Voters will decide Tuesday who fills four positions on the Mandan School Board.

There are seven candidates for the openings. There are two three-year terms available, a one-year term and a rural representative term.

The candidates are Tim Tausend, Dustin Gawrylow, Jill Goetz and Susan Beehler for the two three-year terms; Karen Johner and Karmen Siirtola for the one-year term; and Beth Allen for the rural representative.

Among the issues the school board will need to address in the coming years is space needs. The district needs new space for its carpentry program at the high school and the move to all-day kindergarten two years ago strained capacity at the elementary schools.

Growth in the city and the Bismarck School District closing its schools to students who live outside the district could continue to increase enrollment at the elementary schools, where the district saw its largest increases in enrollment this school year.

At the moment, the school board is trying to decide whether to move forward with plans to move into the Mandan Community Center. The estimated cost of the project came in higher than anticipated. The project could hinge on a plan to fund it.

The candidates for the Mandan School Board were asked four questions by e-mail. They were asked why they were running, what is the district's biggest concern, whether the district should build a new elementary school and whether the board should raise the building fund mill levy to its maximum 18 mills.

The following are their responses, in the order the candidates appear on the ballot.

Candidates for the three-year term:

n Tim Tausend, 48, works as a human resource officer at the Youth Correctional Center. He and his wife Carla have three children, Brianna, Skylar and Dmitri. Tausend graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and a certified professional in human resources. He was elected to the Mandan School Board in 2006.

Reason for running for school board: "I was born and raised in Mandan. I am a product of the Mandan Public Schools and feel an obligation to give back to the community. I've been on the board for three years and feel I've got even more to give the district. The education system is quite complicated and the learning curve is steep, but that makes the learning even more interesting. The board implemented a strategic plan in the past year and I'd like to see some of the goals carried to fruition. One of the most rewarding parts of being on the board is participating in the graduation ceremonies. The graduates are representatives of Mandan, wherever they may live, and I feel proud to have been a small, yet big part of their education."

What do you think is the district's biggest concern? How should it be resolved? "The district's biggest concerns should be maintaining Annual Yearly Progress. In 2010-11, the cut scores will be raised. It is not atypical for school districts to fail making cut scores in the first year of such changes. Failure to make AYP results in sanctions from the federal government. These sanctions impact the general operations of a school district and have monetary consequences. The district needs to monitor areas it's been deficient in the past and provide a support structure for those weaker areas to ensure success. The district also needs to focus on providing a well-rounded education. AYP focuses on math and reading scores and less on the arts, technology and vocational areas. The district needs to prepare all of our students for the workforce, vocational school or college, whichever is the best fit for each student."

Should the district build a new elementary school? "The decision to build a school takes a long time. The middle school took over four years from the time of a vote to the time the project was completed. The district would need to evaluate growth trends in the city. Both southeast Mandan and northwest Mandan appear to be growing rapidly. The district would also need to look at birth rates to determine if there was going to be enough children to support a new school. As I mentioned earlier, it could take four years to build a school. That means we would need to look at kids that are currently in kindergarten and first grade as part of the decision regarding numbers to support a new school. Our district will begin to start feeling the impact of Bismarck's decision to stop open enrollment in their district. Currently, we don't have enough information to make a decision regarding building a new elementary."

Should the board raise the building fund mill levy to its maximum 18 mills? "The school board does not need to raise the building fund mill levy. The building fund is designed to make payments for school construction loans, sinking and interest payments, and capital projects. The sixth-grade wing was paid through the building fund. It will be paid off in 15 years. This payment reduced the amount which was available for capital projects within the district. The first two years of the 15 years would be tight, but possible to complete. The district will be receiving federal stimulus money over the next two years which may be used to supplement existing capital projects. This will be more than enough to cover the difference of those first two years. The district will be able to complete quite a number of projects as a result of the stimulus dollars."

n Dustin Gawrylow, 26, is a political consultant and executive director for the North Dakota Taxpayers' Association. He is single and has no children. He graduated from Dickinson State University in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in university studies and he graduated from Bismarck State College in 2003 with an associate degree in liberal arts. He is a member of Citizens for Responsible Government. He has not held an elected public office.

