Marshall seeking election to Holton B.O.E.

Retired Holton teacher Orin Marshall is seeking election to position two on the Holton USD 336 Board of Education in the April election.

Marshall is running unopposed. Denise Sweet currently holds the position on the board and is not seeking re-election.

“I’d like to be considered for the board because I know that I can provide positive input and direction for educating our students,” Marshall said. “I would like Holton USD #336 to provide our students with the best possible programs and educational opportunities that we can afford, and I want the community to be proud of what they are providing for their students.  Education is one place where, regardless of family background, social economic standing, race or gender, if you work hard, you have a chance to succeed.”

Marshall, 67, has lived in Jackson County for 36 years and graduated from Fort Scott High School. He received both his bachelor of science and his master of science degrees in Education from Pittsburg State University.

He worked for the Fort Scott Tribune from 1960 to 1975 in a variety of capacities, including paper delivery boy, pressman and camera operator. He took his first teaching job in 1977 at El Dorado. He worked there for two years, teaching fourth and sixth grades.

From 1979 to 2009, Marshall served as a fifth-grade teacher in Holton. He also taught micro computer applications at Highland Community College from 1986 to 2009.

This is his first time running for a school board position.

“An effective school board member understands the community and encourages the community’s trust in its school system,” he said. “I think Holton has had some great teachers, administrators, superintendents and board of education members over the years. I would hope to use some of their models to improve what is already happening in our district. When I retired, six former students were teaching in Holton. Other former students are successful in a number of different areas. I have had some great conservations with some of them about their experiences first as a student in our district and then what it is like to enter their teaching careers in Holton. I would hope to be able to use some of their ideas when looking toward the future.”

As a former Holton teacher, Marshall said he would bring a different perspective to the school board.

“I have worked with elementary students, community college students and senior citizens over the years. I have had various opportunities to engage with parents and community members to better understand their aspirations and expectations,” he said. “Between about 1995 and 2010, Holton USD #336 connected much of Jackson County to the Internet, and I had the opportunity to visit with a large number of people in the community. We could share stories about what school was like when we attended and how technology would change schools for the next generation’s learning. I try to stay informed of the issues affecting our education system and will work diligently to advocate for you, our students, our schools and our community.”

In light of recent budget cuts by the state, Marshall said that board members now have to examine all school expenses closer.

“I think it is the board of education’s obligation to look at every expense and see which would be a priority and what might not be,” he said. “Budget cuts are never fun, but I think everybody needs to concentrate on student learning and what is the best way to achieve that goal. The present board is looking at a number of options, and I know the new board will continue this process.”

Marshall is currently the treasurer of the Beck-Bookman Library board of directors. He and his wife Lenora have served as volunteers for 4-H and Girl Scouts. For the past 35 years, they’ve both helped with the United Methodist Youth Fellowship program and other youth ministries throughout the area. Marshall was a member of the Holton Optimist Club, which has now disbanded.

He and Lenora have two adult children.