[Editor’s Note: Terry Payne has authorized the Times & Free Press to announce his candidacy for election to the Kingfisher Board of Education, subject to the April 6 vote.]

My name is Terry Payne, and I am excited to be running for school board of Kingfisher Schools.

My family has lived in Kingfisher for 20 years.

This school system is very dear to me; I loved being principal and assistant superintendent for Kingfisher Public Schools. My three boys graduated from here.

Now both my grandkids are in school, and I want them to experience what I did, a loving environment with high academic standards.

Why run for school board? It’s really simple, I love kids. Those three words will drive my decisions.

Just like when I was a teacher and principal I will always vote for decisions that are best for kids academically and to protect them emotionally.

When they graduate I want them to be prepared for a vocational school or college if they choose to go that route. I also want to see them be emotionally and socially ready to be world changers.

This is an unprecedented time in education. Kids are farther behind than in any time period in recent history.

We need leaders with experience in the classroom, experience in raising students tests scores, and experience in administration.

Over the last year I’ve been very proud watching the teachers in this district navigate in class and out of class learning.

I think my strength and experiences are in listening to the teachers and parents. We must all work together to bring our students back to a high academic standard.

We also need to continue to develop a culture where students feel safe to grow in the classroom, in extracurricular activities, and on the field.

I firmly believe in values of integrity, character, and morals that are required from students, parents, teachers, coaches, and administrators. These are values that I’m passionate about.

The district will be losing a significant amount of seasoned staff to retirement. We need to have a plan in place that will attract the best and the brightest teachers to our district.

My vote will always be about what’s best for kids and to make sure and protect the teachers ability to do their jobs. Teachers are central to running a quality school system.

I ask for your vote on April 6.

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