Reason for running for school board: "To fill the need for a critical eye and a credible voice on fiscal issues."

What do you think is the district's biggest concern? How should it be resolved? "By far, the greatest concern for the school district is retaining working families who can afford to own homes and add to the tax base. Mandan's property taxes are 25 percent higher than Bismarck's. It does not take much to show that the growth of the Bismarck School District and the loss of 700 students from the Mandan school system since 1994 is directly linked to the property tax disparity.

"Without a growing tax base, Mandan cannot work on improving student performance and increasing teacher pay.

"The school district must develop a plan to protect it from future tax increases due to reductions in state funding - reductions that will happen because the current level of state spending in general is not sustainable.

"The school board must work with the city, county and park district to develop long range cost-cutting plans that will allow for the property tax reform needed to retain and attract the tax base."

Should the district build a new elementary school? "It is imperative that long-term enrollment declines be taken into account. I will look at the population distribution numbers and consult with both civil engineers and education experts before supporting plans to build more schools for less students. With a declining enrollment (700 fewer students than 15 years ago) it will be a hard sale to make to the taxpayers and voters.

"I understand that the Marina Bay/Lakewood area is being looked at as a possible area to build a new school. Perhaps a better plan would be to develop (with the city and county) a shorter route to Fort Lincoln Elementary from that area."

Should the board raise the building fund mill levy to its maximum 18 mills? "If the funds are truly needed for immediate needs, perhaps. There is no reason to impose a higher property tax levy on an already declining tax base unless the money is needed right now.

"The district must reduce the cost of operations to the taxpayers. This will attract more homeowners to the city. Those new homeowners can then share in the cost of development, thus reducing the cost of development, construction and operations to all Mandan residents.

"The more an activity is taxed, the less of that activity will occur. High property taxes result in fewer homeowners than possible and lead to even higher property taxes."

n Jill Goetz, 38, is the marketing and public relations director at the Bismarck Cancer Center. She has two children, Courtney and Connor. She has a travel business management degree. She is a member of the Mandan Kiwanis, North Dakota Cancer Coalition and the Medcenter One Institutional Review Board. She was appointed to the board in 2008 when Denis Montplaisir resigned.

Reason for running for school board: "I have a strong belief in giving back to the community. I have two children currently enrolled in our district and want to ensure quality education for all students. I see Mandan progressing in so many ways, one way to attract people and business to our community is a strong educational system. I am also a graduate of the Mandan Public School system, therefore I was fortunate enough to benefit from the quality education it offered. I would like to continue the tradition of high quality education in Mandan."

What do you think is the district's biggest concern? How should it be resolved? "One of the concerns we are facing right now is facility issues. Our district is growing, and we need to be prepared to make sure all of our students have access to adequate space and resources to meet their learning needs. Student achievement should be our priority focus when making any decision. The children of this community are the ones who will be responsible for its continued vitality."

Should the district build a new elementary school? "As I stated above, I feel the district needs to remain proactive in planning for the future. The time is approaching to determine the need of a new elementary school; to do this would require us to learn more about the patterns of growth in our city, watch the housing market to predict if our current outward growth will continue, and now that Bismarck has tightened their open enrollment policy, we must be prepared to educate more students whose parents were formerly planning on transporting them to a Bismarck school."

