Devin Aherin, Nick Niemerg, Francis H. Niemerg, Charity Bohnhoff, and Jon Engelbart are competing in the April 1 election for three open seats for four-year terms on the Dieterich Unit 30 school board. No candidate has filed to run for an unexpired two-year term.
Nick Niemerg, 47, is a teacher. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Greenville College and a master’s degree in education from the University of Western Kentucky.
Charity Bohnhoff, 41, works in marketing. A Dieterich High School graduate, she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Millikin University and an MBA from Eastern Illinois University.
Jon Engelbart, 48, is an Energy Department maintenance technician for Premier Cooperative in Champaign. A Dieterich High SChool graduate, he earned associate of applied science degrees from Parkland College in Champaign and Lake Land College in Mattoon, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The Effingham Daily News asked the candidates to answer the questions below. Devin Aherin and Francis H. Niemerg did not respond.
List any public service or other experience that would help you serve on the school board.
Nick Niemerg: Dieterich Sportsbackers Board, Union President Stewardson-Strasburg School, Athletic Director of Stewardson-Strasburg, teacher and coach, Park District Coach.
Bohnhoff: Current school board member, Crush Athletics NFP Founding Board Member, Eastern Illinois Lumpkin School of Business Advisory Board, Wright Family Center Leadership Committee
Engelbart: Current Dual Parish President of St. John’s LCMS Dieterich and St. Paul’s LCMS Wheeler, current Youth Leader for St. Paul’s LCMS Wheeler, More 4 Montrose Committee Member – developing the future of the Village of Montrose, United States Navy Veteran, Effingham VFW Post 1769 Member, Teutopolis American Legion Post 924 Member, former Fire Chief and 20-year member of the Montrose Fire Protection District
Why are you running?
Nick Niemerg: I’m pursuing a position on the board for various reasons. First, I want to ensure financial stability within the school district for years to come. I would like to keep the quality of education that has been known by the district to continue by hiring qualified teachers, including those that can teach various subjects/specialties and dual credits to our students. Lastly, I want the community to have a say in areas of interest for the school and its future purpose and growth.
Bohnhoff: I’m running because I believe one of the most important responsibilities of a school board is to hire a superintendent who aligns with the needs of the district. With Superintendent Cary Jackson set to retire on June 30, 2028, it’s crucial that we select a highly qualified candidate who will not only continue to foster growth within our schools but also strengthen our community. I want to ensure that we make this transition smoothly and choose the right leader for our district’s future.
Engelbart: I am running for the Dieterich school board with the intent of supporting and helping strengthen our leadership within our administration and provide a positive voice for our community. Our Executive staff consisting of Mr. Benefiel, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Kocher do an outstanding job and they are a huge asset for our district. I have spent time conversing with all three of them and have found we have a shared vision for continuing to do great things for our district. Our district deserves leadership that is not afraid to speak out and ask questions, seeking to strengthen our education system.
What is the most pressing issue facing Dieterich Unit 30 and how would you address it?
Nick Niemerg: The most pressing issue would have to be financial stability. With the government cuts and educational funding, we want to make sure that we are able to financially sustain all aspects of our education system while servicing the students to meet standards. By monitoring finances, purchasing, construction and teacher contracts to make sure we are within our allowed budget and don’t have to make cuts that could impact our children’s education.
Bohnhoff: Dieterich has so many positive aspects, but one of the biggest challenges we face is growth. As our community expands, we need to make sure our elementary, junior high, and high school facilities can keep up. I’ll focus on strategic planning to ensure we have the space, resources, and infrastructure to support this growth effectively.
Engelbart: It is my view that one of the most pressing issues is continuing to keep a positive budget within the constraints of our expenditures. Our community and school district continues to grow within a state that is declining in population and tax revenue. By continuing to promote every growth opportunity within our community, we are ensuring to find income-based solutions for our over-taxed problems. Helping our community to grow starts with quality education and promoting non-traditional programs which provide the foundation for a strong future workforce.
