2023 School Board Candidates
Learn about the candidates running for USD #348 School Board.
Election Day is November 7, 2023
Please join us for our Candidate Forum to be held
Saturday, October 14, 2023
4-6P, Performing Arts Center
Ken Snyder
Family: Wife-Corey, twin boys who are 9-years old
Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, M.S. Engineering Management, Graduate Certificate in Lean Six-Sigma
Career: I have worked for about 15 years in the automotive and truck industries in product development and product support. I was also a stay-at-home dad for 5 years.
Community Service: I volunteered for 5 years as a reserve deputy sheriff in Larimer County, Colorado. I served on the board of Emmaus Road Church. I have also been a children's Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School teacher.
What is your motivation for running for office? When my family moved from Colorado in 2017, we were searching for a place to raise our children. We chose Baldwin because we loved the small-town atmosphere. Our kids love going to school here, and I want to make sure that USD 348 is a great place deeply rooted in academic excellence. Great things do not happen by accident. I feel that I have the skills and vision to lead the district in a positive direction where students excel, teachers find their work meaningful, and taxpayers know their money is being used wisely.
What is one major issue Baldwin City USD #348 is facing currently and how would you address it? The biggest issue for USD 348 is the ever-increasing property tax that is outpacing inflation. Since the 2021-2022 school year, enrollment has increased 5%, but the budget has increased 27%. Seniors and families are getting priced out of their homes, and this trajectory is not sustainable for taxpayers. I firmly believe that we can give the kids in this community (and my own children) a quality education without such a heavy burden on taxpayers.
What is your vision for Baldwin City USD #348 5-10 years in the future? I want USD 348 to be known as the small-town district with amazing educational outcomes. Parents will know that their children will get a good education in USD 348. The district will be the preferred employer for teachers who are passionate about teaching the next generation. Students will be engaged, challenged to push themselves academically, and feel a sense of accomplishment knowing they have achieved more than they imagined. Taxpayers will have more money in their pockets and have a renewed trust in the school board as stewards of their money.
What personal characteristics and/or abilities do you have that qualify you for election to the School Board? I have worked as an engineer for over 15 years where my job is to improve processes and products. I recently obtained a graduate certificate in Lean Six-Sigma which is a methodology for identifying and fixing problems as well as making systems operate more efficiently.
My time as an engineer, graduate student, husband, and father have given me an appreciation for education and training the younger generation. I take this responsibility very seriously, and I consider it one of the most important jobs in life.
Finally, my time in law enforcement has given me the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds in challenging circumstances and effectuate the best outcome given the circumstances. It has also helped me understand the dangers that are present in this world and the necessity for brave men and women to stand up for what is right.