Bryan Cawvey
Non-Partisan | Kansas
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Bryan Cawvey
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2023
Election
General Municipal and School Board
Race
Lansing USD 469 Board of Education, At Large
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
DeVry, Dayton, Technical Management, 2012
WORK & MILITARY
Air Force, senior master sergeant, 1990 - 2016
AFFILIATIONS
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (4)
Kansans for Life PAC
1776 Projects PAC
David French
Pat Proctor
OTHER INFORMATION
Support from State Representative Pat Procter.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should be a resource for instruction or services in the school.
Strongly Disagree
I strongly oppose making abortion propaganda available to public school students. Firstly, I personally believe abortion is equivalent to murder. Secondly, taxpayer dollars should not be utilized to promote abortion. Lastly, I firmly believe that healthcare decisions are the responsibility of parents, and the state should refrain from interfering in those matters.
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
I'm amazed that anyone could think differently. Generally, if a fertilized human egg is undisturbed, it will develop into a complete human being within 9 months. I do not understand why this is controversial except for political purposes.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
There are two economic systems: Capitalism and Socialism/Communism. In socialism/communism, the government owns the means of production and controls property usage. In capitalism, a free enterprise system, the means of production are owned by citizens. American capitalism has driven significant economic growth, both domestically and globally, and has lifted numerous people out of poverty.
School districts should be able to use taxpayer money for lobbying the state legislature.
Strongly Disagree
I strongly oppose the use of taxpayer funds by school districts to lobby state legislatures. Not all taxpayers in a district share the same policy views. Allowing taxpayer money to be used for lobbying purposes could mean funding positions that some taxpayers disagree with. To ensure fairness, it's essential to prohibit any lobbying using district funds.
What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?
I believe it's concerning that we allocate billions of dollars to K-12 public schools that often fail students, burdening taxpayers. Extending this funding to college further strains taxpayers, especially when the government struggles to manage successful public schools. Public schools already consume a significant portion of state budgets, and funding four years of college could worsen this overtaxed system.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
At school, students should be able to speak freely and civilly about matters of conscience and faith, including Christianity.
Strongly Agree
I wholeheartedly agree that students in schools should have the opportunity to openly and respectfully discuss various subjects, including matters of faith. This is crucial because many public schools are influenced by liberal-minded educators and administrators. Unfortunately, conversations about faith are sometimes restricted. It's regrettable that the public school setting, which emphasizes "equity and diversity" often neglects to extend this principle to individuals with religious beliefs.
School districts should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
I wholeheartedly agree that school districts must not discriminate against individuals, organizations, or small businesses based on their beliefs, whether it's regarding traditional marriage or any other matter. For us to thrive as a free society, all businesses and organizations should enjoy the freedom to hold their beliefs and participate in the economic system. Discrimination in any form is unacceptable, even if I personally disagree with their stance, as long as it remains within the law.
EDUCATION
What is the function of the local school board?
The primary function of the local school board is to oversee the administration of the public school system within the district. This involves tasks such as curriculum decisions, budget management, staff hiring and termination, and the establishment of district-wide policies to achieve their goals. Essentially, the school board acts as a civilian oversight on the administration. Their sole employee is the superintendent, through whom they implement school policies. Ultimately, the board carries the responsibility for all school-related matters.
Who should have the authority to set curriculum and determine resources used in those curricula?
The school board should possess the authority to establish curriculum and determine the resources utilized in those curricula. While collaborating with their administration and education experts is crucial, the ultimate decision-making authority rests with the school board. The community elected the school board to manage the district in accordance with its values and principles. As elected representatives, they are accountable to their community and must approach curriculum choices thoughtfully, given that these decisions influence not only our children but also the nation's future. Unfortunately, there are instances where curriculum decisions appear to be perfunctory, lacking the serious consideration that the school board's responsibility demands.
When should parents be restricted from speaking in school board meetings?
Never. Parents are the most crucial stakeholders in the public school process. After all, it's their children who are receiving education, and the choices made by school boards have a direct impact on their families. Under no circumstances should parents be denied the opportunity to voice their opinions.
Please list in order the following priorities in relation to the role of a K-12 public school (omitting any that do not apply): Mathematics, Information Technology, Science, Political Activism, Personal Finances, Gender Identity, Physical Fitness, American History, Critical Race Theory, Language Arts, Art & Music, Vocational Learning, Sexuality, Foreign Language, Social Emotional Learning
Mathematics, Science, American History, Language Arts, Information Technology, Personal Finances, Vocational Learning, Art and Music, Physical Fitness.
Which more closely matches your view of America's founding principles? A) Liberty and equality. B) Slavery and racism.
