Meet your candidates - Perry McCabe- Candidate for McPherson School Board

Candidates' responses have not been edited.

1. What is your background, and how will it help you to serve this district?

I have 50 years of experience in education, including roles as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant superintendent, and interim superintendent. My experience at all levels of k-12 public schools has been invaluable in my 2 years on the USD 418 Board of Education and will continue to serve USD 418 in the next four years.
 

2. Describe your qualifications and experience for this office and explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset?
   My 50 years of K-12 education and 12 years as the assistant superintendent of business and finance have been invaluable for serving on the Board of Education. During my tenure, we passed the bond issue that built Eisenhower, made significant additions and remodels at MHS, and improved other district facilities.
   
   
3. What are the most important challenges facing our community, and how do you propose to address them?

The district’s primary issue is updating and renewing its facilities, which has significantly impacted other issues. 

• The district faces declining enrollment due to a lower birth rate and parents starting families later with fewer children. Over 230 of Kansas’s 250+ districts have declining enrollment this year, including Olathe and Blue Valley. The district needs to close one elementary school and reorganize others due to continued enrollment decline.
• Lack of community trust and support is another priority issue. Various factors, including curricular issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, political changes, BOE divisiveness, and a recall election, have contributed to this. These issues were followed by three failed bond issues.
• Safe and secure entrances at all schools are another priority. While a couple of schools have secure entrances, this issue needs to be addressed at all levels. We must do what we can as a district to deter those who want to enter and damage our schools, staff, and students.
• The current BOE has addressed several issues over the past two years. After the 2024 General Election, six of seven board members were new or had only two years of experience. A new strategic plan, an architect, an enrollment study, and community focus groups have been implemented to explore facility renewal and school reorganization options. These initiatives aim to lead to a bond issue in Spring 2026.
  

5. Describe your commitment to public education
   My 50 years of K-12 public school experience demonstrates my dedication to public education. However, there’s been a decline in positive support for administration and teachers. More positive parental support and improved facilities are needed to enhance the school climate. This school board is committed to both.