Sullivan running for open school board seat

Casey Sullivan of Vian has announced his candidacy for Vian’s Board of Education.

Sullivan is a lifelong member, alumnus and supporter of Vian. He and his wife Lyndsey have three children, Henry, Stormy and Will.

“It has always been a priority to my family to live in Vian and stay involved in maintaining the valued traditions, and also ensure we continue to upgrade and progress facilities, supplies and opportunities for our youth,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said he has been a volunteer youth sports coach, and was active in the bond vote last February for our new high school.

“I always look forward to school events and fundraisers that bring our community together as a whole to show our students, staff and administration they have endless support,” he said.

“As parents, Lyndsey and I believe one of the greatest tools we can pass down to our kids is to lead by example. We truly enjoy being active members within the school and community. It is a lesson that cannot be taught in one day or week, but after repetitive efforts to volunteer and show up for your community,” he said.

Sullivan said he knows there won’t always be easy decisions to make, but the best interest of Vian students and faculty will always be his priority.

“If elected, I promise to be transparent and a trustee the community can be proud of. Anyone that comes before the board will have the right to be heard and the board will hear all input to make the best decision. It is important a school board member build public understanding, support and participation. No child is more important than the other and my actions will reflect that. I want each student to feel the Wolverine pride I was so fortunate to experience and when they graduate, have the same desire I had to come back and be a part of this community.”

He said a key issue is to create a short-term and long-term vision to provide necessary opportunities students need to reach their full potential.

“I understand the board is responsible for establishing and maintaining a structure that supports the community’s vision, empowers the staff and provides leadership to accomplish our overall goals,” Sullivan said. “As a general contractor, I work with tight budgets and feel this could help in many different facets of our school district. The true heroes are the staff and administration who show up day after day, and it was truly eye-opening to see them overcome adversity in the unknown world of a pandemic.”

“As a Vian Wolverine I want each activity, sport, elective, core class and the overall experience to be better than anywhere else. With that said, I know there will be bumps in the road and times that we will experience growing pains, but by working together we can provide a place where students, parents, teachers, and staff feel they are welcome, appreciated, and always supported,” he concluded.