A. Liberty and equality. The founding principles of our Constitution included mechanisms to abolish slavery. The founding documents, including the Federalist Papers, reveal that many founders strongly opposed slavery and would have eliminated it during the country's inception if possible. However, due to the young nation's need for unity among all 13 colonies for success and protection against foreign powers, slavery persisted initially. Fortunately, the founders incorporated processes into the Constitution to eventually eradicate slavery, a goal achieved through the Civil War, albeit at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives.
What does "equity in education" mean to you?
Equality in education means that all students should have an equal opportunity for an education, rather than a guarantee of equal outcomes. It's evident that every individual possesses unique skills and aptitudes, making it unrealistic to expect identical results for everyone. Varying levels of intelligence, physical abilities, and artistic talents exist among students. It's neither feasible nor rational to anticipate uniform outcomes. Nonetheless, the crucial aspect lies in ensuring all students have an equal chance to excel to the best of their abilities.
Written parental consent (opt-in) must be obtained before students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) or Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
Strongly Agree
I strongly agree that parents should be required to opt-in before students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sexual Education and Social Emotional Learning. It is too easy for busy parents to overlook the fact that their students are receiving this instruction if it's only offered as an opt-out option. Controversial subjects like these should be presented to parents, providing them the chance to opt-in rather than opt-out before their students are exposed to these topics.
The loss of local control in education is too high a price to pay in exchange for federal dollars.
Strongly Agree
I strongly advocate for states' rights, including in matters of public education. It's unfortunate that the federal government can influence ideas and political agendas by offering federal aid to state school boards and local districts. Each state's unique principles and culture must be considered. Preserving state control over public education is crucial, rather than trading it for federal funding.
Parents are the ultimate authority in their child’s education and should be able to freely pursue whatever educational options they deem best for their child.
Strongly Agree
I wholeheartedly agree that parents hold the ultimate authority in their child's education and all other aspects of their child's life. The state should never infringe upon this parental authority in any way.
School boards are accountable to parents and taxpayers.
Strongly Agree
I firmly agree that school boards are responsible to parents and taxpayers, as they are the very reason for the existence of these boards. Parents' children are receiving education in these schools, and taxpayers are funding various aspects like teacher and administration salaries, as well as facilities. Regrettably, some boards yield to the demands of teachers' unions over the needs and desires of parents and taxpayers.
Do you believe students should have access to materials that graphically depict and describe sexual acts?
No
Certainly not, particularly not at taxpayers expense. Returning to parental rights, if a parent deems such material appropriate for their children, they can introduce it to them at their own cost. Schools should focus on education rather than social engineering.
All print and digital material available or presented to students should be easily accessible for public review.
Strongly Agree
Absolutely, without a doubt. There's no valid reason why all school materials shouldn't be readily accessible for public viewing and comments, including for taxpayers and parents. The copyright excuse is a cop out. The only plausible explanation for the school's reluctance to make all material available is if they have something to hide.
Do you believe print and digital material available or presented to students should be easily accessible for public review, including those without children enrolled in school.
Yes
Absolutely, every printed and digital resource provided to students should be readily accessible to the public. Taxpayers are funding this material, and they should have the right to see what they are supporting. Public schools are shaping the future leaders of our nation, and I strongly believe that everyone has a vested interest in the educational materials being used. Any opposition from schools towards this transparency likely stems from concerns about hiding information.
VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
God created the world, and Jesus died for my sins. Through my belief in him, I'll attain eternal life. My spiritual beliefs and values are straightforward.
I support allowing public high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.
Strongly Disagree
I firmly disagree. Girls should compete against girls, and boys should compete against boys. It appears strange that it's mostly boys seeking to compete against girls. We've worked hard to achieve equal opportunities in sports for women, and it's not right to let boys claim victories in competitions where their biological advantages as males give them an edge.
No school official should be involved in the sexual transitioning of a student, including the use of alternative names and pronouns.
Strongly Agree
I wholeheartedly agree. School officials essentially represent the government or the state, and the state shouldn't meddle in the healthcare choices of students. The authority to decide healthcare issues lies solely with parents.
No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent.
Strongly Agree
I completely agree. Once more, parents hold the ultimate authority when it comes to healthcare decisions for their child.
Who is responsible for teaching sexual education to children, and what is the appropriate age when it should be taught?
I hold the belief that parents and families bear the responsibility of imparting sexual education to their children. Determining the suitable age for this instruction should once again rest with the parents, who serve as the final decision-makers for any matters concerning their child.
