This election year, LincolnHerald.com is offering candidates a unique chance to speak directly to you. We believe it's important for voters to hear firsthand from each candidate about their vision, experience and why they are the best choice for the role.

In this article below, you'll find answers to five key questions that reveals this candidate’s platform and priorities. We encourage you to read their responses to gain a deeper understanding of their plans and perspectives, helping you make an informed choice when you head to the polls.

1. What key issues are you prioritizing, and what steps are you taking to address them?
2. How does your background, values, education, and experience prepare you to represent the community effectively?
3. What makes you the best candidate for this position and how do you differentiate yourself from your opponents?
4. What long-term goals do you hope to achieve if elected to office?
5. What sets you apart from other candidates, and why should voters choose you to represent them?

The following is the candidate's response, written in his own words:

1.     What key issues are you prioritizing, and what steps are you taking to address them? 

Three key issues I want to address for our school system are:

Teacher recruitment and retention, Teacher retention and recruitment are critical issues that many school districts are grappling with nationwide, and Lincoln County Schools is no exception. Educators are often working under considerable strain due to high expectations, large class sizes, and sometimes limited resources. Supporting teacher well-being and professional development is critical to maintaining high-quality education.  I will advocate to ensure teacher pay is competitive with neighboring districts and reflects the rising cost of living. I will advocate for better compensation packages; a strong benefits package can help make teaching in Lincoln County more attractive and sustainable for educators.

Advocating at the state level for local education funding, I will pursue state level policies that prioritizes education funding and ensure that our decisions are always student-centered and aimed at the betterment of the entire school system.

Mental health support at our schools, while schools’ primary mission is academic education, schools often are the frontline of prevention for issues related to students' well-being. Many districts are grappling with increased mental health concerns among students. Pressures from academic performance, social issues, and outside factors like family instability or community challenges can impact student well-being. Offering access to mental health professionals, such as counselors, social workers, and psychologists can provide early intervention. 

2.       How does your background, values, education, and experience prepare you to represent the community effectively?

 My background is in supporting youth services, managing customer service initiatives, and volunteering with the school system and local government. These experiences have given me a practical understanding of the challenges faced by educators, students, and administrators, as well as insight into securing local funding for educational support.  

3.       What makes you the best candidate for this position, and how do you differentiate yourself from your opponents?

My passion for creating equitable opportunities for all students, driven by my life values and faith, sets me apart.  I advocate in our schools as a mentor and serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Board.  I am committed to working collaboratively with school board members, local officials, and the community to implement policies that support students and educators alike.

 4.       What long-term goals do you hope to achieve if elected to office? 

One of my primary long-term goals is to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, have access to high-quality education.  My focus will be on policies and programs that address disparities in resources, academic opportunities, and support systems. This includes advocating for better funding in under-resourced schools and expanding access to extracurricular and enrichment activities.  A second goal given the increasing pressures students face; is to enhance mental health services in schools. This would involve working with local and state officials to secure funding for counselors, social workers, and programs that support students’ emotional and psychological well-being.

5.       Why should voters choose you to represent them? 

Voters should choose me to represent them because of my deep commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all students, driven by my values, faith, and experience in the community.  I have a track record of working directly with youth services and supporting the school system through my community involvement. I have a firsthand understanding of the challenges schools face and I will advocate for meaningful solutions.  My approach is centered around collaboration and making sure that all voices—students, parents, educators, and community members—are heard. I’ll prioritize fairness and my nonbiased decision-making, focusing on what's best for the community rather than personal or political agendas.

Keith Poston, for Lincoln County Board of Education, District 4