Talich seeking school board seat

SIDNEY -- Amber Talich is a mom, a wife and a professional in Sidney.

As of February 29 she is also a candidate for the Sidney School District board of education.

Talich said she was encouraged to run by recent news, and by people who know her.

"I received the letter that the school sent out, and I was also approached by a couple of friends that in talking about the school board, and just all the policies that were coming down in the future that they recommended that I run for the position," Talich said.

She said she and her family have lived in Sidney for more than 15 years with deep family roots in the community. She said with her children in the school system, she wants to be part of the decision process.

"With kids in the school system, I just want to be a part of making some of those tough choices about future policies, and perhaps work with the current board if I get elected on helping handle some of the tough choices that are coming," she said.

She said the budget is one of, if not the biggest, issues the District is facing. Not having the funds to offer the programs the District would like to is stressing. The District recently announced cutting the Cool Kids program and may not be able to offer in-town busing. 

"You do all that, it's going to impact the entire community. It's going to impact my children. It's going to impact my friends' children. So, there's going to be a lot more influence going on. I feel like, too, combining some of those schools and grade levels and that, really, as a mom, was concerning," she said.

She said she wants to be part of making some positive revisions. She said even though the District is facing challenges, it does offer a great educational experience.

"Our staff is amazing. I can personally say the teachers for my two children ... always responsive, always willing to talk. I've been able to go into the classroom if I wanted to, always felt welcome to visit. I can send a message any time with any of my concerns," she said. 

With Talich in the race, there are two incumbents -- Kevin Challburg and Brad Kennedy -- and two non-incumbents: Talich and Caleb Jones.