If you support the teaching of Sex Ed, please answer the following question: Sexual education should include these topics (list all that apply and add your own, if needed) -- Physical and emotional health outcomes; contraceptive methods; consent; abstinence; sexual orientation and gender identity; human anatomy/the reproductive system; abortion methods and side effects; stages of pregnancy and fetal development; sex acts and pleasures of sex
I do not support sex ed, however human anatomy/the reproductive system and stages of pregnancy and fetal development are appropriate.
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I wholeheartedly agree. While I can't recall the exact founder or quote, the essence of the statement is that our republic is best suited for a society with Christian morals. The foundation of our government, along with its original laws, was rooted in the Bible, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the Ten Commandments. Regrettably, the more we distance ourselves from these Christian values, the more our country's condition deteriorates.
I support allowing public middle and high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.
Strongly Disagree
In line with my earlier response, I firmly believe that males should compete against males, and females should compete against females. Biologically, most males possess physical advantages that cannot be equaled by women. Women have fought for parity in sports, and it's regrettable that we're permitting boys to win competitions against girls, particularly when scholarships are at stake.
Biological males should be allowed in female locker rooms and bathrooms.
Strongly Agree
Certainly not. I'm astonished that this is even a topic of debate. Naturally, boys should have separate locker rooms and bathrooms from girls. It's perplexing that such a debate exists when common sense and millennia of history should prevail.
No school official should be involved in the social or medical transitioning of a student, including the use of alternative names and pronouns.
Strongly Agree
I wholeheartedly concur that school officials should not be involved in students' social or medical transitions, including the use of different pronouns or names. Ultimately, it revolves around parental rights. This is a matter for parents to address within the family. School officials must not withhold information from parents. As soon as such matters come to the attention of school officials, they should promptly inform parents.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Absolutely not. No one should be allowed to vote without proving their identity. Everyone possesses identification. You need one to drive, buy alcohol, buy cigarettes, and for almost every transaction in society. Allowing individuals to vote without identification seems illogical. How else can one demonstrate their true identity and their right to vote in this country.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
A candidate's personal moral values are relevant when considering a candidacy for elective office.
Strongly Agree
Absolutely. A person's moral values are an indication of how they will vote on issues and govern.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
You can visit my facebook pages, Bryan Cawvey for Lansing, both board of education and city counsel, ward 3. I have also had several letters to the editor published in the Leavenworth Times.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I believe my previous answers describe my views on how I would vote and conduct myself as a school board member. If a voter would like to send me a question or comment, my email address is bcawvey2023@yahoo.com.
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2014 Republican Primary 2014 General Election 2016 Republican Primary 2016 General Election 2018 Republican Primary 2018 General Election 2020 Republican Primary 2020 General Election 2022 Republican Primary 2022 General Election
Prior to 2016, I was active-duty Air Force and was a Missouri resident. I voted absentee. I moved to Kansas in January 2016.
2ND AMENDMENT
Teachers who are licensed to carry should be allowed to carry guns at school.
Strongly Agree
I strongly believe that all our rights, including the First Amendment, are protected by the Second Amendment. I believe the most effective approach to reducing violence in schools is permitting trained, licensed teachers to carry concealed weapons on campus.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Under what circumstances (if any) should schools be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccines have been required in public schools for decades. Highly effective vaccines, like the polio vaccine, underwent years of testing and scrutiny before widespread vaccination was allowed. Vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella were thoroughly vetted and perfected, becoming integral to the American healthcare system over many years. Vaccines that are tested, proven, and deemed safe through rigorous research should be permitted. On the other hand, vaccines such as the current COVID vaccination were expedited with limited testing and verification of safety. There's no justification for administering a vaccine to children that hasn't been adequately tested and isn't essential for their age group. The COVID-19 pandemic primarily impacted the elderly, the sick, and those with preexisting conditions. School-age children experienced fewer effects, raising questions about the push for an unproven vaccination by politicians.
I support mask mandates.
Strongly Disagree
I firmly disagree with mask mandates. There is absolutely no solid scientific evidence that masks contribute to controlling the spread of COVID-19. At some point, the mask issue transformed into a purely political stance that left-leaning politicians were unwilling to relinquish. If I were elected to the Board of Education in Lansing, I would vehemently oppose any future mandates for children to wear masks.
All official open meetings should be live streamed, recorded, and have transcripts available online for public access.
Strongly Agree
I wholeheartedly agree. I believe that government meetings should be accessible to the public through a variety of platforms, including live streaming, recorded sessions, and transcripts whenever feasible. Maintaining complete transparency between the government and its citizens is crucial for fostering trust.
All votes should be roll call votes and recorded in meeting minutes.
Strongly Agree
I completely agree that all votes should be roll-call votes and documented in the meeting minutes. There should be no uncertainty about how a governing board member voted, making it simple for citizens to review a government official's voting history.
