CLAFLIN — The patrons of school district USD 112 will go the polls from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 1 to choose the three candidates for school board Position 7 at-large to move on to the April 5 ballot.

Because there were four people who filed for Position 7, a primary election has to be held. One candidate will be eliminated.

Voters from the City of Claflin, and the Cleveland, Independent, Logan and portions of Beaver and Cheyenne Townships who are members of USD 112 will vote at the Claflin Immaculate Conception Parish Hall, 110 E. Williamson.

Position 7 is an at-large position. Therefore, all five counties in the district will vote. All of the counties will vote in-county with the exception of Lincoln County.

Janet Andrews, Ellsworth County clerk, estimated that the cost of the election is approximately $4,000 to $6,000 which the school district will bear because this is a school only election.

Each candidate was asked two questions: 1. What goals do you have for USD 112? and 2. What skills do you bring to USD 112? Below are their answers.

1. "I want to make sure we hold the budget in check," said Brokes. In addition, "We need to support staff in what they need to do."

She would also like the combined district to thrive on both ends and with the consolidated school, that all of the families can work together. She wants to see that Wilson thrives in the future.

2."I have a unique set of skills," she said. She worked as the Ellsworth County Extension Agent, where she met a large number of students and staff in the southern end of the school district, and was also introduced to local governments. She graduated from Claflin High School and has a broad knowledge of the district.

1. "We have outstanding schools with 100 percent graduation," said Vance. "It is important to keep USD 112 on the same track. The personality we generate in the schools will continue for 10 years," he said.

2. "I have ten years on the school board," said Vance. He wants what is best for all of the kids.

1. His goal is "going through the consolidation to get the kids to function as one, and make them feel like one school," he said. He also has kids in the district.

2. "I run a business and have good business sense," said Lumpkins.

1. Liebl wants to keep the kids educated and keep the schools open. He also wants to watch the finances.

2. "I have been on the school board years ago," Liebl said. He has lived in the area all of his life and knows a lot of people. He also wanted to extend his best wishes to the other candidates and believes that they would be excellent as well.