Babel

selected

for Dist.

88 board

Leuthe, Hauser

were other

candidates

By RACHEL WEDDIG

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- In an unanimous vote Thursday night, the District 88 School Board selected Tim Babel to be its newest member.

There was a vacant position due to the death of Gene Forstner.

During interviews Thursday at the Washington Elementary Media Center, board members asked each candidate similar questions.

Questions ranged from ways to improve student achievement to how the candidate voted in the Nov. 2 referendum, which passed by a slim margin.

Babel, Duane Hauser and David Leuthe filed for vacant spot on the board.

Babel and Hauser said they would seek election next November if appointed.

Leuthe said he would not because family and church commitments would take precedence. Leuthe had previously served on the board and opted not to run for re-election.

When Babel was asked to identify his strengths and skills that would be an asset to the board, he cited his honesty and ties with the public. Babel works for Koeckeritz Realty and four of his seven children currently attend District 88 schools.

"I pretty much speak my mind, and I don't hold a grudge," Babel said. "I can disagree with people and still like them. I'm pretty good with people and feel I have good public relations skills. I have a vested interest in education and want to make sure we don't lose sight that this is a public education."

Babel and Leuthe voted 'yes' in the last referendum. Hauser said he voted 'no' because he didn't think there was enough information and cited economic reasons.

Babel said restoring class sizes to more reasonable levels and supplying classroom materials should be on a priority list with the new referendum funds.

"We have to make sure we are delivering the education the kids need," Babel said. "We have to look at the textbook situation. I have a child in seventh grade who can't bring home a science textbook because there's not enough to go around."

In closing statements, Leuthe said he applied to give the board more options. If there were another qualified candidate, he had no problem not being selected.

"I mainly put my name in to give you a choice," Leuthe said. "With my job I am on the road a lot. I can do the job well, but I do have other commitments."

After interviews were completed, the board members discussed their pending decision. There was a consensus that all three candidates were qualified , but they felt Babel had qualities that set him apart from the other two.

Board member Susan Nierengarten was the first to voice her support for Babel.

"I speak in favor of Tim Babel. He's a person who is well-known and respected in the community," Nierengarten said. "He's been very active on school committees and has a strong personal vested interest with the board. I think he would be a very strong board member and would bring a lot to the board."

Board member Brian Wieland appreciated Babel's willingness to run for election in 2002.

"I feel he would be a very good person to work with," Wieland said. "Looking at the future and commitment to the board, I think he would be an asset to the board."

Babel's reputation within the community proved a factor in the board's decision.

"For me it's a tough decision, but one of our goals is to reach out to the community," said Vice Chair Steve Wachter. "I think Tim would do a good job of communicating to the public."

Board member Mark Wiger felt there were several reasons to appoint Babel.

"I throw my support to Tim Babel. I feel he would bring a number of good characteristics to the board," Wiger said. "He has a broad base and is a well known and approachable person. I see him to be a consensus builder. I see him as a very positive and capable candidate to help us move forward."