School Board Candidates Both Stress Curriculum Music Teacher Challenges Incumbent Chairman

Richard Wheeler, a music teacher at Classical Christian Academy, wants to bring harmony to the Post Falls School District if he wins Tuesday’s election against Zone 2 incumbent Kevin Schneidmiller.

Wheeler acknowledges that the bond election in March created sharp divisions in the district. He said it would be his job to help unite the community.

“I’d like to reach out to all the people, not just one party,” he said. “The more the school board is liked and generally respected, the more support you have.”

Wheeler, 30, moved to North Idaho from Connecticut four years ago after teaching music at a public high school.

Schneidmiller, 40, has served on the school board since 1990. He said he is proudest of restoring the trustees’ credibility in the community and helping improve the district’s curriculum.

“I still have very much a genuine interest in serving the Post Falls community,” said Schneidmiller, who has served as board chairman this year. “Experience is a benefit. It takes a few years to understand how it works.”

The board is gathering information on a proposal to teach creationism in the district, a process Schneidmiller said is working well.

Wheeler said he has not made up his mind about whether the district should teach creationism or evolution, and wants more community response before deciding.

“I have to reach out to the public and hear what they want me to do,” he said.

Wheeler said he advocates a back-to-basics approach - way back.

More emphasis should be placed on the teaching of logic, ancient philosophies and phonics, he said.

“What concerns me is that we have graduates from high school who are completely unprepared for life,” Wheeler said. “I really am a supporter of phonics because it gets results.”

Schneidmiller said if he’s reelected, he’ll help the district focus on school safety. Post Falls is not immune to the violence that has happened recently at schools around the country, he said.

Schneidmiller also said he will continue work on improving the district’s curriculum.

“We need to continue to improve the math and science curriculum and make sure all curriculum prepares young people for the future,” he said.

If re-elected, he said, he hopes to get better at understanding other people’s situations when they bring concerns to him.

“I believe I’m a good listener,” he said. “I like to visit with people and deal with issues. I’m good at bringing people together.

“I’m not a politician. I truly do this because I’m interested in the young people.”

Wheeler, who is not married, said he moved to the area because of its strong family values.

The board can reinforce those values, he said, by holding more community meetings and working to gain public support.

“Post Falls needs a fresh start,” he said. “Kevin’s been there 2-1/2 terms. Let’s bring a fresh perspective.”

1. ‘I bring real world experience’ 2. ‘Students always the top priority’