John W. Combs, of rural Bloomfield, explained his reason for running.

"I feel the community has become disengaged with the school system and I would like to try and get parents and the community more involved in our children's education," he explained.

Although Combs has no school board experience, he operates his own business and feels comfortable working budgets.

He explained, "I operate my own business and have a first-hand understanding of budgets and operating expenses and feel my business experience will be an asset to the school board."

If elected he would like to see the school board more involved in the public arena.

He and his wife, Gwen Combs, have four children.

The biggest task for the current school board is House Bill 1001, he said, noting the possible consolidation of resources.

He has been the co-owner of C & C Welding in Bloomfield the past 10 years.

Paul J. Hash is also vying for one of the two spots on the board.

He explained, "I believe that I can make a difference in the school system."

Hash has no school board experience, but has children who attend the Bloomfield School District and wants what is best for the kids in the community.

"I do not have experience as a board member, but I do believe that I can learn from other board members," Hash explained. "I care because I do have kids in this school system and I want the best for them and their friends, because they are the future."

If elected, he would like to start a booster club -- which would help fund the athletic department. He would also work on getting adult supervision outside of the high school in the mornings.

"I will do my best to make the right decisions for our kids. I have the same worries and concerns as the rest of the parents," he added.

The biggest task for the school board is being able to budget the school financially and finding the resources for future improvements that will be needed, Hash said.

He is married to Kerri Hash and together they have three children.

Hash is employed with Eastern Heights Utilities.

Dwayne Hostetter is also seeking election to the Bloomfield Board of School Trustees.

If elected, he looks forward to the opportunity to serve the board for the first time.

Education is the most important thing the board should be concern with, he noted.

"Education is job one of the school system and the school board must work to make sure that each student is offered the best possible educational opportunities available," Hostetter explained. "Our graduates must be prepared to make the transition to life after high school whether that is continuing education or a place in the work force. A solid educational program must emphasis science, math, and writing skills."

He has 30 years of experience within the business and banking community.

Hostetter is currently a member of the advisory council at Bloomfield High School guidance department.

"Information discussed at these meetings further encouraged me to be a candidate for the school board," he said.

ISTEP scores and the percentage of male graduates seeking continued education after high school are both areas that need continued improvement, he added.

But another challenge for the school board is the budget.

"The recent changes in Indiana's real estate tax system may make the annual budget versus revenue an even bigger challenge for the school board," Hostetter explained. "The board must work within the constraints of the budget to provide the best possible education to each and every student."

He is married to Jeanette Hostetter and together they have three daughters.

An employee of the Bloomfield State Bank for 30 years, he is currently the bank's senior vice president of credit administration.

He is also a member of the Bloomfield Lions Club and attends the Faith Christian Church in Bloomfield.

Steven E. Jones has also thrown his name into the hat.

Although he has never served on a school board, he did spend 24 years teaching at the Bloomfield School District.

"The only reason I have for running is the thought that maybe I could add a different perspective," Jones explained. "Having taught for 28 years may give me a different view. Not better, just different."

But he's not running to make a lot of changes, he noted.

"I think overall things are in pretty good shape," Jones said. "I see the biggest task is going to be finances. Getting money from a non-school friendly governor is going to be difficult."

He is married to Carol Jones and together they have three adult children who all graduated from BHS.

Jones is currently employed as a painter.

Robert S. "Bob" Kirk is seeking re-election to the school board. He is currently serving his first term on the board.

He explained, "My school board experience has been great. I have had surprises, disappointments and learning experiences."

He is seeking re-election in order to bring common sense values to the board and provide excellent stewardship for the taxpayers' money. He also wants quality education for all students.

His current concerns are ISTEP and SAT scores, funding, unfunded state mandates, Public Law 221 and possible mandated school reorganization.

He has served the public as a police officer. He has also been employed as a district commander and the project manager of a multi-million dollar project.

"I have held responsible positions that required making difficult and tough decisions," Kirk said. "I feel like that I can make these tough and difficult decisions, keeping in mind, what is right and best for all parties.

If elected, he vows to attend all meetings unless there's a just cause for missing one.

"I will be an active member, asking questions and raising issues. I will not be just a passive member," Kirk said. "Before voting, I will remove my personal bias and exercise my vote on the premise, what is right and best for everyone."

He is married to Nancy Kirk and together the have three adult children who are BHS grads.

Eric S. Moody is serving his first term on the board and is also seeking re-election.

He is the current president of the board as well as the former vice president. He has also served on various committees such as employee screening, bus route bids and finance.

"I would like to continue serving on the board because I want to do everything within my power to ensure the children in Bloomfield receive the best possible education, he explained. "I am proud to be a Bloomfield graduate, and I want to ensure a quality education for my children."

The biggest task that the board now faces is settling the teacher contract, he said.

Moody explained, "Our teachers are our most important resource, and we must ensure that we properly maintain our teaching staff. We must do this within fiscal constraints, which continue to get tougher with each change made by the State Legislature."

He is married to Jennifer Moody and together they have four daughters -- three of which are enrolled at the Bloomfield School District.

Moody is employed at NSWC Crane where he is the project manager in the Electro-Optic Technology Division.

He is a member of the First Baptist Church in Bloomfield, vice president of the Bloomfield Fast Pitch Softball Board a member of the Northside Diamonds Park Board.

Willard R. Norris is also vying for one of the two at-large seats.

He has no experience on the board but if elected he vows to do the right thing.

Norris explained, "I feel that you should vote for me because I will do my best to do what is right for the school and for the students attending the school."

One of the biggest tasks for the current school board is helping the students who are falling behind, he said.

"I also think that there should be more after school programs and activities offered to the students," Norris explained.

Another need is providing the students with better equipment, he said.

He is married to Angie Norris and together they have three daughters who all attend the Bloomfield School District.

Norris is a BHS grad who has lived in Bloomfield for 34 years.

James C. "Curt" Vandeventer is also seeking a place on the school board.

Vandeventer has no experience on the school board but has had experience on the Farmers and Mechanics Loan Board and the First Presbyterian Church Board.

"While not directly comparable, I do have some experience knowing responsibilities, duties, and limitations of serving on a board," he explained.

The basic challenge for the school board is similar to that of most communities, he added.

"The fundamental duty of the school board is to provide the best education possible for the children of the school district given the limited financial resources available," Vandeventer explained. "This duty includes an inherent responsibility to the taxpayers of the community."

Adapting to state funding fluctuations while maintaining and hopefully improving staff conditions, equipment, and physical facilities is a huge task, he said.

Vandeventer currently operates his dental practice in Bloomfield. He is also the father of two sons who are enrolled at the Bloomfield School District.