If there is one thing that people in the Wells area want recently retired Henry Kalis to do, it’s to get back into public service.

Saturday, residents from the United South Central school district convened on Kalis’ lawn to show their support for his taking an empty seat on the USC school board.

Walters resident Clinton Meyer organized the event. He said he wanted to show that there was a large amount of public support for Kalis taking the board seat.

In the past few weeks, Kalis said it has been clear what people want him to do.

&uot;I’ve literally been inundated with calls, letters and e-mails,&uot; Kalis, who retired from 40 years as a state legislator this past fall, said. &uot;I don’t know if the board would want me on.&uot;

The board has an open seat because Mary Thrond resigned last month. They are planning on filling the seat soon.

The district has been through a great deal of trauma during since last year: a near teachers’ strike, investigations into the personal conduct of then Superintendent Frank Lorentz, the resignation of Lorentz, and, now, the crunch of a tight budget.

&uot;We’re faced with some tough, tough decisions in this district,&uot; Kalis said. &uot;We have a declining population and a declining enrollment. Either growing or declining is tough in any form of

government. There are a lot of things the district needs to accomplish.&uot;

Kalis said he is impressed with the district’s strength through these rough times.

&uot;I’m convinced of one thing: We have a hell of a good school district,&uot; he said. &uot;If state tests prove anything, we are definitely doing very well.&uot;

USC scored well above the state averages on eighth grade reading and math Standards tests, and stood out against other area districts.

Kalis served as a democratic representative in the state for four decades, but he said that the experience he has does not necessarily make him equipped for a school board position.

&uot;Just because I’ve served in the legislature doesn’t mean I know everything about running a school,&uot; he said. &uot;I guess my big concern is that there wouldn’t be any false expectations.&uot;

Kalis said he doesn’t have any date set for when he wants to make up his mind, but also said it is up to the board.

&uot;I just haven’t made up my mind,&uot; he said. &uot;I had no intentions of ever seeking that position until a bunch of folks approached me about it. I feel very honored that so many people would call me, but I just want to be doing it for the right reasons.&uot;