Should the board raise the building fund mill levy to its maximum 18 mills? "The board has stayed in budget without raising taxes. Now with the stimulus funds becoming available, there is no need at this time to raise our building fund mills."

n Susan Beehler, 50, is a test administrator and business owner. She and her husband Jeffrey have five children. She has an associate degree from Bismarck State College, a certificate in fashion merchandising from Capital Commercial College and has attended the University of Mary. She is a member of the National Federation of Independent Business Owners, Girl Scouts of America, Preservation North Dakota, Revitalize and Preserve Mandan, Friends of the Bismarck Library and Morton Mandan Library, North Dakota Railroad Museum, Mandan Art Association, Bismarck Mandan Art Gallery Association, The Forum of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, President's Club Avon Products, former secretary of the Mandan Historical Society, past liaison for Professional Photographers of America, advocate for Arthritis Foundation, former crisis call advocate of the Abused Adult Resource Center and past union member of Rural Postal Carriers. She has not held an elected public office. She was appointed to the Region VII West Central Human Service Council.

Reason for running for school board: "I am passionate about learning, and the taxpayer having a voice in their children's education. The school board receives the largest share of our property tax dollars; property taxes continue to increase, yet our enrollment is down. Lowering taxes by controlling spending is economic development. Mandan's total new construction for 2009 was $29.5 million, with only $6.4 million of this being commercial property, yet for 2009, the city has exempted over $24 million in commercial property through business incentives; under the Century Code the school board is supposed to be represented in these negotiations. The assessor's office has admitted the school board had not been involved in the negotiations for quite some time. If these businesses are exempt indirectly homeowners are picking up the tax tab. Currently, homeowners pay 80 percent of the property taxes. Is this inequity best for our schools and our property owners?"

What do you think is the district's biggest concern? How should it be resolved? "I believe the taxpayer is the district; their biggest concern is high property taxes. The board is responsible to address the concern of high property taxes while providing the best education our money can buy. My life experience has shown, many boards of any type have no trouble spending and a lot more trouble tightening their belts. Some of the stimulus funds have been earmarked for an expensive 'chalkboard': Promethean boards (go to www.prometheanworld.com). Would the approximate $2,000 per classroom be better spent by teaching children how to use technology rather than hoping the board is a great learning tool? Learning should not be based just on tools but balanced with content. Creativity and innovation come from the thinkers and knowledge not just having bells and whistles."

Should the district build a new elementary school? "Adding full-day kindergarten has stretched our space at Roosevelt and Lewis and Clark; I would rather see additional space added to the buildings we have in place not another school since our enrollment is declining. Mandan High School's 2009 graduating class is the smallest since 1964."

Should the board raise the building fund mill levy to its maximum 18 mills? "No, the taxpayers have spoken loud and clear, they want their property taxes lowered. The state allows up to 20 mills and Mandan years ago voted to only allow 18 mills, according to the finance director we are at about 16.5 mills. I believe our priority should be on teacher pay and the tools to educate our students creatively. Buildings do not teach a child to read, teachers do."

Candidates for one-year term:

n Karen Johner, 57, is president of North Dakota Guaranty and Title Co. She and her husband William V. Johner have four children, Lance Geving, Will Johner, Denese McLeish and Penny Johner Loo. She attended Minot State University. She is a member of American Land Title Association, North Dakota Land Title Association, Bismarck Mandan Chamber of Commerce, co-chairman of the Mandan Strategic Vision Plan, Mandan Progress Organization and First Lutheran Church. She has not held an elected public office.

Reason for running for school board: "I am a huge proponent of the Mandan community and as co-chair of the Mandan Strategic Vision Planning Committee I know how important the schools are to our community. I believe that my leadership qualities, my experience in the real estate industry and my passion for helping the city of Mandan grow will make me a good school board member."

What do you think is the district's biggest concern? How should it be resolved? "A big concern facing the Mandan School District that is currently on the minds of many people in Mandan is the facility needs of our school district. Decisions will need to be made in the near future regarding the administration building, the former junior high building, the community center as well as space issues at our elementary schools, but one thing that should not be forgotten, and is probably of greater importance, is the fact that we need to make sure our school system is adequately preparing our students for success in life. Student achievement, health and wellness are the highest priorities and should always be the primary factor in any decision made.

