|
Look for qualities at school board forum
by Kevin Hatfield, School Superintendent · Op-Ed · August 20, 2015
A Meet the School Board Candidates Forum will be held on Monday, August 31, 2015, in the West Branch High School’s Auditorium, from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
We encourage the public to attend.
The event is being sponsored by the West Branch Times and hosted by the West Branch PTO. The event will utilize a “Question & Response” format.
We are pleased to share that four citizens living in the West Branch Community School District have completed the necessary filing process through the Cedar County Auditor’s Office.
The four candidates are: (Rev) Alexis Johnson, Julie Sexton, Jodi Yeggy and Keith Schultes.
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, voters living in the West Branch Community School District will have the opportunity to fill three vacated Board of Director seats on our Board of Education.
Cast Your Vote for Student Success
As you know, the local school board makes the decisions that determine how a community’s children are educated and how tax dollars are spent. Voting for school board members is a simple but powerful way to support student success and strengthen your community.
Every child enrolled in your school district is a reason for you to vote in the school board election. The overall quality of our schools, both now and in the future, rests with decisions made by the board of education.
The power to
pursue excellence
The decisions made by the school board affect virtually every important aspect of our schools, from tax rates to bus schedules, curriculum to clubs, funding to field trips.
The school board hires the superintendent, the “chief education officer” responsible for managing district staff and operations.
The school board sets the priorities and adopts the budget to determine how millions in federal, state, and local tax dollars are spent.
The school board sets goals for student achievement and evaluates progress toward those goals.
The school board decides how school boundaries are drawn and whether schools are constructed or closed.
The school board sets the policies and approves which courses and programs are offered and what texts, tools, and technology are purchased.
Voting in school board elections means your voice is represented in those choices.
Everything to
gain — or lose
Everyone — not just parents — has a stake in the success of public schools. When schools are strong and students succeed, everyone benefits.
Good schools are good business — they attract employers, strengthen the local economy, and enhance property values.
Good schools ensure our students will be prepared to keep our nation competitive in a global economy.
Good schools keep the American Dream alive with an opportunity for every child to receive a world-class education.
Good schools keep the quality of life in a community high by producing citizens who pay taxes and obey the law.
Good schools teach students from all backgrounds how to live and participate in our democracy.
Voting in a school board election is an investment in the future of students and our community.
The right person makes a
difference
What qualities, skills, and experience should you look for in a school board candidate? Here are some questions to consider.
What are the candidate’s vision and goals for high academic achievement for all?
Does the candidate inspire parents and other stakeholders to have confidence in the local public schools?
Does the candidate understand that the school board’s role is about the big picture — setting the direction for the district, working collaboratively on a leadership team and providing oversight and accountability — rather than day-to-day management?
Does the candidate focus on one issue or discuss a broad range of school district concerns?
Does the candidate’s approach make it likely that he or she will be able to work effectively with the rest of the board to get things done?
Will the candidate enhance the mix of skills and backgrounds on the board and help represent the diversity of the community?
Does the candidate have the commitment to do what is right for all children, even in the face of opposition?
Currently, board members in Iowa serve four-year terms. West Branch is served by a five-member board of education.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
