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Minds and Matter: School board candidates: Consider a child’s future
by Kevin Hatfield, School Superintendent · Op-Ed · June 25, 2015
The West Branch Community School District encourages civic and education-minded individuals to serve on its school board.
West Branch Community School District joins the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) to promote and encourage more citizens to become school board candidates.
School boards may be small and local, but they represent perhaps the most important daily civic commitment we as citizens make to our communities, our children, and our future.
This year, citizens living in the West Branch Community School District have the opportunity vote to fill three Board of Director seats on Sept. 8, 2015.
Board President Kathy Knoop and Director Rev. Richard Paulus and have indicated that they are stepping down from the Board at the end of this term. We are grateful for their hours of service and dedication to our students.
Director Deb Schreiber has indicated she will run for a second term.
Directors Mike Colbert and Mike Owen are in the middle of their current terms.
IASB suggests that board candidates and board member in general hold and exhibit the following qualities:
• A focus on improving achievement for all students.
• A genuine concern for public schools and for community involvement through membership in service clubs, parent-teacher organizations, church or fraternal organizations.
• Express a desire to serve in order to provide the entire community with a strong, 21st Century educational system.
• A willingness to become an informed to become effective member of a leadership team. (IASB reminds potential board members that as a school board member, you have no individual legal authority to fix problems or decide issues. You guide vision, policy and provide input for improving the educational system for all students.)
• The ability to work cooperatively to help guide and communicate a shared vision for student learning and a commitment to ongoing, strategic improvements.
There is much going on in education today. Schools are implementing the Iowa Core Curriculum, which sets standards for what all students should know; they are becoming more global in their thinking as they move into the 21st century using more technology and preparing students for a competitive world; and boards and administrative teams are dealing with tighter budgets and enrollment concerns, requiring them to prioritize programs to ensure money is used wisely to support the learning needs of all students.
If you are registered to vote and live in the West Branch School District, you are eligible to be a candidate and, of course, vote in the upcoming election.
Nomination papers may be picked up in the West Branch Community School District’s Central Office (148 North Oliphant Street) or by visiting the district’s Web site: http://www.west-branch.k12.ia.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/boardelectionpamphlet.pdf
Key dates for September 2015 School Board Elections: If you are preparing for the fall school board elections, these key dates can help.
Monday, July 6: First day to file nomination papers with the board secretary.
Saturday, July 25: Vacancies or resignations on a school board occurring on or before today must be filled at the school board election.
Thursday, July 30: Last day to file nomination papers. Deadline is 5 p.m.
Friday, July 31: Nomination papers delivered to county auditor. Deadline is 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 4: Last day candidates may withdraw. Last day written objections to nomination papers or eligibility of candidate may be filed.
Tuesday, Sept. 8: School Election Day.
Friday, Sept. 11: Election canvass
Organization Meeting: No date is legally specified for the organization meeting. It is the local board’s first regular meeting following canvass.
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