NEWELL-There are five people seeking to fill three spots on the Newell School District School Board. A candidate forum is scheduled for April 2 beginning with a social time from 5:30 to 6 p.m. with the forum beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be held at the Newell City Hall.
Randy Oliver is presently on the School Board when he was selected to fill a vacancy. According to the By-laws, he must run to continue as a board member.
Oliver farms and ranches with his son Chad. His place is located six miles south of Newell and he has lived there all his life. Oliver and his wife, Connie, raised three children who have graduated from Newell. He now has five grandchildren in the Newell School. He has coached and refereed basketball at several levels during the past 32 years. Oliver has always been available to help where needed, including the 4-H program and FFA program.
“As you can see, I am deeply invested in the Newell Community,” he said.
Kristin Bonefield and her husband, Luke, have recently moved back to Luke’s hometown in Nisland. Presently, she is working for the Forest Service in acquisitions. In 2015, she separated from the Air Force after serving for 10.5 years. During her service she has lived in Germany, Arizona, and finally back to Ellsworth Air Force Base. She has a Master of Business Administration.
“When I see a need, I try to fill that need. That is why I am excited to use my experience and knowledge to do my part for this amazing community!” she said.
Tyrel Bonnet is presently filling the position of School Board Chairman. He is a local businessman and rancher with three “future Irrigators.” Tyrel is a Newell alumnus and has served as head Irrigator Football Coach, High School Science teacher, and five years as school board member. During the last 10 years he has had the privilege to serve on the Policy Committee as a Board Member and the Human Resource Committee as a teacher.
“Serving on these committees has enabled me to view matters from all angles and better allows me to serve the staff, students, and community that make up our district,” he said.
Karl Hoyal is relatively new to the Newell School District. However, he has three daughters attending Newell School. Hoyal works at A-1 Forklift and is an Air Force Veteran. He is the Head Newell Youth Wrestling coach.
“I believe it helps to have kids in the school and that I can step up to help make a positive difference in the District,” he said.
Amber Erk resides on a ranch north of Newell with her husband, Chad, and their six-year-old son, Matthew. She says that with Matthew as a first grader in Newell School and that is the reason she is running for school board.
“We should teach our children to think for themselves while respecting rules. Success comes from prioritizing what truly impacts and empowers our children. They must be prepared to contribute productively to society,” she said.
These five candidates will be attending the Candidate Forum, April 2 at Newell City Hall. The school election will be April 9, 7 am to 7 pm at the City Hall.
