Mark J. Baker, 39, offers a wealth of financial knowledge and experience that he believes will help the Linn R-2 school district, should he be elected on April 6.

“I have worked in the fields of insurance and banking for most of my working adult life,” said Baker, who is employed by Mid America Bank. “It appears that the school budget is a point of weakness, given that they recently received an audit with two items of concern. I believe that my financial background can help. Additionally, I have experience with nonprofit boards, serving as president for my college fraternity building association for seven years, and treasurer of Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team. My time with Osage County ADCAT has helped to familiarize myself with the world of financial grants. We need the school district to take advantage of every dollar they can receive from the CARES Act and all of the other one-time funds that have recently become available.”

In his first attempt to win an elected position, Baker said he is running because he and his wife of 13 years, Julie, believe having been raised in small towns is a benefit.

“Linn is a wonderful community that has many competitive advantages compared to other similar-sized communities, and I do not see it shrinking or declining any time soon,” he said. “I chose to run because I believe that our community is on the cusp of growth and is experiencing change. One factor people look for when choosing where to live is the strength of the school district. It affects more than people realize, including property values. I am running for office because I want to help ensure that we have a top-notch school district, preparing our children to grow and succeed in this complicated world, and one that serves the entire community. I want our school district to be run in an ethical and financially secure manner. I want people to see that by choosing to live in Linn, their children are going to receive a top-quality education that makes them proud.”

Linn R-2 has a rich, proud history, Baker said. “We have amazing facilities and space to grow,” he added. “We created the state’s only two-year state-sponsored technical college, which sits right across the road. I am proud of the school from which I graduated. When I think of the success of the individuals I grew up with, they have gone on to do great things, be great people and literally live and work all around the world. I believe the size and location of Linn allow children to receive and experience great educational opportunities.”