, and it will be up to the voters to decide who they believe will best support and enhance the public education system in Warren County.

As Election Day approaches, community members are encouraged to engage with the candidates’ platforms and share their opinions, because every vote is a step toward determining the future of education in Bowling Green. Whether it’s completing construction projects, addressing safety, or promoting educational values, the outcomes of this election will surely leave a lasting impact on students and their families.