Kylia Neasley Candidate for School Board District 5

In addition to the Candidate Forum that was presented by the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce and Southeast Arkansas Broadcasters, the DeWitt Era-Enterprise wanted to help inform the public about the candidates. After putting together several questions, they were submitted to all candidates.

Please list your name and the ward you are running for.

Kylia Neasley School Board Candidate District 5

What made you want to throw your hat in?

 I am running for the school board for my children, the children I coach, and the children whose parents I know in the community. I am running because when employers recruit, the first thing those recruitments look at is our education. I want to do my part to build a better Stuttgart, and build a Stuttgart that people want to move to.

How do you feel you can move our school board forward?

We can move our school board forward by listening to those that we represent. The community input is very important and the voices of our staff as well. When compiling information from both groups, the board can make effective decisions.

What do you feel are issues facing the school district? How do you propose to help solve them?

I feel that the issues facing our district are that of unity. The community and the board are not in sync. We have to listen to those that voted us into our positions as we are their representative. When elected, I plan to listen to my voters and make decisions that meet their needs. 

What do you feel is the responsibility of the school board?

The responsibility of the school board is to serve the district's staff, students, and parents.

Do you have children in the district? If so, where do they attend?

I am a proud mother of 2 children, my 11-year-old has been in the Stuttgart Public School system since kindergarten, and my son who is 1 will do the same when the time comes. I myself am a product of public school as a 1999 Stuttgart High graduate.

Can you be fair to all children?

Yes, I can be fair to all children, we are all called upon to do so. It doesn't matter who they are or what they look like, they deserve to be treated with the same respect that we are asking for in return.

What strengths will you bring to the board, if elected?

The strengths that I will bring will be 1. Asking the tough questions, 2. Strategic thinking, and 3. A voice for the educators.

Can you set personal feelings aside and work for the district as a whole?

We are professional and there are numerous times throughout the day that decisions are made that we don't agree with. We don't get to have it "our way", which is the reason for the board. We are all working collectively for the greater good.

Why should voters elect you?

Voters should elect me because I want to build a stronger school system, recruit, and retain educators, and invite community involvement.