Before filling out school board ballot, ask these 6 questions

Iowans have the opportunity Nov. 7 to elect public school board members in the state’s 325 public schools. According to the Iowa Association of School Boards, 994 (54%) seats are up for election as a portion of sitting board members’ terms ends in 2023. An additional 65 seats (3%) will be on the ballot due to appointees who are up for election in 2025 or those elected in 2021 due to the redistricting based on the 2020 census.

What should voters look for in choosing people who play a vital role in the lives of Iowa’s students?

1. Is the candidate committed to advancing the learning of all students? Each board member must invest in each learner’s education in their respective district to improve student achievement. How will the candidate hold the district accountable for regular updates on student achievement, educational access, and opportunities for all students?

2. Does the candidate believe in the value of public education? Due to recent state legislation, public schools must compete with private schools for public money. What ideas does the candidate have for strengthening public schools while remaining competitive with other sectors in education?

3. Is the candidate willing to listen to different stakeholders about what is and isn’t working in schools? To make good decisions and build trust among all community stakeholders, elected board members must be willing to engage a wide range of people and be transparent about what informs their decisions. What are the candidate’s plans for communicating with all stakeholders?

4. Does the candidate recognize the importance of data and its interpretation? While anecdotal stories can be powerful, board members must be willing and able to analyze systems-level data. What data will the candidate use to guide their understanding of the district data and inform their decisionmaking?

5. Is the candidate aware of the complexity of school finance? Board members must oversee budgets that align with the district’s goals while working within complicated laws and obligations that do not constrain private businesses, private institutions, and other organizations. How does the candidate plan to uphold the fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers to steward district dollars efficiently and effectively?

6. Will the candidate invest in professional development for all staff members? Research indicates that student achievement and the retention of highquality staff members increase with meaningful, applicable professional development. How will the candidate work with other board members to seek input from educators regarding the training they require and find impactful?

As a retired superintendent who has spent over 30 years working in Iowa public schools, I know from experience the election of board members is an integral part of the public educational system. Today’s board members must address an increasing teacher shortage, limited school finances, post-COVID academic recovery, and an ever-changing student demographic. We must choose candidates who will advocate for every student rather than acquiesce to external pressure and the political ideology of a few outspoken community members.

Please vote in the school board election. We need board members who will invest in academic growth for all students, address the specific needs of their district, and advocate for public education. Iowa students deserve nothing less.

We need board members who will invest in academic growth for all students, address the specific needs of their district, and advocate for public education. Iowa students deserve nothing less.