All three candidates running for seats on the Woodford County Board of Education in the Tuesday, Nov. 3 General Election participated in the Q&A. The candidates were asked three questions, with each response in 100 or fewer words. Adam Brickler and Crystal Collins are vying for the District 2 seat on the Board of Education. Lyen Crews is running unopposed for the District 5 seat. Current District 5 board member Sarah McCoun chose not to seek reelection.
Why do you want to serve on the Woodford County Board of Education?
Adam Brickler, District 2: I want to work with the community, Superintendent, and staff to provide the quality education our children deserve. I will continue to listen to all stakeholders and lead in a professional and respectful way. My focus will be on student achievement and supporting a school system that responsibly uses the funding we have, while honestly acknowledging areas the funding falls short. I want to help everyone understand the needs of the schools and why their support is so important. Being on the board means working with everyone to keep WCPS strong.
Crystal Collins, District 2: I want to serve on the Woodford County Board of Education because I care about our students, teachers, families, and taxpayers. My experience in education, ministry, and community service has taught me the importance of listening, serving, and working together. I want to bring a fresh perspective, ask thoughtful questions, and promote transparency and accountability in how public funds are spent. I believe we can support strong educational opportunities while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. I may not have every answer, but I am willing to learn, listen, and work collaboratively to put students first.
Lyen Crews, District 5: I am running to restore faith and trust in Woodford County Public Schools and its Board of Education. Having observed insufficient budgetary oversight and unprofessional conduct by Board members during the previous superintendent’s tenure, I know our district deserves better. My technical expertise and professional demeanor will provide the balanced leadership needed to navigate complex financial decisions and keep the focus on student success. This community shaped my own achievements, and I want to give back. With three grandchildren just beginning their education here, I am deeply invested in ensuring our schools provide an outstanding foundation that prepares all students.
What personal/professional experiences, skills and knowledge do you possess that will make you an asset on the Woodford County Board of Education?
Collins: My experience in education includes serving as an administrative assistant, art teacher, and assisting with music, physical education, and chapel. I have experience managing budgets through education, children’s ministry, and leading a summer camp for five years. My volunteer service with the Woodford County Fire Department since 2018 has strengthened my teamwork and commitment to the community. As a parent and grandparent, I understand the importance of putting children first. I bring practical experience, a willingness to learn, strong communication skills, and a commitment to asking questions, promoting traceability, and being accountable to students, families, teachers, and taxpayers.
Crews: I am a CPA with extensive financial and governance experience in education and nonprofits. I began my career auditing nonprofit hospitals and colleges, later serving as CFO of four hospitals and vice president for finance at two colleges. For the past ten years, I have led the Coalition for College Cost Savings, helping more than 900 nonprofit colleges and universities reduce costs by leveraging their combined purchasing strength. I am a lifelong Woodford County resident and graduate of its public schools. My two children and five grandchildren have benefited from, or are beginning their journeys through, Woodford County Public Schools.
Brickler: I work with companies and industries all over the country to educate them on roles focused on Human Resources, Payroll, and Employer Taxes. By collaborating with people with various backgrounds and personalities, it has prepared me to engage with those that are involved with our school system. It has also prepared me to stay focused on our goals and block out the distractions that try to pull that focus away from our students and staff.
What is the biggest challenge facing Woodford County Public Schools and what will you do as a board member to address that challenge?
Crews: The greatest challenge facing our district is restoring public trust, which was eroded during the previous superintendent’s tenure by the Board’s irresponsible fiscal decisions and a lack of decorum at board meetings. Trust is earned through actions, not words. To rebuild it, I will champion complete transparency, maintain absolute respect for all stakeholders, and strictly scrutinize expenditures. I will leverage my professional expertise to advise and approve—not micromanage operations—while actively collaborating with administration. Above all, I will remain accessible to constituents, ensuring your voices are heard as we work together to rebuild a responsible school system.
Brickler: The reduction in state funding and barrel tax. State funding is calculated using our local property assessments. When assessments go up, state funding for schools goes down. The theory is that local taxes should be enough to almost fully support the schools. In reality, this isn’t always the case. With rising costs of insurance, utilities, fuel, building repairs, etc., those fixed expenses are outpacing our current revenue. We had to make millions in painful cuts over the last year, including many jobs. My goal is to educate the community on why supporting our public schools builds a strong Woodford County.
Collins: I believe one of the biggest challenges facing Woodford County Public Schools is balancing the need for quality education with responsible, transparent spending. As a board member, I would work to better understand the budget line by line, evaluate spending priorities, and ensure resources directly support students and teachers. I would listen to parents, educators, and taxpayers before making decisions and ask questions when something needs clarification. My goal is not simply to spend more, but to make sure we are using the funds we have wisely, planning for the future, and putting students’ educational needs first.