2021 Election: Belen Board of Education

POSITION 4

Jim Danner (I)

Age: 76

Jim Danner

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Retired from Belen Schools

Highest level of education: Master’s degree in physical education – UNM

Previously held public office: District IV Belen Board of Education

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, misdemeanor, or felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “No.”

What qualifications/experience do you feel you possess that will enable you to fulfill the responsibilities of the elected office you are seeking?

“Over the years, I have developed a love for Belen Schools and have had the opportunity to serve in many capacities, and that gave me an understanding of what the schools need.”

How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

“Continue to emphasize open meetings and complete transparency.”

Help us understand the type of leader you will be by describing your two highest priorities for change in the school district — short term and long term.

“The children need to learn to read and become good citizens.”

POSITION 5

Larry B. Garley (I)

Age: 71

Larry Garley

Current occupation (If retired, from what field): Retired educator, small business owner, Garley’s School of Driving

Highest level of education: BA, WNMU,1972; MA, NMHU, 1995

Previously held public office: Belen Board of Education, 2014-2017; appointed 2021

Have you ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony offenses in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain. “No.”

What qualifications/experience do you feel you possess that will enable you to fulfill the responsibilities of the elected office you are seeking?

“1. Twenty-seven years of high school teaching experience, two years at Las Vegas, Nev., and 25 years at BHS. I served at BHS as PE and Social Science Department chairman,  BHS athletic coordinator and four years of TVI-Adult GED teaching experience. 2. Coaching experience: 11 years BHS football, eight years BHS and BMS basketball and 29 years BHS golf. 3. Driver’s ed instructor for 45 years. Small business owner, Garley’s School of Driving, 27 years. I have always placed the education and the safety of our students as my top priority.”

How do you plan to involve the community in the decision-making process of the board?

“I will always listen to the concerns of the community and make decisions based on what I feel is best for our students, teachers and school district.”

Help us understand the type of leader you will be by describing your two highest priorities for change in the school district — short term and long term.

“Short term: Continue providing and improving safety protocols for all students, faculty and staff in all schools. I will do what I can to recover academic learning that was lost due to COVID-19. We can use CARES Act monies to purchase more laptops and educational programs for all students. Long term: I try to improve the graduation rate in our BCS district by using credit recovery programs at Belen and Infinity high schools.”