Retirement Includes School Board Bid for Hanabury
By: Robert Lowrey
Updated: March 29, 2012
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Twelve years of retirement isn't enough to keep a St.
Joseph man away from doing what he loves - helping children.
"I felt if I was going to give back to the community and do some volunteer work, why not do it in an area you know something about," said Walt Hanabury, candidate for the St. Joseph School Board of Education.
After 32 years of teaching and working as a principal, Hanabury retired in 2000.
He says his last stint as principal of Pickett Elementary gave him plenty of experience.
"I think you have to listen. You have to get as much good information. Get all sides of an issue before you make a decision. I try not to make a snap decision," he said.
That's a common theme among candidates vying for the three spots on the school board.
With PACT's $42 million bond issue on the table, candidates have also raised concerns about communication. Hanabury says he supports the bond issue.
He spent most of his career in St. Joseph schools without air conditioning.
But when it comes to informing the public, Hanabury says there's always room for improvement.
"I always get the feeling somewhere there's not the best flow of communication or some misunderstandings that can be a little clearer to the patrons of the community about what the district is doing," he said.
The thought of returning to education was a no-brainer for Hanabury.
"The St. Joe district has been good to us. I think that sums up one of the reasons for wanting to take this job is to give back," said Hanabury.
It's been more than a decade since Hanabury was a principal. But, returning to help kids get the best education and schools would be worth coming out of retirement.
The other candidates running for the St. Joseph School Board include: Martin t. Rucker, Lori Prussman, Dennis Snethen, Hamilton Henderson and Christine Killen Danford.
Kenneth Reeder is making a push as a write-in candidate.
The election is Tuesday, April 3.
"I felt if I was going to give back to the community and do some volunteer work, why not do it in an area you know something about," said Walt Hanabury, candidate for the St. Joseph School Board of Education.
After 32 years of teaching and working as a principal, Hanabury retired in 2000.
He says his last stint as principal of Pickett Elementary gave him plenty of experience.
"I think you have to listen. You have to get as much good information. Get all sides of an issue before you make a decision. I try not to make a snap decision," he said.
That's a common theme among candidates vying for the three spots on the school board.
With PACT's $42 million bond issue on the table, candidates have also raised concerns about communication. Hanabury says he supports the bond issue.
He spent most of his career in St. Joseph schools without air conditioning.
But when it comes to informing the public, Hanabury says there's always room for improvement.
"I always get the feeling somewhere there's not the best flow of communication or some misunderstandings that can be a little clearer to the patrons of the community about what the district is doing," he said.
The thought of returning to education was a no-brainer for Hanabury.
"The St. Joe district has been good to us. I think that sums up one of the reasons for wanting to take this job is to give back," said Hanabury.
It's been more than a decade since Hanabury was a principal. But, returning to help kids get the best education and schools would be worth coming out of retirement.
The other candidates running for the St. Joseph School Board include: Martin t. Rucker, Lori Prussman, Dennis Snethen, Hamilton Henderson and Christine Killen Danford.
Kenneth Reeder is making a push as a write-in candidate.
The election is Tuesday, April 3.