What’s more important for Dieterich Unit 30 right now: New construction and upgrading facilities or hiring more teachers? Explain.
Nick Niemerg: Hiring more teachers would be more important on my list. We need to keep class sizes manageable, especially at the early grades to ensure growth and development academically. Overloading teachers causes more stress and decreased learning within the classroom.
Bohnhoff: We’ve just completed an important construction project that has expanded our K-2 sections and enhanced our junior high and high school offerings. Moving forward, it’s crucial to focus on hiring more teachers and non-certified staff who are well-qualified to support our growing district’s needs. Ensuring we have the right team in place is essential to maintaining high standards of education.
Engelbart: The district is concluding an exciting phase of construction this year that has given us an expanded area for our growing class sizes. Now, focus can move toward continuing to hire the best staff for our growing student population to enable us to offer our students high quality education, preparing them for their futures by providing a range of educational options to meet their needs.
How do you plan to involve residents in decision making within the Dieterich Unit 30 district?
Nick Niemerg: As a board member, you are obligated to work for what is best for the school and community. You must take into consideration the needs of the school, teachers, administration and community to make recommendations on future growth. All of those members need to be informed on what is going on and be able to speak and address their decisions before steps should be taken. More awareness to the public needs to be provided on topics so that they can have input for what is best for the school.
Bohnhoff: I believe the best way to engage residents in decision-making is through open, personal communication. By talking to people in everyday settings, we can have informal yet valuable discussions that allow them to freely share ideas and feedback about the school district. Creating this open dialogue builds trust and ensures everyone’s voice is heard.
Engelbart: I encourage everyone to attend the school board meetings and to talk to the school board members. I have attended 20 of the last 25 meetings and have found the board of education is willing to hear anyone’s opinions. I did not initially perceive the difficult task the board of education faces each year, and with the public’s input, I am more than willing to listen to their concerns and make positive decisions for the overall benefit of our school district.
If you received a $1 million grant to use in Dieterich Unit 30 any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
Nick Niemerg: I would hire extra teachers, if the district was in need of it. Then the rest of the money I would put towards paying off bonds that the district owes on.
Bohnhoff: Our district has some pressing facility needs, such as roofing and tuckpointing, which would be addressed with part of the grant. The remainder would be invested in enhancing student experiences by expanding high school classes and offering more learning opportunities for elementary students. This approach supports both infrastructure and educational growth.
Engelbart: The best way I can answer this question is to explain to everyone that it’s not my place to want, it’s our place to do. I believe it would be well spent to update and maintain our current facilities first. The “old” gym has some accessibility issues that require updating to make it inclusive for all. Some of the older areas of the buildings, including the junior and senior high areas, are due for updated roof maintenance in the near future, preventing a larger cost of replacement/damage repair. Any remaining funds would best be reserved for future facility maintenance or new construction efforts.
Why should residents vote for you?
Nick Niemerg: Being a teacher myself within another district, I know how schools are run. There needs to be school and school board communication and backing. The community needs to be informed of decisions that will impact the school. I would like to retain our qualified teachers and work with the support staff to determine areas of need and how we can keep them for years to come. I want to keep Dieterich schools a safe place while providing them with a high level of quality education for years to come.
Bohnhoff: I’m committed to ensuring that Dieterich Unit 30 continues to thrive. My focus will be on providing high-quality education, maintaining strong community involvement, and making sound decisions that support the long-term success of our students and schools. I believe my leadership and dedication to improving the district make me the right choice for the job.
Engelbart: As a parent of Dieterich students, a youth leader in the community, along with being a Dieterich alumnus, I believe I can offer a positive approach and an open ear to the community. I am invested in assuring our community thrives, and know that is based in supporting our youth. Our students are the future of our community. We should seek every opportunity to help each student to grow and thrive within our school and community.