The Farmington R-7 School District is overseeing a multitude of changes this year, with the ongoing search for a new superintendent, the recent propositional transfer on the ballot, and the April school board election, FSD is shifting.
With this means potential new developments in leadership roles.
On April 7, 2026, members of the Farmington community will vote in the election to fill the three open seats on the board of education.
Three incumbent members of the board, board member Jerry Freeman, board President Angela Hahn, and board Vice President Howard Hoehn, are running for reelection.
With four candidates vying for their seats, these members are determined to reassure voters that they are still committed to serving the board and presenting fresh ideas.
Jerry Freeman has been a member of the board for several years. Running for reelection, Freeman states that student voice is the driving force behind each board decision.
“I think it is very important to hear from the students present their thought process on making a change for something that students will benefit from with their opinions on the matter being discussed.” Freeman said.
Freeman believes that it is crucial that all students are college and career ready, and that the district employs qualified and professional counselors and instructors to guide students for their futures beyond the halls of FHS.
He understands that students often face hardships when deciding their paths after high school.
“The board of education relies on counselors and teachers’ expertise of knowing the direction students should seek to find their future education goals, military careers, workforce training and employment, medical field, and all future careers they will be looking into for their livelihoods,” stated Freeman. “As a board member, we want to give them the best educational instructors to guide them through this uncertainty.”
Freeman suggests that listening to the community and communicating with district families is vital in making well-informed decisions.
“…board members always try to listen to [community] concerns and take every concern and suggestions seriously,” said Freeman. “We are always [presenting] our board to the community to listen to them. I think you have to balance listening to the community constituents and our students’ voices on an equal basis. Both community and student input can lead to a common goal of doing what is best for students.”
Angela Hahn, a community member, social worker, mental health advocate, and educator, believes that as a member of the board, it is important to stay available to the community in order to properly represent district family voices in board decisions.
“Attending meetings, getting out in the community, putting myself out there and providing public time, are great ways to connect with the community,” Hahn said. “Recently, I’ve been working to induct more community heroes into the Hall of Fame and work with the Farmington Educational Foundation as a leader.”
Hahn suggests that some of the most prominent issues pressing students at Farmington High School include a general lack of resources to support their growth and education.
“It’s no secret that public schools are suffering,” Hahn stated. “Students are concerned. If their needs are not met, it can hinder their success. My dream is that every student gets everything they need to live the life they want. Needs change all the time.”
Hahn takes a firm stance on doing what is best for district families long-term. She thinks it is redundant to consistently criticise Farmington schools, stating that criticism is the “refuge of the uneducated.” Hahn thinks the best way to go about making change is to stop overanalyzing incidents and “look at the bigger vision.”
Howard Hoehn, a longtime member of the board, understands that funding is pressing student life. He acknowledges that many school districts nationwide are struggling, and that being able to support students in their journeys is key.
“…this impacts class size and participation in extracurricular activities,” said Hoehn. “We have to solve this funding issue by visiting with our legislators.”
In addition to funding, Hoehn believes that to strengthen the district, academics and test scores need to be prioritized and improved. He claims that there are several areas of improvement that can be done. He also mentions checking in with students who may be struggling or need extra help.
“We struggle at times with communication arts and math at several building levels,” he said. “We need to continue to find ways to get all students to improve. Too often, we focus on students that are going to be successful, whether we teach or not. We’ve got to find a way to get to those disengaged students and improve their scores.”
Like President Hahn, Hoehn wants to make one thing clear: FSD board members can be communicated with. Often, students feel that board members are out of reach, when, in reality, they look forward to hearing from students.
“As Board Members, we are very approachable,” Hoehn stated. “We listen not only to the public, but we listen to students’ concerns. Also, I think this is very important, but sometimes, students think that we are not available and are unapproachable.”
A meet the candidates night will be held at Long Memorial Hall on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. Each candidate will speak for three minutes. Members of the community will have the opportunity to visit with the candidates.
