Four candidates have filed for two three-year terms on the Salado I.S.D. Board of Trustees: Brad Bolick, Melanie Kirchmeier, Michael Matthews and Chris Seaton. As of presstime, Matthews announced that he is withdrawing from the race. While his name will appear on the ballot, he asks voters to only consider the other three candidates.

This week, Salado Village Voice gave each of the candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the voters. Those introductions appear below:

Brad Bolick

I am a graduate of Salado High School.  I hold a Doctor of Education from the University of Mary Hardin – Baylor, a Masters of Music in Music Education from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Bachelors of Music with all level teacher certification from the University of Mary Hardin – Baylor.  Dr. Bolick presented research of music programs in Texas small schools at various state conferences including the Texas Music Educator Association (TMEA) and the Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE).  I am a person of many interests including the owner of Anytime Fitness in Salado, adjunct professor of Fine Arts in the music area at Central Texas College, a consultant for Ball High School in Galveston ISD, and an active clinician for band programs around the state of Texas.  Prior to my current professional responsibilities, I was an educator in Texas private and public schools in the Austin and Central Texas areas for 13 years.

As a candidate for Trustee of Salado ISD, I believe all stakeholders in the school system are of equal importance in the education of Salado ISD students.  The Board of Trustees should educate the Salado ISD staff, parents, and other stakeholders in the goals, vision, and mission of Salado ISD. A “we” mentality in any organization has historically proven superior compared to the “I” mentality.  My goal is identify and resolve issues to benefit all stakeholders in Salado ISD.

Since returning to Salado, I have volunteered in various aspects within the community and school system.  I have coached for the Salado Youth Soccer Association under 8 division, volunteered as a Watch D.O.G. at Thomas Arnold Elementary, worked with the Sweepstakes and Award winning Salado High School Band as a saxophone instructor, and volunteering at other Salado ISD events including working field day.  As an active musician, I — along with other musical colleagues — raised money for various charities in the central Texas area including $45,000 for the Killeen Shelter for Women.

I have been married to my wife Sarah for 11 years. We have one daughter, Carmen (a second grader at Thomas Arnold Elementary).

Melanie Kirchmeier

As someone who was raised in Salado and a graduate of Salado ISD it is an honor to run for the Salado School Board.  After graduating from Southwestern University with a BBA, I decided to move back to Salado to raise my family.   Salado schools provided me with a good education and I wanted to give my children the same opportunities.  I have owned a business in Salado since 1995.  My business leadership includes past President of the local Realtor Association, Chair of the local MLS committee, and serving as a Texas Association of Realtor Director.

Not only have I spent time volunteering in my business trade, I have also spent countless hours raising funds for different projects in Salado.  I have been involved in the Salado Chamber of Commerce, Salado Education Foundation, Salado Lions Club, and other organizations.  From duck races, to silent auctions, to Christmas Stroll, to the Art Fair, to the Chamber of Commerce, they are each a worthy cause.   I was a founding board member of the Salado Education Foundation which gives annual scholarships to graduating Salado Seniors as well as teaching grants to the SISD staff.  I am currently serving as a director on the Salado Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board.

Since 2012 I have volunteered in the role as a Salado School Board member.  It has been a privilege to serve with 6 other board members and the Salado ISD Administration.  I have seen our schools receive accolades for the education our students are receiving.  I have also seen our schools face some difficult challenges.  I believe we must always prepare for the future and challenge each other to make advances in education for our students.

My love for Salado and passion for children are  the reasons I ask for your vote.

Chris Seaton

I am Chris Seaton, and I would appreciate your support for Trustee of Salado Independent School District.

My wife Terri and I, with our three children, moved to Salado in 1999 and after looking at all the communities in the area, chose Salado for both the quality and size of the schools as well as the attractiveness of the Village itself. That was one of the best decisions we ever made.

I had the privilege and honor to serve as a Trustee for nine consecutive years before deciding to take a break for business and family reasons. In this time off, I realized how I really never left.  I continued to attend board meetings and remained active in school business.  With this involvement I decided to run for the board again and feel energized and eager to give it another shot.  I firmly believe that SISD has everything going for it, and the awards and accolades speak for themselves. My primary goal would be to keep building on the current mountain of success.

On a personal note, my oldest daughter Megan graduated from Salado and Texas Tech, my younger daughter Hannah graduated from Salado and is attending Texas State and my son Parker is currently a sophomore at Salado High School.  In addition, Terri teaches high school English at Salado and we both graduated from Texas Tech. Safe to say we value a good education and can attest to the fact that Salado provides a great foundation for that.

Michael Matthews

Mike Matthews announced his withdrawal from the race for the school board this week. “Due to family, work, and time restraints I feel I would not have the time to serve properly on the Salado school board.