What is your full name, occupation, and how long have you lived in the district?
My full name is Kara Marie (Schnake) Winter and I am a high school science teacher at Wichita Southeast High School. My husband and I both graduated from Augusta High School, and we bought our house in the district in April 2023 so that our children could be close to their
grandparents and attend Augusta schools. 

What professional, educational, or community experiences do you have that will support your role as a board member (if you have spent time in our schools, please share)?
This is my eleventh year teaching secondary science in both middle and high school, and while I’ve never taught in the Augusta district, I bring a unique perspective from my experiences in Wichita as well as in Willard, Missouri—a district more similar in size to Augusta. I also have deep roots here, having attended Augusta schools from kindergarten through high school, where I was active in sports, band, and academic activities. As an adult, I’ve stayed closely involved in the community by serving on the Augusta Public Library Board, volunteering as a coach in youth softball and soccer, and joining the PTO at Ewalt, where my daughter is now a kindergartener. These experiences have given me a strong connection to Augusta and a real understanding of what it means to serve and support our students, families, and community.

Why are you running for the Board of Education, and what are your top priorities for the district?
I am running for the Board of Education because I believe deeply in the value of public education and the impact it has on all of our children. As a parent, I want my own kids—and their peers—to have safe schools, dedicated teachers, and the best opportunities to learn and grow. My priorities are to support and retain great teachers, ensure every student feels safe and included, and provide strong opportunities for academic and personal growth. I want every child in our district to have the same chance to succeed that I want for my own.

What do you see as the role of a school board member, and how will you work with others to make decisions?
The role of a school board member is first and foremost to listen—to teachers, staff, students, and families who experience our schools every day. It’s important to gather as much information as possible and then work together as a board to make informed decisions about curriculum, budgets, school buildings, and other priorities. Some decisions will be straightforward, while others will require thoughtful discussion and weighing different perspectives, but in all cases, we must approach the work with respect for one another’s opinions. By listening first and working collaboratively, I believe we can make the best decisions for our students, staff, and community.

What do you believe are the district’s greatest strengths, and what do you see as opportunities for growth?
USD 402 has many strengths, with community support being one of the biggest. Within the district, we have strong music programs, solid academic performance, and creative opportunities such as the Sunflower Virtual Academy and Open Ed programs. The Recreational Commission has also been a great asset in bringing back youth sports and building connections beyond the classroom. While these are all strengths, they are also areas we can continue to grow. In addition, I believe we need to place even more focus on supporting and retaining quality teachers, as well as strengthening partnerships with parents and families to ensure student success.

What values would guide your decision-making as a board member?
First and foremost, I value education for all students. That commitment is what led me to become a science teacher, what motivates me every day in the classroom, and what drives me to serve as a board member. In addition, my decisions will be guided by the values that shape my life: family, truth, respect, and compassion for people from all walks of life. I believe it’s important to hold ourselves and others accountable for our actions and responsibilities, while also showing empathy and understanding. By balancing all of these values, I hope to support a school environment where both students and staff can thrive.