"For the facility issues, all possible options need to be thoroughly explored and public input must be a key component in the process. I believe my experience with building projects and expertise in my profession will be an important asset to this process. Regarding student achievement, we must ensure that our educators, our curriculum and our resources are all being well-supported as we strive for professional growth and continual improvement. As a longtime business executive and co-chair of the Mandan Strategic Vision Planning Steering Committee, I know how important it is that we develop a highly qualified workforce in our community. I will be able to bring many ideas to the district regarding business needs and potential school to work partnerships in the community."

Should the district build a new elementary school? "My background and the skills that I would bring to the board will be valuable in this discussion. The school district will need to determine what the projected growth pattern of the city of Mandan is and, if it is decided that a new elementary school is needed, then where would it best be built. Space is certainly an issue at our elementary schools, but we will need to look at specific needs and opportunities at every building to make the best decision that will serve Mandan well into the future."

Should the board raise the building fund mill levy to its maximum 18 mills? "Within the last 18 months the school board has twice voted to maintain their current building fund mill levy and not raise it to the maximum 18 mills. They were able to meet the district's needs without raising the levy, so considering that all school districts in North Dakota will be receiving a significant amount of stimulus and stabilization money for building renovation, remodeling and construction I do not believe it will be necessary to raise the building fund mill levy."

n Karmen Siirtola, 55, is self-employed. She and her husband Jim have six children. She earned a bachelor's degree in business management in 2002 from the University of Mary. She is involved with the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony League, Buckstop Junction and a past member of Rotary Club. She has not held an elected public office.

Reason for running for school board: "A quality education is a gift we as parents and taxpayers provide to our children. Working to assure we give them the best gift possible, with the best system in place, responsibly spending tax dollars to do so, motivates me to want to become more involved."

What do you think is the district's biggest concern? How should it be resolved? "How to best provide an outstanding education for all our children with the resources available. By having a school board that focuses on student, faculty and parent input while always being mindful of the ultimate goal; that is, providing outstanding educational opportunities for our kids while being mindful that the board is the trusted servant of the taxpayers' commitment to that cause."

Should the district build a new elementary school? "I believe any expenditures of taxpayer money need to be thoroughly researched to fully determine the needs of the community. The citizens of our school district are entrusting their school board to exercise sound principles and judgment for any spending that occurs, always being mindful that in the end, the goal is quality education. As a board, we need to ask the question, 'Is this needed to provide these children the best education we can give them?'"

Should the board raise the building fund mill levy to its maximum 18 mills? "I am not an expert on all the financial needs of the district at this point. But any mill increase, especially given the intent of the last legislative session to decrease taxes via mills assessed, needs to be thoroughly researched, presented and discussed before I would be comfortable with any increase."

Rural representative candidate:

n Beth Allen, 38, is an administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator. She and her husband Brad have four children. She is a member of the Mandan Public Schools Wellness Committee, the Welcome House Advisory Committee and the Lewis and Clark Elementary School parent teacher organization. She has not held an elected public office.

Reason for running for school board: "I have four children in the Mandan Public School system. I am passionate about the well-being and education of all children. I would like the opportunity to be involved in the decision making process which affects our children, the staff and the administration in Mandan. I seek the opportunity to assist in making the school system run more efficiently and effectively, enhancing the school district we already have; not create a new one."

What do you think is the district's biggest concern? How should it be resolved? "Public involvement and communication, people need to understand what is happening and why. The Mandan Public School Board needs to communicate the information in as many ways as possible and get people involved."

Should the district build a new elementary school? "I don't have enough information at this time to answer this question. If elected, questions I would ask to obtain information would be: Why do we feel we need a new elementary school? Would the new school be replacing an old one? If so, is there something wrong with the old school that could be repaired? Do our enrollment numbers suggest we need another school? With the recent improvements on the current schools in our community, would a new school put a strain on the budget?"

Should the board raise the building fund mill levy to its maximum 18 mills? "After doing some research on where our current mill levy is set, no, I do not feel there is a need to increase the mill levy to 18 mills."