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Five candidates outline priorities at Southeast Polk school board forum
Summary
Five candidates for the Southeast Polk Community School District school board appeared at a forum hosted by the Southeast Polk Education Association where growth, student mental health, teacher retention and classroom engagement were the central topics.
A candidate forum hosted by the Southeast Polk Education Association brought five contenders for seats on the Southeast Polk Community School District school board together to describe their backgrounds and priorities and to answer questions from association members.
At the forum held in a district facility, candidates Tracy Dawson, Bridget Ernst, Grant Gillen, Carla Jensen and Adam Krell described experience ranging from classroom teaching to parent volunteer leadership. Several candidates emphasized district growth and classroom staffing as immediate challenges.
"I have been a teacher in the Southeast Polk School District for the last 36 years," said Tracy Dawson, describing her classroom experience and association leadership. Incumbent board president Bridget Ernst pointed to multiple issues, saying, "I think 1 of the main, issues that still persists ... technology and cell phones and, having a policy where students, can be more engaged in the classroom." Candidates also raised mental health supports, English-learner needs and curriculum engagement as priorities.
Forum discussion returned repeatedly to growth and facilities planning. Candidates said enrollment is rising across Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Mitchellville and Reynolds and described pressure on class sizes and supports. "That's why the referendum is, is we need a new elementary," Dawson said when asked about district growth and capital planning.
Several candidates noted strengths they saw in the district: low teacher turnover, strong community support and high academic performance. But they said those strengths require ongoing attention to staffing, health-care benefits and teacher recruitment.
The forum was moderated by Carrie Anstine, president of the Southeast Polk Education Association, with CPM member Aaron Sears assisting. The association said questions were submitted in advance and candidates were given two minutes to answer each question.
The forum did not include formal board action or votes. Candidates gave closing remarks urging voters to support the district on the Nov. 4 ballot and to consider their records and priorities.
